“You’re a pretty good physician (or athlete, or mathematician), for a woman.”
What begins as a compliment changes quickly, as the speaker’s bias reveals itself. Sophie Putka’s recent article in MedPage Today reveals how this kind of bias is alive and well for surgeons.
In medicine, several studies have been conducted to prove that female practitioners are just as capable as their male counterparts. One such study by lead author Loic Sentilhes, M.D. PhD, of Bordeaux University Hospital, investigated whether the gender of the surgeon performing a Cesarean delivery affected a mother’s risk of post-procedure complications.
Some of these complications include blood loss, infection, blood clots, seizure, and organ injury. All these problems require additional procedures or treatments.
Not surprisingly (at least to us at The Eisen Law Firm), Sentilhes’ study concluded “’there is no rationale to believe that men are better surgeons than women.’”
It seems almost ridiculous that time and effort were spent on this study. However, perhaps the findings will play a role in “’reducing implicit bias and dispelling engendered perceptions regarding gender and technical proficiency,’” commented Amanda N. Fader, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.
Sentilhes wholeheartedly agrees. “’Policymakers need to combat prejudice against women in surgical careers. So that women no longer experience conscious or unconscious barriers or difficulties in their professional choices, training, and relationships with colleagues or patients.’”
If it’s not the gender of the surgeon – and it most certainly is not -- then what causes maternal injury or illness after a C-section?
Sentilhes and her colleagues identified the following reasons for maternal morbidity:
- Pre-pregnancy BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Multiple pregnancy (twins)
- Gestational age at delivery
- Type of cesarean delivery
- General anesthesia
There’s no magic formula to ensure a seamless delivery and a healthy baby, but there are ways to optimize the likelihood of these events occurring. The most important thing an expectant mother can do is to participate fully and actively in prenatal care. These routine checkups provide a mother with care and support and monitor the wellbeing of the baby, too.
At The Eisen Law Firm, we help patients who have been harmed unnecessarily. Don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule your free consultation. Call 216-287-0900 or contact us online today.