Thread by @EricaKayeMD

I wrote this article for my own catharsis. I never expected it to be peer reviewed. When @NEJM accepted it, I experienced my first panic attack. 1/
@WomenInMedicine @WomeninOnc @AMWADoctors @womeninmedchat @WomeninAcademi1

My sudden physiologic reaction took me by surprise and was really embarrassing – I was super tachycardic, diaphoretic, and vasovagal. Then had an intense parasympathetic reaction with acute-onset diarrhea. TMI, sorry. 2/

When I managed to recoup, I realized - how dare this system, this culture, make me feel so panicked about being vulnerable, truthful, and righteously angry? 3/

Women are here, and we are human, and we have every right to rage when we are treated as less than. 4/
#BelieveWomen #HeforShe

Our stories matter. I hope that this piece doesn’t tank my career. But more than that, I hope that it might empower other women and allies to speak up in solidarity. 5/
#WomeninMedicine #WomeninSTEM #WomeninScience

Am so grateful for the women who have role modeled bravery, resolve, resilience, solidarity, and sponsorship for me. @JulieSilverMD @bethtarini @BlondeScientist @AbbyRosenbergMD @CaitHurleyMD @WolfePPC @JenniferSnaman @PJAnanthMD @JamieFlerlage and many others. 6/

“Women, and particularly women of color, shouldn’t have to carry the burden of proof at personal risk to self and career. But for those who have the bandwidth — your stories are the fuel needed to drive change.” 7/end