GI Janes: Women in Medicine
We offer unique perspectives from three women at different levels of their gastroenterology careers.
Featured
Resident Physician Contributing Writer
Drexel University College of Medicine
Jennifer Schwartz, DO is a second-year internal medicine resident at Drexel University College of Medicine. She obtained her BS from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, returning to Philadelphia to attend the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she obtained her degree in osteopathic medicine. Schwartz currently serves a resident representative on the Graduate Medical Education Committee and plans to pursue a career in gastroenterology.
Perspectives of Women in Orthopaedic Surgery on Leadership Development
Over the past 50 years, the demographics of medical school graduates in the United States has changed dramatically with the number of women (47%) almost equaling the number of men in 2014. However, the Association of American Medical Colleges reports that out of all the sub-specialties, orthopaedic surgery has the lowest proportion of female residents, instructors, assistant, associate, and full professors.
From Transphobia to Charlottesville: The Health Impact of the Tweeter-in-Chief
On July 26, President Donald Trump released another polemic tweet informing the public that “the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the US military,” citing the “tremendous medical costs” that transgender individuals pose to the health system.
Lessons in Medicine, From the Car Dealership
I distinctly remember my drive to the hospital for the first shift of my residency five years ago. It was a night shift, a fact that only added to my trepidation. My brain bounced frantically back and forth among a random assortment of topics of which I lacked, I felt, sufficient knowledge, but which knowledge I felt sure I would imminently be called upon to use in a critical situation.
Rewriting
“And your socks, too,” I said / She stooped to reach her feet / And the liner of the exam table crinkled and popped
Blood is Thicker Than Water, But What if the Water is Duke Blue?
On Match Day, you are assigned to a new family for the next three to seven years. This will be the city where you might buy your first home, the city where you may meet the people who will speak at your wedding. An algorithm shuffles you into your assigned place in a new family tree.
Residency as a Series of Mini-Interventions Against Physician Suicide and Depression
Just as we have landmarks events that shape us in the adolescence of our personal lives, physicians also have landmark events that shape them in the adolescence of medical training — residency.
A Touch of Delirium and a Silver Badge: Challenges of Integrating Security and Healing in Hospitals
I work at one of several hospitals in the country whose security force is staffed by law enforcement personnel. It’s also one of the 52 percent of hospitals nationwide whose security guards are armed with handguns.
Killing Medicaid Expansion Kills Patients
The House-approved American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA) and the proposed Senate Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) would approve cuts to Medicaid that hurt Iowans.
What Brings You in Today?
Good afternoon, ma’am. Wow, what a contagious smile you have. I hear that you are here because of a stuffy nose? They said that you tried Claritin and that did not help. You feel congested, and it’s hard to blow anything out? And no fevers, no cough, no difficulty breathing or any wheezing?
Seeking Strength in Residency: Find Your Baby to Feed
“What part of what I just said did you not understand?” The fellow patronizingly chastised me in front of the entire medical team. Her tone and body language felt demeaning, almost as if she was more intent on embarrassing me than caring for the patient.
24 Weeks
Back in that operating room, I am dutifully holding onto the basin just beyond and under the table edge. What I see is what the mother would never wish to see; being a part of her care, we accept that burden for her, and in a much different way that she ever could from her intimate connection with it. It is our service to her, to alleviate that pain, to be an open support to her health and well-being. It is an acceptable cost, but a cost all the same.
Resident Physician Contributing Writer
New York University School of Medicine
Jafar Al-Mondhiry, MD, MA, is a second year internal medicine resident with the New York University School of Medicine. Originally pursuing graduate training in Continental Philosophy and Medical Ethics at Pennsylvania State University, he has maintained a thriving interest in the medical humanities throughout his time as a medical student and resident with NYU. Particularly areas of interest include issues in medical education/training, medical history, and drug and alcohol recovery.