Gender bias in academic medicine: a resumé study

Abstract

Background Minimising the effects of unconscious bias in selection for clinical academic training is essential to ensure that allocation of training posts is based on merit. We looked at the effect of anonymising applications to a training programme for junior doctors on the scores of the applications and on gender balance; and whether female candidates were more likely to seek gender-concordant mentors. Methods Applications to the training programme were reviewed and scored independently by reviewers who received either an anonymised or named copy. Scores were compared using a paired t-test, and differences in scores compared by gender. The gender of named supervisors for male and female candidates was compared. Results Scores of 101 applications were reviewed. When their identity was known, male candidates scored 1.72% higher and female candidates scored 0.74% higher, but these findings were not statistically significant (p value = 0.279 and 0.579). Following introduction of anonymisation, the proportion of successful female candidates increased from 27 to 46%. Female candidates were more likely to name a female supervisor compared to male (41% vs. 25% of supervisors). Conclusions Anonymising applications did not significantly change scores, although gender balance improved. Gender-concordant mentoring initiatives should consider effects on mentors as well as mentees.

Evaluating the cross-disciplinary utility of anonymizing applications for scientific equipment in the Australian research sector

“…Notably, at AAT, anonymization elevated women's success rates, with statistically significantly higher success rates for women-led than men-led applications after anonymization. This finding aligns with research that showed anonymizing applications to a training program for junior medical doctors did not significantly change scores but boosted the success rates of women applicants (Burke, Heron, & Hennessy 2023). Remarkably, the benefit of anonymization emerged despite the AAT's smaller sample size, suggesting a strong effect in astronomy and disciplinespecific variance.…”

Adaptive Capacity of Fishermen in Facing Tidal Floods with Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Approach

“…Research on social vulnerability often concentrates on persistent risks in developing countries, emphasizing social structure and adaptability (Vincent, 2004). However this perspective overemphasizes social and political institutions, ignoring the impact of hazards and physical damage, which results in a narrow understanding of vulnerability (Burke et al, 2023;Gibb, 2018;Tschakert et al, 2013). An integrated approach to vulnerability includes both biophysical and social dimensions, focusing on relationship between nature and society and determining vulnerability through biophysical conditions, social, political, economic, and institutional processes.…”