Enacted Stigmatization and Stigma Consciousness of Female Physicians: Exploring the Potential Impact on Choice of Medical Specialty

Abstract

The present study explores the pervasive discrimination and gender inequities of female physicians in male-dominated medical specialties through the lens of enacted stigmatization and stigma consciousness. While existing literature on both of these topics is robust, there is a gap in the literature exploring the overlapping relationships of these factors. We seek to establish a theoretical foundation for these constructs as depicted by our model and two central propositions in which the relationships of stigmatization and stigma consciousness impact career choice based on gender. The implications of this issue and directions for future research are identified and discussed.