Women have firmly established themselves in a pole position in modern healthcare. In recent decades, they have emerged as important figures in a domain that men once predominantly occupied. This journey from exclusion to empowerment in this industry has been challenging. Women have had to be resilient, determined, and relentless in pursuing excellence in this field.
It’s true that the realm of healthcare, which was traditionally a bastion of male authority, has undergone profound change, witnessing a surge of female talent and leadership. However, this doesn’t take away the fact that it posted infinite hurdles in the way. Women have faced a lot, from systemic biases and societal expectations to the struggle for recognition.
Recently, HFM got the chance to uncover and unravel a few such narratives when we received the opportunity to interview some of the doctors from the VAMA Wellness Center for Women, here in Surat. Through candid conversations and intimate insights, we seek to illuminate the paths forged by these remarkable women, navigating the complexities of healthcare with grace, tenacity, and unwavering dedication. Their stories serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in medicine, inspiring generations to come and redefining the healthcare landscape for the better.
Navigating Challenges in Healthcare
Embarking on a career in medicine and healthcare for women brings with it a myriad of challenges. For women, everything starts with breaking into an industry that men dominate. Hence, they must prove their skills and expertise and fight with resilience to overcome biases.
One of the primary hurdles in such a scenario is garnering support from family. In many countries, it is a cultural notion to abstain women from taking up more demanding careers. Medicine, sadly, is one of them. And women who decide to become medical practitioners are often met with skepticism from society.
In such situations, finding the right mentorship and role models becomes essential. For example, Dr Rupal Shah was influenced by watching her mother. “I developed a liking for my mother’s profession- who was the leading gynec of her time. Very frequently, I observed how much happiness and satisfaction her profession served to new moms. And the way their family members respected my mother, was something that moved me one step further in the direction of becoming a gynecologist and IVF expert.”
The same point is voiced by Dr Trupti Chaudhari Patel, who calls her elder sister her biggest inspiration behind choosing medicine as a profession. Even Dr Swasti Patel found inspiration from within her family. She says, “My parents, uncles, and aunts all are doctors. Even my grandma is a gynecologist. I grew up seeing them working day and night and giving people new life and hope.”
Balancing Career and Work Life
Another huge challenge women face is the pressure to meet societal standards of success and achievement while adhering to societal expectations of marriage, motherhood, and domesticity, which can feel like an uphill battle.
In our conversation with the doctors of VAMA Wellness Center, we realized the same. When asked about their daily challenges, most doctors say finding a work-life balance is a big challenge.
These challenges are certainly harder for women; as Dr Swasti rightly points out, “There are phases in life when as a woman you have to prioritise family and kids over profession but to keep working even with other responsibilities and priorities itself is a challenge.”
Adding to the same, Dr Trupti says, “Navigating challenges faced by women in medicine often involves finding a balance between professional and personal life.” Dr Deepa Patel pointed out that “answering emergency calls and late-night shifts can be daunting for women, especially if they have small kids at home. However, having a supportive family and spouse makes things easier in the long run.”
Dispelling Misconceptions
One of the biggest problems that women doctors and medical practitioners have to confront daily is misconceptions and stereotypes. One of the biggest misconceptions that women have to deal with in day-to-day life is that they are inherently less competent than men. Dr Swasti was vocal about her encounters with this when she said, “The belief that men can treat better than women doctors should change.”
As if this is not enough, women doctors are also bombarded with the belief that they lack the dedication or commitment required to excel in this field. Dr Shivani Shah has the perfect reply for this notion, “the misconception that male surgeons are better than female surgeons is funny, as there are a few research papers stating otherwise,” she states.
This shows that society tends to forget that it takes equal diligence, preparation, and mental fortitude for both men and women to become doctors. Despite facing systemic barriers and ingrained biases, women doctors rise above them all to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities with unparalleled grace and proficiency.
Furthermore, women doctors often face stereotypes regarding their clinical capabilities and leadership potential. In the words of Dr Renu Gandhi, “People believe that women can’t manage career and family together. Late-night emergencies are not possible for them. And surely Surgery is not their cup of tea.” Dr Ami Yagnik has experienced people saying, “Women should choose a branch that does not have emergency work or complementary to their doctor husband so that they can look after their family better.”
