In this season finale, we explore the concept of The Male Gaze, which was originally a feminist theory that examined how media and culture depicted women through a heterosexual male lens. We discuss The Male Gaze's origins in film theory, its expansion into everyday life, and how it influences everything from fashion and advertising to behavior in public, professional, and intimate spaces. We also touch on internalized male gaze, early sexualization, and evolving perspectives like the female and...
May 30, 2025•33 min
In this episode, Alesha and Charlotte launch a new mini-series on advocacy by exploring the historic Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut (1965). They trace the roots of the restrictive Comstock laws, which criminalized birth control, and advocates of reproductive rights opening a birth control clinic in open defiance of state law, leading to a groundbreaking decision. The hosts also reflect on how this decision reshaped women’s access to education, careers, and bodily autonomy, and discus...
May 01, 2025•24 min
In part two of our preeclampsia series, we explore how this condition shows up in the public eye—from Tori Bowie’s heartbreaking story to the complicated pregnancies of Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé. We also look at how shows like Black-ish and Downton Abbey portray it—and what those storylines get right (and wrong). Plus, we bust some of the most common myths still floating around about preeclampsia. Be sure to check it out! Join the From Skirts To Scrubs community and meet us at the intersection ...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min
This week, we journey through history to explore pre-eclampsia, a common yet mysterious pregnancy complication. We dive into the root of this history from ancient Egypt, where early medical texts hinted at seizures during pregnancy, to ancient Greece, where the term "eclampsia" was coined. Then we discuss the misconceptions and treatments of pre-eclampsia throughout the centuries, including the use of bloodletting and the rise of the term "toxemia." We end with highlighting key discoveries in th...
Mar 25, 2025•29 min
Ina May Gaskin, the "mother of modern midwifery," revolutionized childbirth with her advocacy for natural birth and low-intervention techniques. From a traumatic hospital birth to founding a midwifery center, her journey reshaped the home birth movement. We explore her impact, the Gaskin maneuver, and the complexities of her commune known as, "The Farm." Plus, we discuss the home birth movement today and how it fits into modern obstetrics. Tune in for a deep dive into her fascinating life and le...
Mar 11, 2025•41 min
In this episode, we discuss the serious issue of birth trauma, aka PTSD related to pregnancy and childbirth. Birth trauma affects ⅓ birthing patients, which is way too high for our liking. Join us as we discuss common birth complications, medical mistreatment, and the unique challenges faced by women of color that contribute to birth trauma. Additionally, we review trauma-informed care on labor and delivery and share how we strive as OBGYN residents to provide better care every day. Join the Fro...
Feb 18, 2025•39 min
Ever wonder why blood type matters in pregnancy? Turns out, it’s a wild story of medical breakthroughs, unexpected discoveries, and even a connection to a maximum-security prison. In this episode, we break down Rh disease—why it happens, how doctors figured out a way to prevent it, and why millions of people around the world still don’t have access to this simple life-saving treatment. It’s a mix of science, history, and a little bit of “wait… seriously?!” moments. Tune in for a chat you won’t w...
Feb 04, 2025•28 min
Would you consider yourself a fiery person? Grounded? Dynamic? Maybe a combination of the three? If you looked at your health from the perspective of Ayurvedic medicine, it would probably be some combination of the three with one aspect being dominant. And this combination would be unique to you! But it would also have an impact on the way you receive medical care. Join us this week as we discuss the practice of Ayurveda, a form of medicine that originates in the Indian subcontinent and is still...
Jan 21, 2025•48 min
In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood and a key figure in the fight for birth control access. While Sanger’s work empowered women to take control of their reproductive health, her legacy is complicated by her involvement with the eugenics movement. We dive into her early life, her advocacy for family planning, and the ethical questions surrounding her efforts. Join us for a thought-provoking look at how Sanger's impact still resonates i...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min
Are you in medicine or know someone who is? Because if so, they probably went through residency and more likely than not it was… intense. In this episode, we dig into the surprising and complex history of medical residency. From William Osler’s pioneering days to Halsted’s unforgiving pyramidal model, we trace how medical training evolved through wartime shifts, the creation of the Match, and critical reforms sparked by tragedy. Join us as we uncover how the past shapes today’s residency and the...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr
In this episode, we dive into the science and history behind labor, the intense process that leads up to childbirth. We break down how labor works—explaining painful contractions, cervical dilation, and the role of the uterus and cervix in bringing a baby into the world. We also dive into the history, exploring how laboring practices have evolved, from ancient birthing stools to the controversial “twilight sleep” of the 1800s. Along the way, we touch on real labor experiences, common concerns li...
