Interviews
1. How do you view women and men in stem (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)? What are some differences and similarities that they have?
Ideally there should be no differences between men and women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, I do believe a lot of these areas are still predominated by men. In general, based on our gender we are attributed certain characteristics or profiles that “fit” better for specific positions, which should not be the case. Factors such as IQ, personality, and previous experiences do have a great impact on the opportunities available to pursue such disciplines, and these opportunities should not be affected by the gender we belong to.
2. Do you believe women have the same opportunities or views as men?
Honestly, I believe women do not have the same opportunities. There are certain aspects of our lives, particularly motherhood that is seen sometimes as a “distraction” from our job obligations. Therefore, there are several institutions/companies that see this as an obstacle against productivity or fulfillment of a schedule. Sadly, within medicine there are still specialties that are considered to “fit” better for men, including surgery, orthopedics, among others. For this, women’s options might be limited even when capable to perform at the same level.
3. Give a personal story or one of someone else that has marked your view on gender equality or inequality in science or medicine
On a daily basis, I have multiple encounters with patients and their parents. As part of my introduction to them, I mention my name (Dr. Rojas), my level of training and my role in the care of their loved ones. After obtaining a detailed history, examining my patient, providing a plan of care and finally answering questions, I would sometimes still get asked when they will be able to see or talk to a doctor. Quite often, male medical students are mistaken for the doctor taking care of their son/daughter, even though I introduce myself as their physician or leader of the medical team.
4. Have you experienced gender preference in the medical field?
As mentioned above, as a female medical provider, my position or role in the care of patients has to be reinforced in various occasions due to confusion that many parents may have even after introducing myself as the primary medical care provider of their son/daughter. People in general may have inherent biases that get either reinforced or weaken throughout the years. Again, I believe these are shaped by our upbringing, as well as by our personal experiences. It is important to be rational and as adults become aware of these in order to make an effort to overcome them.
5. What do you think can be done to bring recognition to women in science and medicine?
It seems that societies are able to recognize more and more women’s participation in science and medicine lately. People are becoming aware of their presence, their achievements, and their impact in different fields. But the road is long and women should take advantage of all the opportunities available to achieve a more equitable workforce in STEM.
Those who are chiefs or belong to executive positions must:
-Encourage other women’s participation in these work spaces by leading by example and providing their support.
-Recognize the achievements of women in different areas and reward their performance.
-Identify areas where barriers to participation exist and work on establishing plans to break inequalities.
On the other hand, it must be the same woman who values herself and remains confident of her knowledge in order to perform to the best of her abilities.
Dr. Janina Rojas
Audio interview with FIU UN Women member
conducted by Carolina Echeverri
Audio
Interview with Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros conducted by Alexa Jacome
Background info on interviewee
Ana M. Viamonte Ros M.D., M.P.H. is Florida’s first State Surgeon General and the first woman and Cuban American to serve as head of the Department. Governor Crist has charged the Surgeon General to act as the state’s leading advocate for wellness and disease prevention. Dr. Viamonte Ros’ primary responsibility is to oversee the Department of Health—Florida’s largest single clinical enterprise and one of the nation’s most comprehensive and complex public health care delivery systems. Approximately 20,000 employees serve in all 67 counties with more than 300 clinical delivery sites. She is committed to making the health care system more user-friendly, promoting healthy habits among Florida’s youth, preparing the state for natural and man-made disasters, reducing health disparities, and leading Floridians to better health by example.
Interview With
Maria Valle
active STITCH member, Pre-Med Student in the FIU Honors College
1. Do you think certain medical specialties (e.g. pediatrics, gynecology, plastic
surgery) are more associated to one gender than the other?
Answer: Yes, certain specialties are more represented by women, one prevalent
example is pediatrics. When a woman says they want to be a pediatrician, they assume it is because they have maternal instincts and therefore like children. However, it might not be specifically because of that reason, it might be due to the fact that they just want to help children. There is definitely a bias between women in certain fields. Fields such as gynecology and plastic surgery is highly mixed in my opinion. The problem is that sometimes women are told they cannot be surgeons because they must think ahead and plan to have a family in the future or because they would be constantly worrying about their children and their family. This is a statement that I do not agree with,
especially because I am a woman and many will think I will not be a good doctor, but I believe I will be as good a doctor as any man.
2. Do you think there are less women in STEM majors and medicine?
Answer: I think that women are now trying to get into STEM majors and enter the
medical field just as much as men. For example, there was a higher attendance of
women in medical school in the past year. However, I do still believe there is prejudice against women and the belief still prevails that women will not succeed as well as men.However, we women are slowly getting there.
3. How do you view women and men in stem? What are some differences and
similarities that they have?
Answer: I believe women and men in science differ in how they are often viewed and treated. Women are now trying to advance and be more reputable in the medical field while for men this is often viewed as a normal career choice. This is an obstacle that women have to overcome but it should never be a boundary that causes women to not believe in themselves. Similarities that exist is that both genders are just as capable. Don’t let any man stand in your way and always know that there is no correlation between gender and capability.