Moving Beyond Bikini Medicine: Bridging Health Care Gaps with Listening and Science to Transform Women’s Health

We all appreciate the dedication of healthcare providers. Yet, with only 10-minute appointments and research historically centered on men, the quality of care is impacted.

Every day, countless women leave doctor’s offices feeling unheard, dismissed, or worse—misdiagnosed. Their symptoms are downplayed, their concerns minimized—especially with conditions like menopause and endometriosis, which often take years to diagnose. This doesn’t just affect women; it impacts their families and the men who support them.

But what if there were a better way?

In this episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast, join me in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sally Doust, a UK family physician with 12 years of experience. She reveals how the simple act of truly listening has transformed her patients' lives. Through real patient stories and practical insights, discover how empathetic communication and more research can bridge the critical gaps in women's healthcare and lead to better outcomes

In this episode, she highlights the importance of addressing often-overlooked health issues like menopause and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). 

By listening to her patients, Sally not only provides them with the right information and treatment options but also empowers them to reclaim their health and well-being. Learn how you can apply these insights to foster better communication and understanding in your own life or practice.

Whether you're a healthcare provider seeking to enhance your practice, a woman navigating your own health journey, or an advocate for change – this conversation will open your mind to consider and pioneer actionable strategies to make a difference. 

Connect with Dr. Sally Doust on LinkedIn to join a growing community of professionals and patients working together to revolutionize women's healthcare.

Don't just witness the change – be part of it.

 

“Using the power of science to hold women in higher regard than they have been given so far and to champion their stories.” – Sally Doust

SUPERPOWER Notes:

00:01:15 – The Journey of a Doctor: Sally shares her experience as a general practitioner in the UK, highlighting the challenges of working within the NHS and the emotional toll of decision fatigue.

00:03:15 – The Impact of Listening: Sally discusses how listening to women's stories in her practice revealed significant gaps in their healthcare experiences, particularly around menopause and other women's health issues.

00:04:45 – The Importance of HRT: Sally emphasizes the life-changing effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women suffering from menopause symptoms and the misinformation surrounding it.

00:07:28 – Addressing Shame and Silence: The conversation explores how societal stigma and lack of open dialogue contribute to feelings of shame among women regarding their health issues.

00:10:02 – Healing Through Listening: Sally reflects on the cathartic experience for patients when they feel heard and validated during consultations, transforming their shame into relief and hope.

00:13:06 – Facilitating Communication: Sally shares techniques for helping patients articulate their health concerns, emphasizing the importance of asking guiding questions.

00:15:15 – The Role of Social Media: Discussion on how social media has empowered women to share their health experiences, creating a collective voice that challenges the silence around women's health issues.

00:17:06 – Gender Equality in Healthcare: Sally highlights the broader implications of addressing women's health, noting that improving women's participation in the workforce benefits society as a whole.

00:21:19 – Empowering Patients with Knowledge: Sally underscores the significance of educating patients about their health conditions, which can be more impactful than medication alone.

00:24:06 – Pioneering Change: Sally recounts a moment with a patient suffering from PMDD, illustrating the importance of recognizing and discussing under-researched conditions in women's health.

00:31:00 – The Concept of Bikini Medicine: Sally explains how women's healthcare has historically focused too narrowly on reproductive health, neglecting other critical aspects of women's health.

00:34:09 – Personal and Professional Goals: Sally expresses her desire to integrate data science into her work to better understand and advocate for women's health issues on a larger scale.

Key Takeaways

“Listening is the most healing thing I can do in clinic.” – Sally Doust

“Women often feel dismissed and unheard in healthcare settings.” – Sally Doust

“Empowering patients with knowledge is a powerful therapeutic tool.” – Sally Doust

“Collective voices can challenge the silence around women's health issues.” – Sally Doust

Connect with Dr. Sally Doust 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-doust-7b0419aa/?originalSubdomain=uk 

 

Connect with Raquel Ark:

• https://listeningalchemy.com/ 

• Mobile: + 491732340722

• [e-mail]

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• LinkedIn: Raquel Ark