Women in Medicine : Stories from the Girls in White

The history of women in medicine are celebrated in books, awards, names of buildings and organizations. In contrast, the generation who began the change are seldom memorialized; yet without the efforts of these few in what was an unambiguously a male profession, the achievements of the pioneers could easily have withered.

In telling the history of women in medicine, the pioneers (especially the turbulent ones) are rightly remembered and celebrated in books, articles, memorials, awards, names of buildings and organizations - even in stone statues and memorials. However, the generation who began the transition from minority status to the current numerical equity are seldom memorialized, yet without the efforts of these few determined women in what at the time society held as unambiguously a male profession, the achievements of the pioneers could easily have withered. This book is written to celebrate this unique generation of women who entered medicine between the second World War and the early 1970s – determined women who just wanted to be doctors but ended up fundamentally changing the profession. Utilizing oral histories from 37 women who became physicians between 1948 and 1975, these women tell their stories in their own words and provide a valid picture of their experiences throughout their careers that has much resonance for those entering or practising medicine today. The book will be of interest to all health professionals or those considering entering health professions, particularly women, and their advisors and supporters, to medical educationalists, and to medical historians seeking to understand the progress of women in medicine and other professions since the end of WWII.