Dec 10, 2024•49 min
Let’s talk about sex, baby! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and often complex world of human sexuality by exploring the evolution of the sexual response cycle. From Freud’s early psychoanalytic theories to Masters and Johnson’s groundbreaking physiological studies and beyond to modern models, we trace the history of how sex has been studied, categorized, and understood. We also examine the balance between understanding sexuality through a medical lens and the potential pitfalls of ...
Nov 26, 2024•44 min
Hi everyone!! We are so excited to be back for Season 6. To kick off the season, we wanted to reflect on the first chunk of intern year as OBGYNs, answer question's from amazing listeners asked on our insta stories, and tell stories about life in residency! Tune in to hang out with us! Join the From Skirts To Scrubs community and meet us at the intersection of feminism, medicine, and history! Follow us on socials: Instagram: @fromskirtstoscrubs Facebook: @fromskirtstoscrubs TikTok: @fromskirtsto...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min
In this episode, we dive into the history of human dissection, kinda EW I know but bare with us! From the meticulous practices of ancient Egyptian mummification to the controversial role of dissection in medieval Italy, we uncover how these traditions shaped our understanding of anatomy and how women were involved in this process as well. Join us as we delve into the evolution of medical education, from secretive domestic autopsies to public dissections in anatomy theaters, highlighting the ethi...
Jul 16, 2024•36 min
We are throwing it back this week to one of our OG episodes! This story still blows us away and whether you are die-hard FSTS fan or just joining us, enjoy this episode on Henrietta Lacks and the 'HeLa' cells from our archives! 'Have you ever had someone take something from you without asking? Bet it was pretty annoying huh? Now, have you ever had anyone take cells from your cervix without your consent? Probably not. But Henrietta Lacks has. In 1951, Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer,...
Jul 02, 2024•52 min
In this episode, we explore a decision faced by many pregnant people: choosing between having another C-section or attempting a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Many opt for another C-section because its more commonly discussed and well-known, but the VBAC offers several benefits like quicker recovery and lower infection risk. The concept of VBAC emerged in the 1920s, and gained more popularity over time. But its history is more than meets the eye! Join us in this episode as we dive more int...
Jun 18, 2024•33 min
We thought we'd take a break from some of our ~heavier~ content and bring back one of our favorite (and one of our funniest) episodes. Here's The Classical Woman: Ancient Theories of Female Anatomy! In a time when most anatomy theories were based on animals, not humans, it's not surprising that ancient physicians may have gotten a fact or two wrong. But it is truly impressive how a single theory can incorrectly span the entire female anatomy. Gotta respect the hustle I guess. In this episode we ...
Jun 04, 2024•55 min
Join us this week to discuss a crucial yet often-overlooked topic: the impact of climate change on pregnant individuals! Delve into the history of climate change awareness, understand its far-reaching effects on our planet, and discover the specific health risks it poses to expectant mothers. We walk through increased risks of heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, food insecurity, and air pollution, and how these challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities. We hope this ...
May 21, 2024•37 min
Have you ever heard of Scalp Cooling? In this episode, we sit down with Madison Novice, co-founder of Cap and Conquer, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about Cold Cap Therapy. Maddie joins us to delve into the nuanced topic of body image in the context of cancer treatment. From the diverse impacts of surgeries to common fears about chemotherapy-induced alopecia, we get to hear from someone about her personal and professional experiences with Cold Cap Therapy and what drives her passion...
May 07, 2024•37 min
Embark on a captivating journey through the history of fertility and infertility! Explore ancient beliefs, goddess worship, and the evolution of medical practices surrounding conception. Discover how societies revered reproduction, from Earth symbolism to worship of goddesses like Bastet and Brigid. Learn how healers like Hippocrates treated infertility with purging and dietary adjustments. Reflect on the laws around modern treatments like IVF and their impact on individuals and couples. Join us...
