Reclaim the Bench

Reclaim the Bench

We aim to amplify the voices and experiences of individuals and communities throughout history to the current day who have been historically excluded, marginalized, oppressed, and exploited in the fields of science and medicine. This encompasses a focus on “unsung heroes” from underrepresented groups who have made major, oft-unrecognized contributions to their fields; examples of exploitation or exclusion of communities of people in the pursuit of medical advancement; and the struggles and triumphs encountered today by members of such groups. We believe it is essential to understand the exclusionary legacy of medical science and patient care in order to move toward a more inclusive, and ultimately more successful, laboratory bench.

Episodes

August 5, 2021 13 mins

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!

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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)

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December 6, 2020 57 mins

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 fr...

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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.

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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

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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.

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Perseverance personified: Life and legacy of Late Nobel Laureate Rita-Levi Montalcini. We discuss the experience, struggles, awards and controversies surrounding her life.

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October 24, 2020 1 min

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


Releasing October 25

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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 ove...

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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'. 

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September 13, 2020 9 mins

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

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September 13, 2020 66 mins

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 wo...

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September 12, 2020 54 secs

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.

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