Women in Science

10:14 PM

Author | Erica Prochaska

This morning, I read an extremely well-written article in the New York Times about women in science. Here is the article for anyone who is interested in reading it. The article was a shock to me for several reasons. First, I did not excel in science and math as a high school student or in college. As a non-traditional student, I studied South Asian History. I took creative writing classes, acted in plays, and played the drums. The arts and humanities had no shortage of strong, female role models and peers. I did not realize that I had any interest in or aptitude for science until I worked as a clinical research coordinator. After college, I worked in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology that is filled with accomplished, ambitious women.

Now at the University of Michigan, I feel that there is no shortage of female doctors who want to give me career and life advice. My only complaint is that I am too frequently advised on how to balance a career with family. I was born when my mother was a fourth year medical student and my father was completing his MD-PhD. I was raised to believe that having a job and a family is not a balancing act, it is life. I also find it frustrating that my male friends are not offered the same advice. It is assumed that they're not interested in family life or that they will not be expected to nurture children and a career simultaneously.

Regardless of my positive experiences in medicine, this article reminds me of the prejudice that my mother faced as a Chemistry major and a medical student. She isn't bitter about her experiences, she is just happy that I have not faced the same obstacles. I never had any idea that my female peers might have had to overcome the same narrow minded thinking that challenged my mother's ambitions. I can only assume that the female physicians who offer me leadership and professional advice have also faced these barriers. Just as importantly, I know that there are similar disparities in science among minorities. After reading this article, I don't wonder whether bias still exists. I wonder why aren't we talking about it.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories Ian in a dark laboratory looking at a computer screen that is displaying cells under a microscope
Points of Blue
Ian McCue, PhD candidate: Embracing collaboration in and out of the lab
Ian McCue is a PhD Candidate in the Cell & Developmental Biology Program.
Dr. David Stewart
Points of Blue
David Stewart, MD: Shaping the Next Generation of Pediatricians
David Stewart, MD, is a leader in pediatric medical education, guiding future physicians through hands-on hospital training and advancing competency-based education in pediatric residency programs.
man recovering on left in hospital gown in hospital room and on right with friends taking selfie in michigan gear
Health Lab
Michigan fan saved after wife recognizes stroke at football game
After a man suffered a stroke at a University of Michigan football game, his wife’s recognition of his symptoms helped him receive lifesaving treatment and make a full recovery.
Bees interacting with other organisms
Department News
This Winter, explore microbial symbiosis
M&I is offering a new course in microbial symbiosis, Microbiology 430/530, Winter 2025
Desmond Howard visits a patient at Mott. He is smiling and wearing a U-M alumni t-shirt and jeans. The patient is lying on a hospital bed and is covered with a white blanket.
Philanthropy News
“The Game” Could Pay Off Big for Little Victors: Join the Competition and Make a Difference
Join C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Game Gives Back to turn the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry into crucial support for pediatric care and research.
woman touching back leaning forward in pain at desk light powder blue button down
Health Lab
Does virtual care mean low-value care? Study says no
The rise of telehealth has come with concerns that it could encourage use of low-value care that’s not needed. But a study suggests this hasn't happened.