"They Say, I Say" By Dr. Sandra M. Quezada
They say, I say
At family gatherings, and on rotations back in the day….
They say “Oh you’re going to be a pediatrician, right?”
They say, “You’re cute, you should be a dermatologist.”
They say, “Are you going to work part time? You’ll be too busy for a family.”
They say, “You really would be a great pediatrician.”
I say, “I am going to be a gastroenterologist, and I will be treating adults.”
On the wards as a trainee…
They say, “You’re really smart for a woman, AND you’re Hispanic!”
They say, “Congratulations, just make sure you keep your husband happy.”
They say, “I gotta hang up, my nurse is here.”
They say, “Thank you Miss.”
I say, “I am your doctor, you can call me Dr. Quezada.”
In the hallway as faculty…
They say, “You always dress so cute, how can you wear heels?”
They say, “You look like a student in your scrubs.”
They say, “Oh you’re wearing the manly look with scrub top and khakis.”
I say, “I am dressed as a medical professional and I wear what works for me.”
Lately….
They say, “This is my boss, she’s the one in charge.”
They say, “How do you maintain work-life balance?”
They say, “You look really happy.”
Smiling, I say, “I am.”
Welcome back Terps!