Reclaim the Bench

An update for the long awaited season 2! There is no excuse for this one - except for our busy life in research and Jai (the person writing this description) simply forgetting to upload on time. In this mini episode Jamal and Megan will tell you how we are changing the structure of the show from here on out. Get ready to be informed!

Come along with us as we explore the life of the amazing Dr Vivian Thomas; his humble beginnings and how his techniques are still being still being used in heart surgeries for Infant Methemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome)

In 1967, a group of 26 men from Pittsburgh’s struggling Hill District patrolled the streets in an unprecedented way. They were Black men with Afros and uniforms that read Freedom House Paramedics , trained in advanced pre-hospital medical procedures never seen before. The Freedom House story is both fascinating and tragic. This group was the first intensively trained paramedics in the country, and they were made up of individuals from a poor resource-deprived community. Sadly, their contributions have been largely forgotten. In this episode, we highlight the Freedom House Paramedics, a pioneering medical group that was the first of its kind.

Continuing on our theme of inspiring people, let us introduce you to Dr Dorothy Brown, the first black woman to become a surgeon in the deep south of the United States of America. Be inspired by her story of perseverance and listen to Megan and Jamal be dazzled in her resolve to never back down, no matter how they would try to oppress her.

We had the unbelievable opportunity to have a chat with famous author and educator Harriet A. Washington about her upcoming book - Carte Blanche: The Erosion of Medical Consent

In the 19th Century, a plantation physician named James Marion Sims is said to have revolutionized the medical discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As such, Sims has been proclaimed the "Father of Modern Gynecology", and idolized for over one hundred years by numerous statues erected in his honor. However, this depiction only highlights one side of the story. Listen as we uncover the true cost of Sims' pioneering work in the field, through the painful and humiliating exploitation of enslaved African-American women, and learn how this legacy affects the health of Black women in the US today.

We had this amazing opportunity to talk to Dr Lisa Nicholas (specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology) from UCLA. She provided a lot of insight in the present field of gynecology and its murky origination.

Trailer for episode 4 where we explore the amazing life of late Dr Rita Levi-Montalcini Releasing October 25

In this week's episode we cover the work of Dr. Charles Drew, a physician-scientist who pioneered the blood banking system almost 80 years ago which is still being used today. Although Drew had much success throughout his career, ranging from research, surgery, teaching, and administration, his career path was riddled with racial barriers. However, Drew's fortitude and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. Drew's work has left behind a lasting legacy, and in this episode, we will highlight both his scientific and personal contributions.

Listen to Megan and Jamal make the case for Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the 1st Black woman to earn a medical degree in the US, to be considered the 'Mother of Gynecology'.

Jamal and Megan, our co-hosts introduce themselves, our podcast, what our podcast's name signifies and delve into what we are all about.

Please tune in on September 13th 10 AM (EDT) for Episode 1 "Did the End Justify the Means" Megan and Jamal look back at the controversial actions of the so-called "father" of modern gynecology and discuss how deep of an impact systemic racism has had in science and medicine.