8. Introduction of Consideration for Students at University of Tsukuba / 医学教育

The University of Tsukuba aims to be a university where all members, not only LGBT but also everyone with diverse personalities, can share their abilities. The Bureau of Human Empowerment plays a central role in student support in line with the Basic Principles and Guidelines on LGBT+ Inclusion at the University of Tsukuba (2020 revision). Students' gender information is accessible only to those who need it, such as teachers in charge. Faculty and staff are encouraged to handle information carefully. While basic knowledge of LGBT and others is necessary, it is also important to consider all students based on the premise that there are those with diverse personalities who are not LGBT, rather than treating LGBT and other students specially. We shared our opinions with faculty and the faculty development (FD) committee members at FD meetings.

Unconscious Gender Bias Against Women Physicians / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

Unconscious bias refers to implicit associations or attitudes we hold that operate beyond our conscious awareness. It can significantly influence our behavior and decision-making. Studies suggest that the lack of advancement into prestigious and leadership positions by women and gender pay gaps are due to the unconscious gender bias against women. In traditionally male-dominant fields, such as medicine, women are evaluated less favorably than their male colleagues. Women physicians are exposed to negative unconscious bias in numerous settings from daily interactions with patients, physician colleagues and co-medical workers to evaluations, access to educational opportunities and promotions. The unconscious bias against women negatively affects not only social interactions and external evaluations of women, but also their performance. To reduce the unconscious bias against women, training for staff and stakeholders, including women themselves, and the construction multi-faceted systematic interventions are needed.