Everyday Oral Surgery The “Good Ole Boys Club” And Advocating For Women In Our Specialty (with Dr. Erin Sheffield)
Welcome to another episode of Every Day Oral Surgery! Today we are discussing what it’s like for women in surgery to be part of the “good ole boys club”, with the phenomenal surgeon, Dr. Erin Sheffield. We discuss what her residency was like as a woman, how she gained the confidence to assert herself and establish boundaries, how her first real job coincided with an important IVF appointment, and how being abused by a patient as a surgical intern made sexism in medicine obvious to her. You will hear all about Erin’s experience as a female surgeon, examples of microaggressions that can build up for women, how to address those microaggressions, and the competition felt amongst female surgeons. Erin also tells us about the discrimination she has endured, how language can perpetuate stereotypes and sexism, the pay gap experienced by women, and how having a family can affect your surgical career. It is exceptionally important for male surgeons to support, assert, and advocate for their female colleagues and Erin helps us understand why women can often come across as intimidating in medicine. We also delve into the importance of being authentic and true to yourself in order to be a successful surgeon, before looking at why vulnerability with patients can be a positive thing. Lastly, we talk about the way surgery is changing and why we need to make provisions for that change by having less rigid expectations of surgeons. You don’t want to miss out on this incredibly insightful conversation so tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Erin Sheffield.
- Dr. Sheffield shares her experience of being a woman in the world of oral surgery.
- What her experience was like in residency and why microaggressions must be addressed.
- Some examples of microaggressions in the workplace and how to combat sexism.
- One: Establishing yourself as a doctor.
- Two: Being overlooked in favor of male doctors.
- Three: Being too feminine vs. being unprofessional.
- How Erin has dealt with feeling like an outsider as a female doctor.
- Why male colleagues should help assert their female colleagues as well.
- The ‘intimidating’ label women gain in surgery and why.
- Why being a female surgeon can be competitive among other women.
- The difficulties Erin faced with discrimination in the workplace.
- Why you need to set boundaries as a female surgical resident.
- Why being vulnerable with patients can be so beneficial.
- The pay gap for women in surgery.
- The importance of finding a mentor as a woman in surgery.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Erin Sheffield on Quincy Medical Group — https://quincymedgroup.com/people/erin-sheffield-d-d-s/
Dr. Erin Sheffield on Twitter — https://twitter.com/dresheff
Dr. Erin Sheffield on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/erinsdds/
Dr. Erin Sheffield on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@dresheffield
Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/
Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/
Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/
Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com
Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059