Articles related to GENDER INEQUALITY

An update of Simone’s Maxims that include the lived experiences of medical professionals who identify as women, under-represented groups in medicine (UrIM), or who have several underrepresented identities and who face many hurdles in academic medicine is necessary in light of the realities of contemporary medicine.

‘Bikini medicine’ (see the Boston Globe article) is an outdated, sexist idea that men and women should be cared for similarly — dubbed as such due to the mistaken belief that women’s health only differs in the parts of women that bikinis cover. A ridiculous notion, considering that cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases affect women differently than men. Last time we checked, the bikini doesn’t cover any of them.

According to Dr. Keshav Khanijow, a hospitalist and an instructor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore: “Research has shown that using appropriate pronouns and terminology with transgender youth can be lifesaving. And I would posit that using appropriate pronouns and terminology for all LGBTQ people helps to build and foster trust with a medical provider, and that ultimately saves lives. It’s not the patient’s job to teach us while they’re battling illness. Rather, the onus is on us to learn it.”

The impact of COVID-19 on the medical careers of women are diverse and troubling. From reduced publication submission to higher burnout rates to higher workplace harassment issues, the issues are multiple and are a clear call for change.