Combatting gender bias in healthcare

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Mohamed Reda Aassab, an 18-year-old medical student from Casablanca, Morocco. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

In 1977, the FDA barred women from clinical trials for over a decade—ostensibly to protect fetuses, but ultimately leaving medicine blind to female biology. The result? Drugs are designed for men, with women suffering dangerous side effects. Though reforms began in the 1990s, disparities persist: women still comprise just 38% of trial participants, while transgender individuals remain primarily excluded. The gender gap in medicine isn’t history—it’s an ongoing crisis. Let’s play a game! If you’re a woman, try getting a doctor to take your pain seriously – bonus points if they diagnose you with “stress” before running tests. If you’re a man, try admitting you’re depressed without getting the classic “man up” eye-roll. Congratulations – you’ve just experienced healthcare’s gender bias blender, where everyone gets a raw deal, just in different flavors!

For women, medicine treats their bodies like mysterious art projects. Heart attack? “Probably anxiety.” Crippling period pain? “Normal.” It took until 1993 for the NIH to require female participants in clinical trials, which explains why women keep discovering fun side effects like “this sleep aid might make you hallucinate” months after a drug hits the market. Meanwhile, conditions like endometriosis take a decade to diagnose because apparently, “just take Advil” counts as medical advice.

But men aren’t winning any prizes either. The healthcare system treats them like indestructible action figures – until they crumble. Mention depression? “Have you tried working out?” Show up with osteoporosis or an autoimmune disease? “But that’s a woman’s problem!” And let’s not forget how men’s heart attack symptoms get VIP treatment… unless they don’t fit the Hollywood chest-clutching stereotype, in which case – surprise! – they get sent home with antacids too.

The irony? This isn’t rocket science. Bodies differ, pain is real, and “toughing it out” isn’t a treatment plan. Yet here we are – with women overdosed on sedatives and men underdosed on compassion. Maybe it’s time we prescribe the healthcare system some common sense.

Alright, it’s time to drag healthcare into the 21st century kicking and screaming! First, to dismantle gender bias, we must prioritize inclusive research—ensuring clinical trials represent all sexes and genders, correcting decades of male-dominated data. Medical education must evolve, training providers to recognize unconscious biases and deliver equitable care. Policy reforms should standardize gender-sensitive protocols, particularly in pain assessment and diagnosis. Empower patients to advocate for themselves—seeking second opinions and questioning dismissive care. Meanwhile, AI tools must be audited for bias, using diverse datasets to prevent algorithmic discrimination. While the path forward requires systemic change, even small steps—like challenging stereotypes during consultations—can drive progress. After all, good medicine shouldn’t have a gender blind spot.

Combating gender bias in healthcare demands systemic change—from inclusive research and unbiased AI to better training for providers and empowered patients. By addressing disparities in medical research, diagnosis, and treatment, we can ensure equitable care for all genders. Progress starts with awareness—but real change happens when we act. Let’s make medicine work for everyone.

About the author

Mohamed Reda Aassab is an 18-year-old medical student from Casablanca, Morocco. From a young age, his curiosity drove him to explore and master everything he found interesting, including running long distances, playing the piano, and chess… Those skills couldn’t be acquired without his love for reading books which further fueled his passion for writing and sharing his ideas. He loves challenging himself, seeing it the only way to create a positive impact and make the world a better place. This year, he joined IFMSA through his Local Committee Medec’IN-Casa, and has become an active and dedicated member.