
I can’t help but look at this photo of myself in the OR, now many years ago, and think about how the face mask reminds me of a muzzle. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “muzzle (v.) to prevent (a person or group) from expressing their opinions freely”. Surgical residency is full of this. The important thing is to keep your reflections and ideas tight to your chest. At the end of the day, everyone has to show their cards.
Check out Dr. Nisha Mehta’s reflections on being a woman physician in the 20 teens.
“Guilt is useless. Determination is important” – on being a physician with little kids.
Just as pregnant women are at increased risk of domestic violence, breast feeding healthcare workers are at increased risk of losing their jobs.
Do not despair, my friends. Change is on the horizon. Approaching faster than we think.