Syracuse University has commissioned a book detailing hardships in the medical industry from the perspective of three women who faced gender-related obstacles in their paths to becoming successful doctors.

“Triple Triumph: Three Women in Medicine” was published by Syracuse Unbound, an imprint of Syracuse University Libraries and Syracuse University Press. A book launch will be held Tuesday in the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center from 4:30-6:30 p.m. At the launch, the three doctors — Dr. Sharon Brangman, Dr. Patricia Numann and Dr. Ruth Weinstock — will discuss their stories.

Brangman said the topic of the book is important to these doctors because it highlights what needs to be fixed in the medical industry.

“So many people can be discouraging. It’s important for these people to be identified so they are not involved in the developing careers of young women and people of color,” Brangman said. “Medical institutions of higher education need to look out for these people.”

At the launch, the doctors will highlight their specific hardships and how they overcame them, and how others can as well.

“I hope young women are encouraged by the story because despite some of the challenges, it’s a gratifying career. There are still structural changes that need to be made, but this book allows us to discuss them,” Brangman said. “This book is meant to help women in their careers.”

Reaching out for the perspectives of women and people of color who are underrepresented in medical fields is one way to create structural change within the health care industry, Brangman said.

The doctors said they are excited for the launch of the book because it allows them an opportunity to spread a message of perseverance and change that they believe needs to occur for everyone to succeed.

“These women are physicians of towering importance who overcame almost unfathomable obstacles to achieve international prominence … Anyone interested in health care and social justice would find this almost irresistible,” said Samuel Gorovitz, a professor of philosophy at SU who worked as an editor on the book.

Gorovitz added that the book is the doctors’ interpretations of the enduring significance of their experiences. The launch provides an opportunity to go beyond the book, as participants will be able to meet and engage in conversation with the doctors.

Brangman said she hopes the book will be a “catalyst for change” in the medical industry and show that there are people interested in resolving the issues doctors in marginalized communities face.

“The most exciting part of it is the reception it’s been getting from colleagues across the country,” she said. “We all have a story and people have been holding them in for a very long time.”

Published on September 24, 2017 at 10:57 pm

Contact Brooke: bnkato@syr.edu