Telling Our Stories: A Therapeutic Journey
For many years, I’ve been reading and resonating with the physician literary magazine PULSE. Earlier this year, they had a writing contest with the prompt “On Being Different.” I decided to enter the contest and won a small award for the piece I submitted.
Because I’m preparing the curriculum to teach a one day online Zoom workshop Heal Others With Your Story, I wanted to share it with you all. Sometimes we need to tell our stories therapeutically- and privately. Other times, we feel ready to share our stories with others, and our stories can be part of our service to the world, our calling.
The Challenges I Faced as a Female Physician
I woke up this morning to dozens of supportive, tear-laden comments from other female physicians- and men who care about women- who experienced similar abuses during medical training. Telling our stories doesn’t just help the storyteller heal. Our stories can also be a lighthouse for others, if we’re ready to shine that kind of light.
I was a woman in medical school before there were more women students than men—back when women were expected to be more masculine than the men if they wanted to succeed as doctors, back when the idea that we could report our medical-school professors for sexual harassment was just a twinkle in the eye of someone braver and less conflict-avoidant than I was.
Sexual Harassment: A Painful Reality
“Suck me good, Lissa. Suck me hard, Lissa,” my male general-surgery professor jeered day after day, leering at me unapologetically in front of the whole OR team and grabbing my butt whenever we weren’t scrubbed in, while relegating me to the lowest-ranking job on the surgery team, the holder of the suction catheter.
I sucked good and hard to keep that surgical field bloodless—but I never told anyone at the university about my hot tears of rage at the injustice that seared my insides during those years of relentless sexual harassment.
Heartbreak and Silence
I also never told anyone at the prestigious university where I did my ob/gyn residency how my heart broke on the night when, as the senior resident, I delivered four dead babies in one shift.
But my broken heart was obvious to the coldhearted male professor responsible for overseeing me—the one who pushed through the door to follow me into the women’s locker room after the nurse who’d wept with me all night came to tell me that the fourth baby had died during emergency surgery for an undiagnosed congenital cardiac anomaly.
Breaking the Silence
When the other three babies had died, I had wrapped them in the pastel baby blankets that the women’s auxiliary knitted for the babies who didn’t survive birth. I had crawled into the blood- and amniotic-fluid-soaked beds to hold the babies with their sobbing mothers, letting my own tears and snot mix with all the other body fluids as doctor and mother bonded and comforted one another in our shared womanness.
By the time the fourth baby died, it was 4:00 am, and I was running down the hall to answer the next 911 page when I felt gut-punched by the news that the baby had not survived surgery at the Children’s Hospital next door, where the baby had been transferred after I’d delivered that baby blue.
A Cruel Professor’s Demand
The fourth baby’s mother had already been moved to the postpartum floor. They wanted me to go ask her consent for an autopsy. I tried to contain the brimming sadness inside my professionalism, so that I could meet the demands of what my supervising male professor expected of me.
But I had not been hardened like he was, yet. Even the long blue coat I wore that night failed to button up my empathy for the women who would not take home babies. (The residents wore blue coats instead of white, an attempt to make us look superior to the lab techs, who also wore long white coats, but inferior to the attending physicians, who wore grey; like Dr. Seuss’s Star-Belly Sneeches, they were always trying to one-up each other.)
A Moment of Compassion
No matter how tightly I held my arms around myself and squeezed my eyes to shutter my streaming tears, I couldn’t manage to hold it together, so I raced to the locker room and tried to secure the door behind me, hoping to hide in a stall, undetected.
I failed to go unnoticed. My supervising attending screamed loud enough to arouse concern in the laboring women.
“Buck up, Rankin! You’ll never amount to anything in this profession if you can’t stop feeling so goddamn much!”
I pitied him in that moment for his cruelty and coldness, his dehumanized detachment from the suffering of our patients, his contempt for the humanity of his residents, and the tragedy of what happens to doctors whose hearts close so that they can buck up the way he wanted me to.
I felt sorry for myself, too, as I crumpled to the floor, just in time to see two of the elder midwives escort my attending out of the women’s locker room as if they were heaving a smelly fish overboard, slamming the door behind him, locking him out from the inside and shouting through the door at him.
“Stop punishing Lissa for being a better doctor than you are!” one of the midwives hollered.
“What ever happened to your empathy?” the other one asked.
Embracing My True Self
After securing the perimeter, they scooped me up, cradling me between their matching bosoms and rocking me like I was one of those babies we had just lost. They cooed and hummed until my breathing slowed down and my nerves settled and my tears could finally fall without feeling like there was something wrong with me for feeling so goddamn much.
A Message of Resilience
One of them whispered, “This is how good healers are supposed to react when we lose our patients. Don’t ever let them break you, Lissa.”
I thought if I sucked it up good enough, sucked it up hard enough, I would finally become enough of a man to be a good enough doctor for women. But my path was different.
