Teen Stories
Becoming a Doctor or Finding Balance
By Leah
Since I was in the fifth grade I have wanted to become a doctor. So, at my high school's career day during my junior year, I signed up to listen to the medicine and biotechnology panel. That day I learned more than just what a typical day is like in the life of a doctor, to my disgust.
In addition to some biotech personnel, there was one female pediatrician and one male general surgeon who is also the head of trauma at a local hospital. The male physician asked if there were any females in the room interested in becoming a doctor. Another girl and I raised our hands. The male doctor then turned to the pediatrician and said, "Why don't you tell them about balance?" Shocked, I stuck my hand up and asked, "What do you mean balance?"
"Well, female doctors often become depressed because they feel like inadequate mothers," he said. "They spend so much time away from their family, and this feeling tends to spill over into their work."
I could not believe what I was hearing. This man was telling me that I should really be sure I want to pursue medicine, because it is a great endeavor and even greater time commitment. I know this: My father is a very successful and respected surgeon.
However, this man was also implying that I, in particular, must be certain of my interest because I am a female and will therefore have children that I alone will raise. He neglected to mention, however, that doctors are not the only professionals who need to find balance . Business people who travel to Japan or Europe for weeks at a time must also be willing to give up that time with their families. Security guards with night shifts know they have to sleep instead of help their children get ready for school; they know they have to work instead of eating dinner with their families. He also neglected to mention that in a family where both parents work, each parent must dedicate equal amounts of time, energy and love to raising the children. He also did not mention that male doctors must be able to work through the same time issue. My dad has been able to find a balance that allows him to spend time with our family in addition to running his practice.
What upset me the most from this session was that I walked away feeling that this doctor was discouraging me from realizing my dream because I am female. Although I live in what most people would consider a "traditional" family, with three brothers, a stay-at-home mom and a working father, I have never been discouraged from anything. My parents have always encouraged me to be whatever I want to be. This doctor's ignorance and chauvinism did not reverse any of my parents' encouragement. To the contrary, it made me even more determined to become a doctor and prove to all of the old-fashioned, disillusioned people in this world that females can be successful doctors.
Unfortunately, this doctor's view reflects the predominant values circulating in American society. As a result, there are very few females holding jobs involving math and science, and very few women studying math and science at higher levels. The Department of Education reported that 21% of math doctorates and 39% of master's degrees in math went to women in 1992, although about 50% of people entering medical school recently are female (this was not from the Department of Education, this was from my dad). Studies have shown that in elementary school, girls are praised for neat handwriting and appearance of assignments, whereas boys tend to be judged more on content. Furthermore, girls often think before speaking in class, thus delaying their responses. Boys, however, speak as they think. Consequently, boys are called on more often and appear to have a greater grasp of the material than girls. This leads to a declining interest in math and science for girls.
There are several proposed solutions to involve more females in math and science. Separate schooling for boys and girls is one option. Studies have shown that girls who attend all-female schools tend to score better on their SATs and are generally more successful in school. I contest this solution, however. I argue that separating girls and boys implies an inferiority of girls and can foster sexism in boys. Although this solution may advance females, the negative effects on boys could counteract the gain.
Some people believe girls' confidence in math and science begins in the home and is then reinforced in school. Parents must promote math and science to their daughters and also teach their sons to be open to working with females. Teachers should then encourage girls and boys to play together when they are young, thus developing strong relationships and the ability to work together. I believe this is the best method because it has been so influential in my life. I distinctly remember my fourth-grade math teacher telling the girls in my class to never let people intimidate us and to always stay in the highest math class. My parents have also always advocated my success in math and science, and I have always been at the top of the highest math and science classes.
Disclaimer: This article was written by a members of the public, not associated with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, or Sutter Health. The information contained herein is the opinion of the author's and not necessarily that of your health care provider, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation or Sutter Health. This information is provided for your general information and education only, and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment.
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