Hi all,
 
I continue to read the posts about SOP and relating to physicians and  nurses.
 
I do take exception to the concept of Western Allopathic Medicine being  a  
described as a "male model."  Perhaps a bit of a reference  shift is in order.  
I think the issue is that there is such a focus on  treating problems (great 
example of this is the problem oriented medical note)  and curing disease 
rather than promoting good health and positive  lifestyle.  I think the shift has 
started to happen in more places.   However "evidence-based" practice rather 
than practice by anecdote is also  becoming the norm to set standards.
 
 It is really not good buy in to continually view physicians as the  enemy.  
So many posts with inept being the prime adjective to describe a  physician.  
Makes me wonder if some of that reflects in attitude when one  is speaking to 
the "enemy."  I've heard at times you can attract far more  flies with honey 
rather than vinegar.  I'm not talking about being  subordinate rather being 
colleaguial  If I spent all my time obsessing  about how badly I have been 
treated by professionals (and trust me as a Black  woman physician I have some 
stories that would curl your hair-- still happening  today), I would never be able 
to find the strength and creativity to change the  situation.  There are many 
times that I have had to take the low road,  be the "spook sitting by the 
door", making changes in a quiet and inconspicuous  way.
 
Docs spend a whole lot of time being educated in college and medical school  
and residency training even before they can get a license to practice let 
alone  a credential stating they are board certified.  We have continuing ed  
requirements to maintain licensure as well as board certified credentials  that 
entail a lot of time and money.  As medicine changes and innovation  occurs 
there is more and more information to retain.  At the same time  though there is 
more to medical practice than just the facts, there is also the  art of 
practice, the ability to listen to families and colleagues and still even  have time 
for one's own spirit and development (and I haven't even talked  about our 
family responsibilities).  I think it is a great thing that more  women are in 
medicine.  But being female alone is not enough.  Women  physicians are shifting 
the paradigm about work and parenting, about  prioritizing the needs of women 
patients vs men.  But we are not a unified  lot.  Some choose the 
"traditional path", others take that chance and try  more creative careers.
 
I'm not expecting us all to be able to sit down at a campfire and sing,  
"Kumbaya."  But looking at creating bridges and allies seems to me a  healthier 
goal.  This is work that will have many peaks and valleys, but I  am invested in 
continuing with the small, quiet steps to make a change.
 
If Apartheid can end in South Africa, surely we can find some common ground  
in lactation work:)
 
Convinced that the seemingly impossible can be made possible...
 
Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Petaluma CA
 
 

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