If we want to talk about increasing diversity and inclusion in surgery, (a triggering 🧵) we have to normalize female surgical residents having children and lose the antiquated patriarchal idea that we as women are privileged to be joining the “boys club” of surgery so we must
Deny, hide or be ashamed of our biology. There have been numerous research studies and articles on how the rigidity of surgical training disproportionally affects female surgical trainees despite the number of female medical students now surpassing that of males.
This is, in part, is due to the disproportionate burden that women bear of pregnancy and care giving responsibilities. This is something near and dear to my heart-I had three miscarriages during residency-each time on 72 hour call or while operating.
I completed the case, put my orders in and walked up to OB before the next case. I completed my call weekend all while scheduling a DNC for an afternoon I had no cases or clinic. I prioritized my patients and my responsibility over myself because this was my cross to bear
I “chose” to want to have children. My program was very family friendly yet my male colleagues never experienced the mental, physical, logistical and emotional acrobatics that their female colleagues experienced. Yet we say surgical training is “fair”.
I share this story not for sympathy-I don’t need nor want it. That’s what my therapist and God are for. What I want is change. We have to start normalizing these experiences. In surgery, we wear our suffering with pride and as a badge of honor.
We uphold traditions as a sign of toughness and prestige. “I did it, and so should they”. We have to start questioning an archaic system that upholds a one size fits all model that is often to the detriment of those that do not fit the mold of the stereotypical surgeon.
I can’t change being Black or a female (nor would I want to this melanin is fire) in a male dominated mostly white field of surgery. But I can change the conversations. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. #medtwitter #DiversityandInclusion #ilooklikeasurgeon #changemakers
***And to clarify, “normalize anyone with a uterus having children during residency” Because not all who have them identify as female. *****
