Doctoring While Female

Medicine is a man’s world-but even small steps create monumental change.

“Blondilocks.” Dr. Kolleen Dougherty accepted the nickname used by her male counterparts for years. But decades later, the dismissive comments, denied advancement, and lack of equal resources had taken their toll: she was ready to stand against misogyny and marginalization in medicine.

In Doctoring While Female, Dr. Dougherty shares her story and exposes the medical field for its discriminatory practices. An anesthesiologist and critical care intensivist, Dr. Dougherty reveals what it’s like to work alongside powerful men in a high-stakes environment created by men, for men. This is a story about reclaiming power and relearning purpose. It’s about eliminating double standards and empowering women to pursue their dreams. An invaluable perspective on gender inequity in the workforce, Doctoring While Female is a testament to how injustice is fought, one step at a time.

Author Biography

Kolleen Cannon Dougherty, MD, FASA is a Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons graduate and Harvard trained, double- board certified physician in anesthesiology and critical care medicine. She’s practiced for over two decades at a Level 1 trauma center in New England, where she trained residents and medical students and cared for patients. Dr. Dougherty is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Anesthesia Subcommittee on Women. She is also a certified Professional Coach and Life Coach. Dr. Dougherty and her husband of twenty-five years have four amazing children, two loyal poodles, and a newly-acquired cat who wandered into their lives one night.