Effect of gender on medical students’ clinical learning experience in a multicultural setting

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ABSTRACT Background: The clinical clerkship learning experience is a critical aspect of medical education; it can be affected by various factors, including gender. Understanding the effect of gender on this experience requires a deeper analysis and exploration of students’ perceptions. This study aims to investigate medical students’ perceptions of the effect of gender on the clinical clerkship learning experience in a multicultural setting. Methods: This qualitative study purposefully sampled medical students in their final year who had clerkship experience. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews (n = 16) were conducted. NVIVO software (QSR NVivo 11) was used for the thematic analysis. Results: Male students perceived facing more difficulties and rejection from female patients. Consequently, they felt demotivated, as their participation in the clinical examination of female patients was negatively affected. Female students revealed that their male colleagues had an established idea of not being allowed to examine female patients, and thus did not try. A gender barrier with patients of the opposite gender is related to multiple factors such as culture and religion. The influence of gender on clinical supervision had mixed outcomes. Some students reported positive experiences, while others reported negative ones. The students believed that their culture, religion, and personal beliefs did not influence their relationship with patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant effect of gender on the clinical clerkship learning experience in the United Arab Emirates. To ensure an adequate and healthy learning environment, solutions to overcome these challenges must be developed.