Eden F. Charles; MD;* Shirene Singh, MS;* Takondwa Mwasi, MA, MS; Elizabeth A. Felton, MD, PhD; Terrill Taylor Jr, BS; Elizabeth M. Petty, MD
WMJ. 2026;125(1):119-124.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Ensuring the well-being of medical students, including historically marginalized groups, is essential for individual success and the vitality of the medical field. Beyond considerations of equity, enhancing the well-being of women in medicine strengthens the effectiveness and diversity of the medical workforce. Existing research has identified distinct stressors faced by women medical students, prompting investigation into gender disparities in stress, the hidden curriculum, and the minority tax.
Methods: A survey was conducted among medical students enrolled at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in August 2023. Questions assessed stress levels and experiences related to the hidden curriculum and minority tax.
Results: Findings revealed a significant gender-based stress gap, with women reporting higher stress levels than men. While not statistically significant, gender differences in the impact of the hidden curriculum trended towards statistical significance (P = .09). Perceptions of minority tax burden were similar between women and men.
Discussion: Recommendations to reduce the gender disparities include establishing student-led peer support groups, implementing preclinical workshops to demystify the hidden curriculum, offering regular stress management and resilience-building sessions, and providing faculty diversity training to foster an inclusive learning environment. Future directions include expanding the project’s scope through focus groups and longitudinal, multisite studies to explore intersecting identities – such as race, parenthood, caregiving responsibilities, leadership roles, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) status – and their impact on well-being.
Conclusions: Gender parity in medical school matriculation has not eliminated disparities in student well-being. System-level interventions and targeted support for women medical students are needed to promote equity and foster an inclusive educational environment.