Commonwealth Club: Dr. Jennifer Grandis: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Health Care

Women continue to face systemic barriers in medicine and science, despite decades of progress. What is happening? In Harsh Medicine, Dr. Jennifer R. Grandis draws on decades of experience as a physician-scientist, mentor and leader to expose how deeply gender bias is embedded in the structures of academic medicine and scientific research. Through rigorous analysis, real-world case studies, and personal insight, she argues that policies, funding systems, promotion practices and cultural norms continue to disadvantage women at every stage of their careers. Although she focuses on academic medicine and science research labs, there are wider implications. Many women, no matter what their profession or circumstances, might see themselves in these pages. Dr. Grandis, who has experienced sexual harassment in her own workplaces, knows reporting on the problems is only half of the equation, and she offers resources and solutions to give readers hope that we still might be able to “shock the system” and effect great change in the workplace, making it more egalitarian for women and men alike.