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Tag: feminism

Why Barbie resonated with Women in Medicine

A reflection for National Women Physicians Day (Spoiler alert: contains spoilers for the movie Barbie) In Barbie, a singular scene resonated powerfully with Women in Medicine across the land. You know the one. Shortly after Ken and Barbie leave Barbie Land and arrive in the Real World, Ken ventures off, discovers The Patriarchy, waltzes into a hospital…

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It is literally impossible to be a woman in medicine

A monologue in the style of America Ferrera’s character Gloria in the Barbie Movie (original script by Greta Gerwig). It is literally impossible to be a woman in medicine. You can be at the top of your class in medical school and residency, and yet you will never think you’re good enough. Like, we have to…

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Don’t Call Me Lucky: on female physicians’ experiences of gender bias from patients

update 9/30/2019 – Honorable mention, Online/Print Article, Writer’s Digest 88th Annual Writing Competition!   I recently came across an eye-opening passage on gender bias by the author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The excerpt from her book is as follows: Theresa May is the British prime minister and here is how a progressive British newspaper described her husband:…

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Stay at home dads and the movie The Incredibles 2: a missed opportunity

(warning: minor movie spoiler alert) As a working mom physician with a husband who is a stay at home dad, I was intrigued by the opening premise of the movie The Incredibles 2. Helen (Elastigirl) is tapped to return to work as a Superhero over her husband, Bob (Mr. Incredible). I looked forward to seeing…

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Parenting stereotypes, and turning them on their head. “My mom is a doctor, my dad is a dad.”

“My mom is a doctor, my dad is a dad.” So stated one of our children in their autobiography assignment for school. I read on, curious what would come next. “My dad usually stays home and cleans up, and takes care of the pets.” I thought for a moment.  “That’s very good, honey, but do…

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Doctor title and gender. The Doctor is In; The Mrs. is Out: forms of address toward female physicians.

My smile freezes on my face as my patient says to me, “I’m so glad you’re back – that I get to see Mrs. Lycette today!” He has been my patient for several years, and I’m perplexed to hear him address me as “Mrs.” rather than “Doctor.”   At the same time, I really don’t think…

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On perceptions of female physicians, from planes to preschools.

updated 3/17/19 I recently read on kevinmd.com the accounts of female physicians who attempted to help passengers in air flight emergencies . They were incredulously pushed aside and not allowed to provide emergency care. Yes, you read that correctly.  Physicians blocked from providing emergency medical care because the flight attendants didn’t believe they were physicians.…

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