The study surveyed oncologists working or training in the U.S. who graduated from international or Puerto Rican medical schools, according to a May 23 system news release. The survey included oncologists who were either training in a residency or fellowship program in the U.S. or who had completed training and were practicing as independent oncologists.
Of female respondents, 50% reported gender discrimination during their training or practice, compared to fewer than 5% of male respondents.
Nearly 70% of the women surveyed reported racism or ethnicity-based discrimination during their training, compared to 38% of men.
Culture shock and challenges adapting to American traditions were also issues for 65% of women and 44% of men.
“The survey relies on self-reporting, some of the results could also be due to differences in how men and women perceive cultural adaptation challenges or discrimination,” lead author Coral Olazagasti, MD, noted in the release.