When I was a thirty-six-year-old mother having my own baby, I realized that I had sucked it up enough. I watched my baby suckling on my own breast, feeling a wave of relief that my baby didn’t wind up wrapped in pink, blue and yellow acrylic yarn before being transported to the morgue.
When I retired from the profession at thirty-seven, because no amount of medical experience could turn me into enough of a man to freeze my heart and stop my feelings, I realized that the very things that made me a good doctor and mother were the qualities that made some think I was never going to amount to anything, because I just feel too goddamn much.
Healing the Healers
After suffering under the weight of the moral injury that nearly crushed me during my pregnancy, after losing my physician father two weeks after giving birth to my baby, after realizing that I had been pressured as a doctor to suppress most of the qualities we typically associate with femininity—compassion, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, intuition, collaboration, empathy, co-regulating touch, nurturing, intimacy—I submitted my resignation to the male medical director of my hospital.
“What a waste,” he said. “We have to train two women to equal one man in medicine.”
I’ve always felt sorry for the men who’ve had to suppress the more traditionally feminine qualities that the medical system dismisses as “unprofessional.” Boys aren’t born lacking empathy or compassion or feeling fearful of nurturing touch when someone is wounded or grieving or suffering. I can only imagine how much they have to bully their own tender parts in order to put on a stoic face when parents are losing their babies or fathers are losing their wives in childbirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic medicine safe to use?
Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects most commonly include headaches and nausea. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
However, there have been no reported cases of death caused by holistic medicine.
Before you start any new treatment, make sure to talk with your doctor.
Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine relies on the idea that all diseases are caused in part by a combination – diet, lifestyle and environment. Stress, anxiety, genetics and any other health-related factors.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a complete range of services for their patients.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They may incorporate western medicine into their treatment, as well as traditional methods such acupuncture or herbs.
They seek to treat an illness and not just symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.
The doctor should not only focus on curing the disease but also help prevent future illnesses.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
Is holistic medicine legal?
Yes, and no. Yes. There are many medications that have been proven to be effective against various conditions. They can’t treat all conditions. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If you mean taking into consideration all aspects of a person’s health, then it is true. But if you only mean using natural remedies instead of chemical ones, then it is not.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. However, this is simply false. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some people enjoy healthy eating and avoid prescription medications. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.
Is holistic medical care the same as alternative medicines?
Holistic Health Care differs from Alternative Medicine because it focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine does not address these issues. It does not address the mind, body, or emotions.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
doi.org
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
What products can be used in holistic medicines?
It would be best to describe these products as “natural”, but not necessarily organic. Although they may have been grown using pesticides or natural fertilizers, the products were also processed in safer ways for human health. Some herbs can trigger allergic reactions in certain people, so it is important to make sure that they are prepared according to their requirements. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbs often have higher levels of herbicides than those sold at grocery stores.
The majority of herbal supplements are made from dried plants. Many people prefer to buy herbal supplements in liquid form. This is cheaper. But this does not mean they are less safe. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. The product may lose its original potency. Most herbal supplements are not subject to quality control before they are sold.
Spices and herbs are usually added to foods after they have been cooked. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements are most commonly taken orally, (by mouth). Most vitamins or minerals come in tablet format. Other vitamins and mineral are also available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They can stimulate the body’s healing abilities. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They work on the body’s immune systems to restore balance and promote wellbeing. Homeopathic remedies can be considered safe and non-toxic. They are widely used in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles in specific points along the meridians. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. By stimulating energy flow along the meridian lines, the body is believed to recover its normal functioning.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer invented this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments and muscle tests. He also percussion.
Chiropractic has become very popular over the past few years. Many people believe that chiropractic is better than traditional medicine to relieve back pain.
Massage therapy can be described as rubbing, tapping, tapping, or stroking muscle, joints, and other parts of the body. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. Swedish massage, deep-tissue, sports, reflexology and myofascial relief are some of the techniques used by massage therapists.
Reflexology can be described as alternative medicine. It involves applying pressure to certain areas on the feet and hands with thumb pads or fingers. Reflexologists claim that this method stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. There are many forms of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Treatment uses gentle touch for pain relief and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. In this therapy, the therapist applies light pressure to various spots on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso while moving her/his hands across the patient’s body.
Cupping therapy involves applying cups to the skin to draw out toxins and create suction. Cupping may also be used in combination with acupuncture (burning herbs), or as a detox method.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1992 regulates dietary supplements. Two criteria must be met before a dietary supplement can be legally sold. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means it was properly manufactured.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used form of electrotherapy. Low-level electrical pulses are delivered by TENS devices using electrodes that are placed on the skin. These pulses stimulate brain receptors that block pain signaling. There are also electromagnetic therapy options such as magnetic field therapy, interferential current therapy, and ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Energy healing has been around since ancient times. Modern practitioners however, accept that there are multiple layers to our energy. One layer of energy is called emotional. Another layer is known as mental energy. Other energies include the physical, spiritual, chakras and vital, life force. Many believe these energies are linked to the whole universe. Some believe that these energies can be used to heal other people using only their minds. There is not much scientific evidence supporting energy medicine.
