Gender Differences in Performances of Medical Students at One Medical School in Taiwan

Abstract

Purpose: Women still face strong challenges since stereotypes remain an important issue in medical education. This study investigated the influence of gender on the school performances of medical students at one medical school in Taiwan. Methods: The research subjects were 695 students of the School of Medicine at Chang Gung University who were admitted from 2003 to 2009, including 202 (29.1%) women. Differences of admission pathways and school performances, including academic grade point averages, extracurricular activities, behavior records, and leadership positions between women and men were analyzed. Multinominal analysis was used for independent factor survey. Results: Among the students, 152 were admitted via recommendation and application, with women having a higher percentage (34.2%, p ＜ 0.001), and 482 were through the National College University Entrance Examination (NCUEE). Women had better academic achievements (p ＜ 0.001) and behavior records (p = 0.045), and more attendance in community service (p = 0.024) than men. In extra-curricular activities, women attended more religion clubs, while men attended more art clubs. Adjusted odd ratios of extra-curricular activities in religion, attending community service team, and academic grade point averages for women compared to men were 2.913 (CI: 1.027-8.261, p = 0.044), 1.308 (CI. 1.032-1.658, p = 0.027), and 1.068 (CI: 1.023- 1.114, p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusion: Female medical students are still relatively few although a higher percentage is admitted through application and recommendation. The school performances including extra-curricular activities in religion, academic grade point averages, and attending community service team of women are better than that of men regardless of admission pathways, which suggest that gender stereotypes should be reappraised.