One Dozen Things
Gender Issues and Discrimination
Discussion Questions
1. Although the two male doctors in this video clearly state that they do not believe that the female doctor would be able to contribute to the analysis of the cardiograms, their overall behavior says a great deal more. What are the unspoken messages that are being conveyed?
2. What message does the use of the term “sweetheart” convey? Are there ever situations where terms like this may be appropriately used?
3. How might the female doctor have responded to being addressed as “sweetheart?”
4. What options does this female doctor have with respect to confronting the male doctors about their behaviors and attitudes? What factors may influence her choice of how to proceed?
5. What resources might be available to her in dealing with issues of gender discrimination?
6. How do you think these male physicians likely behave when interacting with female nursing staff and female patients?
7. How might a male or female physician coming from a culture in which women do not hold such positions deal with being supervised by female residents or attendings?
