Medical education, women's status, and medical issues' effect on women's health in the Caribbean
Cox, C.
Health Care for Women International 18(4): 383-393
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 9287564 DOI: 10.1080/07399339709516292Document Number: 268671
The major women's health issues in the English-speaking Caribbean (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases [STDs], domestic violence, abortion, adolescent pregnancy, cancer, hypertension, and diabetes) now resemble those in the US. In the Caribbean, however, these health problems are rooted in unique cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental contexts that affect their resolution. For example, as a result of poverty and their low social status, women in the Caribbean are relatively powerless in sexual decision making and disadvantaged in terms of protecting themselves against AIDS, other STDs, and unwanted pregnancy. Caribbean-trained physicians directly influence the quality of women's health in the West Indies. Their medical school education affects their diagnostic and interpersonal skills in clinical practice and the ethical values that form the basis of policy making. The University of West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Medicine trains students from 20 English-speaking Caribbean islands at 3 campuses. During 1990-91, 438 male and 350 female medical students were enrolled. The relatively high female enrollment reflects the fact that Caribbean doctors are poorly paid and not highly esteemed, making the field more open to women. However, only 3 of the 31 full professors in the UWI medical faculty are women. Gender bias further hinders the ability of female physicians to form the professional relationships necessary for advancement. Medical education should include training on interpersonal skills, gender issues, and biomedical ethics. More female role models in medical education and female policy makers would substantially alter the scope and effectiveness of reproductive health programs.