Impact of global feminist film curriculum on medical student engagement in women’s health

Abstract

Film effectvely imparts experiential knowledge of lived experiences especially in cross-cultural settings. Incorporating film into medical education can catalyze awareness of global issues in women’s health. Film-based interventions highlighting such topics have not been reported in literature. This study outlines one session of an 8-week elective course for trainees to engage with topics in women’s health through global cinema. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from participants during each session and via post-session surveys. Class discussions and survey data reflected favorable responses and positive engagement with the pre-session film viewings and 75-minute weekly discussions. A feminist, film-based curriculum for medical and graduate students may broaden trainees’ knowledge of global women’s health. In medical education, film may serve as an effective tool to encourage a life-course and gender equity approach to women’s health topics, rather than more traditional sexual-reproductive framings.

Compliance with ethical standards

There are no conflicts of interest to report. This manuscript reports on results of a study that was determined to be exempt human research as defined by DHHS regulations 45 CFR 46.101(b)(1) and did not involve informed consent. There is no funding to report for this study.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest to report.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.