DDS Perspective: Reflections of a Woman in Gastroenterology

Excerpt

When I finished my gastroenterology fellowship in 1999, only about 10% of the gastroenterologic (GI) attending physicians were women [1]. I always considered that an advantage, not an obstacle. At least 50% of GI patients are women, and women prefer female endoscopists [2‐6]. I quickly realized that as a recent female GI graduate, I might have better career opportunities than my male colleagues. In 1999, multiple GI practices were recruiting women because that is what their patients demanded [2‐4]. While there were long waiting lists to see the sole female endoscopist in a given practice, many male endoscopists were searching for patients. In general, women feel more comfortable talking about gas, bloating, diarrhea, pelvic pain, and menstrual symptoms with other women. I have heard male senior gastroenterologists say that only female gastroenterologists should care for female patients. Yet by relegating “women’s GI issues” to women physicians, the medical establishment diminishes not only female patients and their problems, but also the science behind the practice of medicine. A scientific approach to illness accounts for differences among all people and respects all patients regardless of gender. …