From Skirts To Scrubs

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...

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...

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...

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 b...

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...

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 u...

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. Jo...

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...

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 understandin...

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!

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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 au...

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 no...

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 ...

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 ...

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 chall...

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 pro...

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 t...

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 explor...

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...