This prompt could not have come at a better time given that all my research has been so far is a giant literature review. Don’t worry though, I’m not going to talk about a journal article. While peer reviewed literature is vital to supporting research and giving a proven background on the subject, the literature on my subject (mental health of female surgeons) is sparse. The academic literature is limited, but one source of information to read from are memoirs of female surgeons themselves. Certainly, they can’t exactly be cited as a main source of background, but they allow us to pull out themes that can aid us in directing our interview questions and just generally understanding the experience of female surgeons.
Currently, I’m reading Something to Prove: A Daughter’s Journey to Fulfill a Father’s Legacy by Dr. Yvonne Thornton. In this memoir, Dr. Thornton talks about her experience at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center as a Board-certified surgeon in obstetrics and perinatology. She discusses her father’s dream to have his daughters become doctors and how that motivated her to work through every obstacle in her way. She incorporates her family into her story, emphasizing the importance they have in her life. Overall, it’s an extremely motivating story that reminds readers to never stop working hard.
Of course, as an African American female surgeon, Dr. Thornton comes across a variety of difficulties. When she first accepts her job, her clinic is located in the sub-basement and there are supposedly no funds for redecorating for the patients (she ends up having the brightest clinic and is without a doubt one of the most understanding, compassionate doctors there). She is often passed over for promotions that are given to younger, less experienced surgeons. After an incident where the hospital realized they didn’t want her to be the public face of it during a photo-op with one of those giant checks (you know what I’m talking about), she’s actually demoted. And these are just examples beyond the blatant racism that she has to deal with.
Here’s Dr. Thornton giving some more background on her family growing up:
Reflecting on this memoir, it adds an element of intersectionality that’s important to consider in my research. Both sexism and racism are prevalent in this book, compared to other memoirs that can only testify to being female in surgery. It’s important to be aware of the various difficulties women face, and how those difficulties are expanded when race becomes a factor. However, the most important take away from this book and others like it is the importance of a support system. No matter the field, no matter the stereotypes, as long as there is at least one person behind you to encourage you to keep fighting and working hard, it makes everything a little more within reach.