Episode 4 - The Doctress (Part II)

Mar 10

We’re back with Part II of the Women’s History Month special, exploring the history of female doctors, from the 1800’s to today. Topics include the movement to allow women into medical school, the impacts of World War I (and subsequent conflicts) on women in medicine, and the story of a woman who posed as a man for decades in order to pursue a medical career.

And the interview with Dr. Julia López Fuentes continues, as we discuss how the wars and conflicts of the 20th century moved women into and out of the workforce, and how the modern nursing profession can be traced back to the boredom of aristocratic women.

Also discussed: President Joe Biden’s recent investment in women’s health research.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might enjoy the following:

Medical Women at War, 1914-1918 (1994) — An exploration of the impact of World War I on female doctors in the UK. Compelling, interesting, and at times infuriating.
Dr James Barry: military man — or woman? (1982) — "She chose to be a military doctor. Not to fight for the right of a woman to become one - but simply to be one. The quickest course then was to become a man in the eyes of the world."
Female surgeons sexually assaulted while operating (2023) — BBC coverage of a harrowing UK study showing rampant sexual harassment and assault of female surgeons by their male colleagues.
Concern as women outnumber men in medical schools (2002) — Article in the Guardian in 2002, highlighting concern around women outnumbering men in UK medical schools.

Episode Sources

Anecdotal .

Episode 4 - The Doctress (Part II)

Episode 5 - The Device

Episode 3 - The Doctress (Part I)

Anecdotal Media