This shows how women are always contended with this misconception that their professional aspirations should always be secondary to their obligations towards their families. This not only questions their integrity as family members but also questions their expertise in the professional space. None of these challenges can stop the women doctors who persist with resilience and determination, challenging the status quo and redefining the narrative of women in medicine.
Encouraging future generations
In encouraging future generations of aspiring doctors, women medical practitioners today play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams.
Dr Renu Gandhi believes, “It’s not the medical industry, but the society’s perception that needs to change. A female doctor is as efficient as her male counterpart. This stigma needs to go to give female professionals their due respect.”
Dr Trupti Patel emphasizes the validity of their aspirations, highlighting the unique value that women, with their empathetic nature, bring to fields like psychiatry and mental health. Her words resonate with the increasing importance of emotional intelligence and understanding in healthcare, showcasing how women’s innate abilities can lead to meaningful impacts.
Dr Unnati Mehta’s advice underscores the importance of inner conviction and self-awareness in career choices, encouraging young girls to listen to their instincts and passions. She further guides future doctors to deal with challenges in the medical field with a clear mind and the right knowledge. This guidance is crucial in a field as demanding as medicine, where personal motivation and commitment are essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Last but not least, Dr Rupal asks young women to identify their strengths and work hard to deliver their best. For her, there are no shortcuts to success, “never stop learning; medicine is an ever-evolving field, so commit to lifelong learning and professional development.” However, she also wants future practitioners to be wary about their health, “career is important, but not at the cost of your mental and physical health.”
By sharing their experiences and insights, women doctors offer practical advice and serve as role models, demonstrating the possibilities and achievements that await those who dare to pursue a career in medicine.
The journey of these women doctors is a remarkable example of their resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous societal expectations and stereotypes, they have paved the way for empowerment and excellence. Their stories serve as an inspiration for future generations to tackle challenges with grace and tenacity. By nurturing talent and promoting inclusivity, we ensure that the legacy of women in medicine continues to shape a diverse and fair healthcare landscape.
VAMA Wellness Centre for Women is a pioneering healthcare facility dedicated to addressing women's health needs comprehensively. With an all-female team of doctors and specialists, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and mental health professionals, it provides integrated care from adolescence through menopause and beyond. It offers preventive healthcare, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling under one roof. VAMA aims to empower women to take charge of their health by promoting healthy lifestyles and providing sensitive, compassionate, and knowledgeable care.
- Dr. Rupal Shah ( Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
- Endoscopy & IVF Specialist)
- Dr. Ami Yagnik (General Surgeon)
- Dr. Unnati Mehta (General Physician)
- Dr. Deepa Patel (Adolescent Physician)
- Dr. Trupti Patel (Psychiatrist & Relationship Expert)
- Dr. Swasti Patel (Hair, Skin & Nail Specialist)
- Dr. Renu Gandhi (Sonography & Mammography Expert)
- Dr. Shivani Shah (ENT Surgeon)
Quotes:
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Dr. Rupal Shah (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Endoscopy & IVF Specialist) - “Never stop learning; medicine is an ever-evolving field, so commit to lifelong learning and professional development.” - Dr. Deepa Patel (Adolescent Physician) - "In medicine, women wield healing powers. Embrace the privilege to serve, but never forget self-care. Let passion fuel your journey as you balance healing others and nurturing yourself."
- Dr. Unnati Mehta (General Physician) - "In medicine, skill knows no gender. We're doctors first, our abilities define us, not gender distinctions."
- Dr. Renu Gandhi (Sonography & Mammography Expert) - "Fuel your passion, stay updated, and never doubt your worth. In medicine, let nothing hinder your unstoppable journey."
- Dr. Trupti Patel (Psychiatrist & Relationship Expert) - "Young girls, your medical dreams are valid. With determination and hard work, you can excel in the field of medicine."
- Dr. Swasti Patel (Hair, Skin & Nail Specialist) - "Dream beyond limits, work relentlessly. In medicine, perseverance unlocks doors to aspirations larger than societal boundaries."
- Dr Shivani Shah (ENT Surgeon) - "Stay compassionate, trust your skills, and ignore discouragement. In medicine, your dedication speaks louder than doubt."
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