Stereotypes Of Women In Medicine

To this day, gender segregation is pervasive, even ubiquitous, in medical practice, as women continue to be underrepresented in the field (Williams). In fact, it was not until 1849 that women could merely partake in surgery or numerous other individual fields of medicine. Until then, women were exclusively nurses. Though equality in medicine has made great strides, equality is still not prevalent in this field. As a culture, we must embrace and act upon the inextricable links of the participation of women, and the advancement of our society. The first step, however, is simply to recognize this stereotype, as well as similar stereotypes. This endeavor is immensely important if we strive for equality in the field of medicine. Women are in no
In fact, stereotypes are merely evaluations stored in the memory, and are used as justification for one’s actions (Gibson). In numerous ways, the field of medicine perpetuates these gender biases and discrimination, and in so doing, belittles these women. “If we step back and look at the toxic culture,...we might actually realize that it’s the profession that’s ill” (Belkin). Men in medicine often hinder women as well, by possessing a supercilious demeanor. Many female doctors recount being asked repeatedly by their male colleagues whether they were going to pursue nursing (Childers). Women are harshly ridiculed and criticised for wanting to simultaneously work in medicine and start a family. Though these two things are not by any means mutually exclusive, it is seen as a lack of commitment to either work part time or have a life outside of work. These women, however, are not always impeccable. On the contrary, female doctors are often acquiesce and not willing to raise objections to the way they are being discriminated against, perhaps in the hopes of keeping their jobs. Not to say that women are contumacious, which they aren’t, but these women, in order to overcome gender biases, need to speak up and show that they are worthy and
Graduating 1st in her class of 1849, she became the first woman to earn a medical degree, and was later acknowledged as the first female doctor in The United States. In this time, women could be seamstresses or pursue other such occupations, however, it was unheard of for a woman to become a doctor. Practicing medicine was exclusively for men. In this regard, Blackwell was an iconoclast. She helped shape the future of medicine, and did not allow gender stereotypes and biases to stand in her way of achieving success. Later in her career, Blackwell promoted education of women in medicine, and even started her own college. Blackwell is the epitome of endurance and resilience (Elizabeth Blackwell). Several consequences may arise from this stereotype, however, the foremost as well as the most urgent issue is that this stereotype hinders women, decries women, and shatters their tenacity and independence as opposed to bolstering it. In order to establish equality in the medical field, women must liberate themselves from fear and