I know this isn't where people usually post these types of questions, but I want to know if my experiences so far in science are representative of the field. Specifically, medicine.
I hold one BS degree and two advanced degrees, and have been studying/researching/teaching in a professional health science school for a little more than the past decade.
While obtaining my first advanced degree, I began to notice that my small class (which was made of a majority of women) had horrid cattiness, gossip, drama, and lack of professionalism that I haven't seen since high school. Even the female faculty engaged in this ridiculous behavior, and there was a very clear bias against the male students in terms of how we were treated by the faculty. During my first advanced degree, and now in my career, I have noticed the following:
It is always and only women who break patient confidentiality to gossip ABOUT the patient.
It is always and only women who violate student confidentiality to mock struggling students behind their backs and berate and belittle them while instructing (particularly during laboratory sessions).
It is always and only women who overtly flirt with faculty members (including myself) in a clear attempt to further their careers. I work with several female MSTP students whose admission into this highly competitive program absolutely bewilders me.
It is always and only women who become bitchy and vile when a high-stress, high-stakes project or case becomes complicated and doesn't go according to plan.
It is always and only women who squeal like little schoolgirls when an experiment or procedure goes well. The lack of respect for everyone in the work space (INCLUDING PATIENTS) is disgusting.
I am still relatively young in my career, but several years ago I decided to avoid working with women whenever I can-this strategy seems to be working out.
Is my strategy justified?
