Influence of Gender Identity on Educational Experiences of Male Students inObstetrics in a Muslim Society; Compromising Diversity in ReproductiveHealthcare Professionals

Objective: In the study, the complex and sensitive research question was addressed by utilizing a pragmatist approach with feminism and intersectionality theoretical lenses being applied throughout the methodology, data collection and the data analysis.Methods: This qualitative study utilized six focus group discussions from the study participants which were Asian, Muslim male medical students of Karachi Medical & Dental College, Pakistan. A qualitative framework analysis approach was applied for the rich data gathered through focus group. Themes and sub-themes were identified to in alignment with the identified research problem.Results: The results revealed that the Asian Muslim medical students perceive their gender identities to influence on their educational experiences and workplace power differentials during OB-GYN clinical rotation. Male students perceived a negative influence of their gendered identity in OB-GYN. Looking through an intersectionality lens, the male students were found to feel disempowered resulting in OB-GYN not being considered as a future career specialty of choice.Conclusion: The intersection of gender and professional identities of male medical students can create professional barriers to workplace learning in female dominated fields like OB-GYN. This in turn strengthens the female dominated environment in OB-GYN and compromises professional diversity in the field of Reproductive Health.