I donned my lab coat during an important interview when a panel of senior surgeons remarked that they appreciated I wasn’t married, implying that I wouldn’t leave to care for children.
I wore my lab coat when an older male physician boasted about the astonishing successes of his male residents while referring to the one female resident as “adorable,” just like me.
I put on my lab coat to take the medical licensing exam, even though the guidelines suggested I should wear a dress.
I wore my lab coat in the operating room when a patient insisted on being treated by a male doctor, claiming that my emotions would hinder my ability to care for him.
Every day I worked in a hospital, I wore my lab coat, despite earning significantly less than my male colleagues who had fewer qualifications.
I wore my lab coat the day a high-ranking health official implied that I should have focused on finding a husband instead of my career.
I wore my lab coat when my supervisor said he never had issues with childcare because his wife was wise enough to stay home with their kids.
I wore my lab coat every time someone mistook me for the nurse or the receptionist.
I wore my lab coat every time I was asked to get coffee during team meetings or patient conferences.
And now, I’m heading to the library with my husband and my two daughters to cast our votes for a woman who has faced similar challenges, donning her own lab coat with pride. We will joyfully support her.
Regardless of whether I’m wearing a lab coat, we stand united as #whitecoatnation and #imwithher. For more insights into the world of home insemination, check out this informative piece on intracervical insemination. If you’re considering the path to pregnancy, I recommend visiting Make a Mom as they are an authority on this topic. Additionally, for those navigating the intricacies of IUI, this resource on what to expect is invaluable.
In summary, wearing a lab coat symbolizes resilience in the face of societal challenges, and as I venture to make my voice heard, I do so proudly alongside those who understand the journey.