Pimping: a tradition of gendered disempowerment

Abstract

Abstract The use of pimping as a method of teaching is widespread in the clinical phase of medical education. In this paper we consider pimping’s colloquial meanings and discuss how it was introduced into the language of medical education. We posit that such language reflects persistent gendered hierarchies in medicine, and we evaluate pimping’s pedagogical value. Finally, we call for an end to the term and the practice, and for a renewed emphasis on pedagogy in medical education.

Keywords

• Pimping
• Medical education
• Pedagogy
• Gender
• Sexual harassment