A career highlight in ‘Medicine Women’
As many of you may know, I had the honour of being asked to contribute a chapter to ‘Medicine Women’, which was released on 18 July. Already a bestseller in Amazon’s biography category, Medicine Women is an inspiring compilation of short autobiographical stories by 20 female healthcare professionals from around the world, ranging from doctors, psychologists and naturopaths.
While the beautifully written chapters are refreshingly different to each other, each author shares intimate moments that have been pivotal or even life changing. Some chapters include stories of personal tragedy, others touch on the prejudices experienced in the profession. Writing my own chapter, ‘’a sliding door moment’’, proved to be a cathartic experience, exploring my childhood and a traumatic event which proved to have a profound impact on my life.
Cathryn Mora, who compiled and edited the book, said “Reading the stories in this book moved me to tears multiple times. The responsibility of caring for the lives of others and delivering difficult news, all while coping with sexism, stress, and challenges on the personal front, including illness, sexual assault, miscarriage, natural disasters, and strained relationships.”
Here’s some quotes from some of the incredible women who have shared their wise words and experiences in Medicine Women:
“I wrote about my experience of being a patient in ICU with septic shock following an IVF miscarriage. My story highlights the challenges women face when juggling careers and the desire to have children. Most career progression occurs in the years women are more fertile, leaving us with a difficult choice: prioritise career advancement and risk infertility, or have children early and accept loss of financial independence and delayed career progression.
I am so proud to have my work included in this anthology alongside my 19 co-authors. These women have all achieved so much, despite many having backgrounds of considerable adversity or personal trauma. Their stories are an inspiring example of what women can achieve, despite the challenges and prejudices we often face.”
Dr. Anne Stark, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
“Having “permission” to immerse myself in my life journey, to connect with deep and buried emotions, to explore how my life experiences impact me as a person and as a doctor was a defining experience – it has helped me grow in courage, confidence, and self-acceptance. Writing for the book Medicine Women legitimised that which I may otherwise have put aside as self-indulgent – oh, how I would have missed out!”
Dr Faye Jordan, Consultant Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Reviews
The response to Medicine Women has been overwhelmingly positive, with the book currently rated 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon.
“Wow, It’s been a while since I picked up a book that I just couldn’t put down. A “just one more chapter” book. I found myself reading late into the night, at lunchtime, sharing excerpts with my voice catching and my eyes brimming – you’ll need tissues! It also left me burning at the blatant and insidious prejudices they face as women in medicine.
Their different perspectives, and writing styles keeps it fresh, and their unvarnished honesty keeps it authentic.Their stories pricked my heart, and also left me reeling in awe of their tenacity and strength. This is a book that needs to be read and shared.”
Melissa H (Australia)
“I am a middle aged white guy doctor who is truly in love with these stories. Each is an incredible insight to what it means to work in medicine, and each is also an incredible insight to being a woman, in medicine… it is beautiful and funny across the board.”
Peter Rizzo (Australia)
In the Media
Medicine Women has also garnered positive attention from different media outlets and websites.
https://medicine.uq.edu.au/blog/2021/07/passion-medicine-distilled-autobiographical-book
If you would like to get your hands on a copy of Medicine Women you can head here or simply visit our clinic for one.
It is my sincere wish that this incredible book may encourage others to step out of the box created by the challenging setbacks and prejudices they have experienced to fully embrace what truly inspires them while honouring their authentic selves, innate abilities and talents.
Happy reading!
