Savannah Santiago
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Candidate 2024

Sole Purpose 4
It Is a Wonderful Time to Be a Woman in Medicine

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Today, I am profoundly grateful to embark on my journey into the medical field amidst a wealth of opportunities. I am steadfast in my belief that women are widely embraced in the field of medicine today. Much of my preparedness for success stems from the pioneering women who paved the way before me. However, before diving into my personal narrative, it's important to recognize the persistent challenges that shape this journey.

The Challenge
One notable challenge, albeit mildly frustrating, is the frequent mislabeling of my role as a nurse despite my clear introduction as a medical student. To illustrate the extent of this issue, my peers and I once tallied instances and found that in a single day, I was referred to as a nurse a comical 23 times. This misperception stems from an outdated gender bias that associates nursing with femininity and medical doctors with masculinity. Additionally, despite me being 25, in the professional setting, I often face inquiries about my family plans, coupled with concerns about how they might impact my surgical training should I choose a part-time schedule or prioritize family in the future. Interestingly, during some of my residency interviews, I encountered questions about my boyfriend's profession—a line of inquiry conspicuously absent for my male counterparts. Whether these remarks originate from well-meaning intentions, subconscious biases, or simply strangers making assumptions based on my gender, they do occur quite frequently.

My Family Context
Upon reflection of my family's history, it becomes clear that the challenges I encounter in my medical journey are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader narrative of resilient women who have defied societal expectations. In the early 1900s, my maternal great-grandmother achieved the remarkable feat of graduating Phi Beta Kappa, ranking at the top of her class in higher education at the University of Iowa. She defied societal norms by becoming a high school principal and even riding her Harley motorcycle around town. However, her career was abruptly halted by the societal expectation of marriage, forcing her into retirement. This legacy of resilience extends to my mother, who currently serves as the director of the emergency department at a level 1 trauma center. Her exceptional professional achievements are matched only by her unwavering support for her children. The professional landscape in which I now find myself has evolved significantly from that of my great-grandmother's time and even from the one my mother entered three decades ago.

Women in Medicine Today
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, women now outnumber men in enrollments in both medical (MD and DO) and podiatry schools across the nation.^1-2 As someone born post-Title IX, I've entered a world where laws actively safeguard my educational rights. The comforting presence of fellow female students enhances our shared sense of purpose and opportunity. During my enrollment at Western, our female dean, Dr Kathleen Satterfield, exemplified humanism in medicine, becoming a wonderful example. Moreover, Western's faculty is rich with remarkable women in medicine, providing me with abundant female mentorship, support, and inspiration.

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The inclusive atmosphere extends beyond the classroom, as exemplified by podcasts like "She's a DPM," hosted by the accomplished and entrepreneurial Dr Stephanie Oexeman.⁴ These podcasts consistently illustrate the achievements of remarkable women in our field, showcasing their ability to manage various responsibilities. The discussions delve into their secrets, delivering a supportive message to listeners like myself and encouraging us to feel supported in our own journeys.

A Broader Cultural Shift
My professional journey aligns seamlessly with a broader cultural shift, celebrated in events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and the Barbie movie, which spotlight female success. As I train to become a surgeon amidst the #ILookLikeASurgeon movement, I'm exposed to films like "1,001 Cuts" that vividly portray the struggles and triumphs of female surgeons, echoing a call for change.⁵ This is supported by research indicating that women surgeons exhibit greater empathy, leading to improved patient outcomes.² I am inspired and motivated by the empowering narrative surrounding women in medicine.

Embarking on my career in medicine at this juncture feels truly auspicious, surrounded by encouragement and witnessing remarkable strides in the field. However, amidst this progress, the persistent challenges, such as being consistently mislabeled as a nurse, underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness of gender biases within the medical community. This broader context emphasizes the necessity of addressing such biases to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in medicine. Despite these obstacles, I am deeply encouraged by the progress we have achieved and am sincerely grateful for the opportunity and the advocates who have paved the way for my presence here. I remain genuinely excited about the future and firmly believe that, as a woman, I have a spot at the table, whether it be at the operating table or any other facet of the medical profession.

Until next time!

Savannah Santiago
PRESENT Sole Purpose Editor
[email protected]

 

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