If you've experienced sexism in healthcare, you're not alone.

If you've ever felt like your medical concerns weren't taken seriously as a woman or nonbinary person, you're not alone.

If you're curious about how we got here - and what we can do about it - listen to our latest Read. Talk. Grow. episode Shame, mystery and misinformation about women's bodies wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode summary 

Historically, the medical system was not designed to prioritize — or many times, even consider — women patients and providers. Dr. Elizabeth Comen wrote the book “All in Her Head,” to examine this troubled history and help educate and empower women to get the healthcare they deserve. Dr. Comen and Dr. Deborah Bartz join us to discuss how to break through the shame and misinformation surrounding women's bodies.

In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:

• More than “bikini medicine.” Women’s medicine has often focused on so-called bikini health — the breasts, genitals and reproductive organs. Dr. Comen’s book argues that every organ system needs to be examined through a women’s medicine lens. Many medical studies historically did not include women, so the study findings can not necessarily be extrapolated to women.
• Apologizing for their bodies. Both Dr. Comen and Dr. Bartz have had patients apologize for things that are not in their control or completely normal — even in the worst of circumstances, like a death bed. Medicine, scientific discovery and the way we treat bodies is interwoven with social ideas, mores, and cultural beliefs.
• Feminine leaders. What if women who excel at listening to and consulting with patients were encouraged to be in leadership positions? Leaders should be able to look, act and lead with feminine energy, Dr. Comen says, rather than being pushed to act more aggressive or assertive.

More resources. Listen to this Read. Talk. Grow. episode:

• 2. Trust yourself: It's not 'all in your head' with Lo Bosworth

Questions for discussion:

• Have you ever felt like your health concerns or questions were dismissed, overlooked or not taken seriously because you are a woman?

Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!