eMagazine September 2022
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OUR PEOPLE,<br />
OUR MISSION<br />
Global Health<br />
<strong>eMagazine</strong><br />
<strong>September</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Reflections<br />
Lessons Learned from<br />
Ugandan Women<br />
Written by Joanna Pierce<br />
UVMLCOM Class of 2025<br />
Highlights<br />
Spotlight<br />
Reflections<br />
Health Disparities Within Our<br />
Borders<br />
Nursing Division<br />
Among the Letters<br />
Our Beautiful Planet<br />
Art to Remember<br />
Who We Can Be<br />
Article of he Month<br />
Videos of the Month<br />
My previous travels to Uganda and<br />
other countries helped ease the<br />
inevitable culture shock on arriving<br />
here. I had an idea of Ugandan culture<br />
and what to expect. I was familiar with<br />
boda-bodas and the taxi system. I<br />
had eaten my fair share of matoke and<br />
had experienced the excitement and beauty of visiting public markets. But as a<br />
female medical student, I have struggled with aspects of Ugandan gender roles.<br />
Early on I noticed subtleties such as being referred to as a nurse or nursing student<br />
while my male colleague was always given the title of “doctor”— something I have<br />
also experienced at home in the United States but still gets to me every now<br />
and then. As time went on, I was increasingly asked about my marital status and<br />
how many kids I have. I expected this topic to come up given the importance<br />
of raising a family in Ugandan<br />
culture, but I was not prepared<br />
for some of the responses.<br />
When I tell people I do not have<br />
children, I often receive followup<br />
questions or comments that<br />
are difficult to hear.<br />
Global Health Family<br />
Calendar<br />
Photo News<br />
Resources<br />
Joanna with the medical team<br />
This past week has been<br />
particularly challenging with<br />
the attention and questions<br />
coming from some of the male<br />
doctors. It has become clear<br />
that we do not agree on the<br />
capabilities and roles of female<br />
doctors—a reality that has been<br />
frustrating and discouraging at<br />
times, however has also led to<br />
great exchanges of ideas and<br />
mutual learning. As a result, I<br />
have sought out people who<br />
want to teach me: outpatient<br />
13<br />
13<br />
Reflections continued on next page >>
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