Harsh Medicine With Dr. Jennifer Grandis: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Healthcare

In today's episode, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Jennifer Grandis, physician-scientist and distinguished professor at UC San Francisco, to discuss her vital new book, Harsh Medicine: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Healthcare. Jennifer Grandis, MD is an otolaryngologist and associate vice chancellor for clinical and translational research at UCSF, combining hard data with personal narratives to expose why, despite high qualifications, women often face systemic roadblocks that their male counterparts do not. From the lack of meaningful mentorship to the persistence of workplace harassment and the exclusionary culture of academic "boys' clubs," we still cannot ignore the reality of navigating these high-stakes environments. There is a mentorship gap, and being a "role model" isn't enough to solve systemic disparity. In her book Harsh Medicine: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Health Care, Jennifer examines the persistent challenges women face in science and healthcare, drawing on research, policy analysis, and firsthand accounts. Sexism in science and health care rarely announces itself as a single, dramatic event. More often, it appears as a steady accumulation of slights, exclusions, and unequal expectations that shape careers over time. Through the book, she describes this reality and examines its consequences for women working in academic medicine and biomedical research. Whether you are an aspiring clinician, a researcher, or an advocate for workplace equity, Dr. Jennifer offers a pragmatic look at the challenges ahead and how we can create a more transparent, supportive path forward. 00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Jennifer Grandis and the mission for gender equity 01:03 – Why the data matters: Moving beyond "role model" status 04:37 – The mentoring gap in science and medicine 06:25 – The reality of sexual harassment and reporting consequences 08:44 – Structural barriers: The overt meritocracy vs. the covert system 10:39 – The "Scientific Boys Club": Networking and exclusionary spaces 11:58 – Egregious examples: Academic retreats and operating room safety 14:44 – DEI in the U.S.: Addressing controversies and finding common ground 16:51 – Practical strategies: Inclusive scheduling and childcare 19:15 – Pivotal moments: Navigating career-altering challenges 23:37 – Supporting those who have been harmed by systemic bias 24:37 – How to respond to microaggressions in the workplace 28:13 – Advice for young women: Finding helpers and staying true to goals 31:02 – Why women move from investigators to educators 34:09 – Looking ahead: The future of gender equity and narrative voice 36:26 – Final takeaway: A story of hope and collective action Connect with Dr. Jennifer Grandis & Buy the Book: https://jennifergrandis.com/ #WomenInMedicine #GenderEquity #ScienceCareers #WorkplaceCulture #WECAN #DrJenniferGrandis #Mentorship #HarshMedicine _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models!Your Story Matters! You Matter! Role Models Matter! Lead By Example To Support Others! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.