Region’s wonderful women showcased
Despite progress, the field of medicine remains a patriarchy - an ‘old boys’ club’ - and the women in this world are frequently reminded of this status quo.
There are generally two themes for the type of advice and comments women receive.
The first one speaks to women as if they are in medicine playing dressup - as if it is sweet and endearing that they have chosen this career. They aren’t being taken seriously as professionals.
The second theme is one that reminds women they should ‘do less’. Do something that might take less time, or that is less strenuous, or in some way less likely to impede on their babymaking potential.
The contrast is obvious here when compared to men, who deal with the opposite (but also significant) pressure to take on more and be more successful. Parents want their son to be a doctor, but want their daughters to marry one!
When I decided to become a doctor, I knew I was
getting into one of the most competitive and demanding educational paths one could pursue.
Realising this fact made me even more determined to succeed.
Upon entering private practice, even my qualifications were questioned by certain male doctors behind closed doors.
Despite the negative comments and the discourteous treatment from male doctors, I’m proud to say that women doctors carry the same (some even more) qualifications than their male counterparts and can hold their own in any situation.
For those who think that a woman cannot have a family and a full-time career (usually men), I encourage you to get out more, and take a good look at the modern world. All women doctors I know have children and manage their working lives more than adequately with their family lives.
I have a daughter (almost three years old) and a husband who is also a doctor (specialist forensic pathologist) in full-time practice.
My family life is just as fulfilling as my work life. Of course, time management and prioritising results in a well balanced life are key.
Being Women’s Month, let me add a few words of encouragement to all ‘girl children’.
You must be ambitious. Aim to be the best. You cannot be something if you don’t want to be anything.
Study hard. There is no substitute for hard work. Education is the ticket to most opportunities in this day and age.
Stay focussed. There is nothing wrong with enjoying life (and you should), but don’t be distracted.
You may fail, you will be discouraged, you will face obstacles, but nobody who gave up made it to the top! DR KAVISTRA UDARAJH MB ChB(Natal)
FC Rad Diag(SA) Specialist Diagnostic Radiologist
Director: Richardson Udarajh and Partners Inc.