Apr 23, 2024•45 min
What do you know about the Apgar score? Dr. Virginia Apgar, a trailblazing figure in medicine, was a game-changer in neonatal care. From her early days growing up in New Jersey to becoming a leading obstetric anesthesiologist, Virginia’s life was nothing short of impactful. Her innovative approach during deliveries led to the development of the Apgar Score, transforming how newborn health is assessed worldwide. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of this remarkable woman who revolutionized...
Apr 09, 2024•37 min
From a cute little cartoon uterus to the intricate details of surgical techniques, let's embark on a journey through the captivating world of hysterectomies! Learn about the various types of hysterectomy procedures and their historical significance. Discover how pioneering physicians like Soranus of Ephesus and Charles Clay paved the way for modern gynecological surgeries, overcoming challenges and refining techniques along the way. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of hysterectomy history...
Mar 26, 2024•44 min
In our fifth season kickoff, we're reflecting on our podcast journey and revamping our format with shorter episodes and more frequent Feminist Corner discussions. We're starting with a dive into the history of feminism, from its origins in the 1880s to the waves that shaped its evolution. We'll explore key moments like the Seneca Falls Convention, the rise of womanism, and the emergence of intersectionality in third-wave feminism. Join us as we unpack the diverse subtypes of feminism and challen...
Mar 12, 2024•43 min
Asylums always bring up images of horror. Whether in pop culture or fall haunted attractions, the stories around asylums are never good. Asylums were created as places to care for the mentally ill, but eventually turned into institutions that took advantage of a vulnerable population AND found ways to punish women for being too ambitious or independent. Join us this week to explore the history of asylums, the good and the bad, and how women were impacted by these psychiatric hospitals from their...
Oct 31, 2023•51 min
Imagine a little kid at school sitting on a rug playing with wooden building blocks to learn math, reading during "circle time" with their friends, sharing with their parents all the things they learned in school that day. That was the vision that Maria Montessori had when she started teaching young children through her education program. But did you know that before she was a teacher, Maria Montessori was a physician? Join us this episode as we follow Maria from the Italian countryside to the a...
Oct 17, 2023•49 min
Cervical cancer is not like other cancers. This cancer is special because it is caused by the virus HPV. Not only that but there are multiple prevention methods in place to help lower women’s risk of developing this cancer!! But despite that, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women today. Join us this week to learn about the history of cervical cancer, the discovery of the pap smear, and how we are fighting HPV today! Feminist Corner: How can we change the conversation around se...
Oct 03, 2023•44 min
Is shaving a regular part of your shower routine? Or maybe you wax, pluck, sugar, laser or just let it grow out! Regardless of what your relationship is with body hair, we’ve all got it and that means you’ve likely thought about whether or not you want to do something about it. This episode, we delve into the history of body hair removal, covering pre-historic humans using shells to cut their hair to the invention of the women’s razor and beyond. Then we explore implications in our world today! ...
Sep 19, 2023•41 min
TikTok is full of trends, including eating your placenta or having a lotus birth. But is this a trend that has existed throughout human history? The placenta is a highly unique organ that humans have been fascinated with for centuries. From Pharaohs carrying their placentas into battle to hanging placentae in trees, there is a wide range of cultural beliefs and traditions surrounding this organ. Join us in this episode to discover the world of the placenta and talk about the health risks of thes...
Sep 05, 2023•54 min
You’ve probably heard of seizures, maybe even seen or experienced them in real life. But have you heard of PNES? Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) are seizure-like events that occur due to psychological triggers. They are very distressing, especially for the folks experiencing them, and are sometimes elusive for medical providers to uncover. Join us this episode as we unpack the mystery of these seizure lookalikes and how they impact the lives of women, in particular! Join the From Skirts...
Aug 22, 2023•27 min
A pain that is constant, burning, stabbing, aching, crawling. You name it and it might describe it. The pain is mysterious to both the patient and the provider. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by specific tender areas in the body and is WAY more common in women than men. Join us in this episode to learn more about this disorder and what this means for people with this disorder today! Join the From Skirts To Scrubs community and meet us at the intersection of feminism, medi...
Aug 08, 2023•25 min
