Aug 12, 2008
The mark of the woman physician through history has been one of
hardship, distinction and accomplishment. Sima Desai, associate
professor of medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine at
Oregon Health & Science University, highlights the challenges and
successes of both the women and the institutions that made a
difference for and in medicine. Historically, women held important
positions in medicine, and their wisdom and healing were widely
sought. When societal norms changed in the 17th and 18th centuries,
however, they were driven out of the profession. Hear how they rose
to prominence in preventative medicine during the late 1800s, and
about the larger inroads made by women in the profession during the
20th century.