Energy psychology is the study of how emotions can affect physiological functions. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Energy psychology does not require any specific theoretical framework but draws from many disciplines, including cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional analysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and developmental psychology.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Karoline
Title: I Won An Award For Telling My Story: Don’t Ever Let Them Break You
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/i-won-an-award-for-telling-my-story-dont-ever-let-them-break-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=i-won-an-award-for-telling-my-story-dont-ever-let-them-break-you
Published Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:37:55 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic medicine safe to use?
Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects most commonly include headaches and nausea. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
However, there have been no reported cases of death caused by holistic medicine.
Before you start any new treatment, make sure to talk with your doctor.
Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine relies on the idea that all diseases are caused in part by a combination – diet, lifestyle and environment. Stress, anxiety, genetics and any other health-related factors.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a complete range of services for their patients.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They may incorporate western medicine into their treatment, as well as traditional methods such acupuncture or herbs.
They seek to treat an illness and not just symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.
The doctor should not only focus on curing the disease but also help prevent future illnesses.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
Is holistic medicine legal?
Yes, and no. Yes. There are many medications that have been proven to be effective against various conditions. They can’t treat all conditions. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If you mean taking into consideration all aspects of a person’s health, then it is true. But if you only mean using natural remedies instead of chemical ones, then it is not.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. However, this is simply false. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some people enjoy healthy eating and avoid prescription medications. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.
Is holistic medical care the same as alternative medicines?
Holistic Health Care differs from Alternative Medicine because it focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine does not address these issues. It does not address the mind, body, or emotions.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
doi.org
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
What products can be used in holistic medicines?
It would be best to describe these products as “natural”, but not necessarily organic. Although they may have been grown using pesticides or natural fertilizers, the products were also processed in safer ways for human health. Some herbs can trigger allergic reactions in certain people, so it is important to make sure that they are prepared according to their requirements. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbs often have higher levels of herbicides than those sold at grocery stores.
The majority of herbal supplements are made from dried plants. Many people prefer to buy herbal supplements in liquid form. This is cheaper. But this does not mean they are less safe. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. The product may lose its original potency. Most herbal supplements are not subject to quality control before they are sold.
Spices and herbs are usually added to foods after they have been cooked. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements are most commonly taken orally, (by mouth). Most vitamins or minerals come in tablet format. Other vitamins and mineral are also available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They can stimulate the body’s healing abilities. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They work on the body’s immune systems to restore balance and promote wellbeing. Homeopathic remedies can be considered safe and non-toxic. They are widely used in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles in specific points along the meridians. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. By stimulating energy flow along the meridian lines, the body is believed to recover its normal functioning.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer invented this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments and muscle tests. He also percussion.
Chiropractic has become very popular over the past few years. Many people believe that chiropractic is better than traditional medicine to relieve back pain.
Massage therapy can be described as rubbing, tapping, tapping, or stroking muscle, joints, and other parts of the body. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. Swedish massage, deep-tissue, sports, reflexology and myofascial relief are some of the techniques used by massage therapists.
Reflexology can be described as alternative medicine. It involves applying pressure to certain areas on the feet and hands with thumb pads or fingers. Reflexologists claim that this method stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. There are many forms of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Treatment uses gentle touch for pain relief and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. In this therapy, the therapist applies light pressure to various spots on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso while moving her/his hands across the patient’s body.
Cupping therapy involves applying cups to the skin to draw out toxins and create suction. Cupping may also be used in combination with acupuncture (burning herbs), or as a detox method.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1992 regulates dietary supplements. Two criteria must be met before a dietary supplement can be legally sold. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means it was properly manufactured.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used form of electrotherapy. Low-level electrical pulses are delivered by TENS devices using electrodes that are placed on the skin. These pulses stimulate brain receptors that block pain signaling. There are also electromagnetic therapy options such as magnetic field therapy, interferential current therapy, and ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Energy healing has been around since ancient times. Modern practitioners however, accept that there are multiple layers to our energy. One layer of energy is called emotional. Another layer is known as mental energy. Other energies include the physical, spiritual, chakras and vital, life force. Many believe these energies are linked to the whole universe. Some believe that these energies can be used to heal other people using only their minds. There is not much scientific evidence supporting energy medicine.
Energy psychology is the study of how emotions can affect physiological functions. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Energy psychology does not require any specific theoretical framework but draws from many disciplines, including cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional analysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and developmental psychology.
