A review by angelais
Doing Harm: The Truth about How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick by Maya Dusenbery

4.0

Infuriating, thorough, and at times dense and repetitive, Doing Harm is an account of women's marginalization in medicine. As I read, I often found myself nodding along in recognition or shaking my head in disgust. From basic biological research, to diagnostic test development, to correct diagnosis, to the treatment of pain, sexism pervades all aspects of medicine. Ladies and non-binary people, read this book and keep it in mind the next time you visit the doctor's office. If the diagnosis feels rushed or wrong, you can push back or insist on a second opinion! Better yet, medical professionals, read this book to identify any gender biases you may have and to understand the many experiences of dismissal, disrespect, and inappropriate medical treatment most female patients bring to your office.
I wish Dusenberry covered mental illness as more than just a catchall explanation for women's puzzling or underexplored symptoms, but this book is otherwise a worthwhile and intriguing read.