As a veteran I can attest to the fact that the women I served with were more reliable than the men. You forgot to mention how men have a tendency to "over indulge" at the feast, drink a little too much so they can't perform so well on the hunt the next day. When I was in, our biggest problem was men and their drinking problems, and how it was overlooked. It was not the women and their physical abilities. Men might be stronger but the women seem to have a stronger will power not to get obliterated the night before an event.
David I salute you and this comment, thank you. I had not thought of that, but on the heels of my other post about alcohol it really adds to the discussion.
On the eve of a battle historically I can absolutely see why soldiers would turn to alcohol to calm the nerves and soothe dread, fear, and impending death. Horrible stuff.
I would say that the women in my family tree have left an indelible imprint of strength and character, and like most men who are being honest, I easily concede that they are the superior sex in many ways ;)
Fascinating piece. And, good to see your words, Doctor. Feeling pretty demoralized over here with the federal health agency communication blackout, having my update meetings on important topics all canceled. We in state and local health are feeling the burden of increased responsibility, but we are improvising, capturing resources (before they disappear), and doing our best.
Thank you for your service, too, Sistr. There are so many fine people, career experts with irreplaceable talents and knowledge, simply being shown the door because of a sick ideology of obeisance to central command. The incompetence that will follow by putting incompetent people in important positions is built in.
It is also interesting ignoring the history of women in warfare. From Brave search. Women Warriors in History
Throughout history, there have been numerous women who served as warriors, leading armies and engaging in battles. Here are some notable examples:
Fu Hao: A Shang Dynasty general who lived around 1200 B.C. She was a military commander and directed troops and led campaigns. Her tomb contained over 100 weapons, indicating her significant role in military affairs.
Queen Amanirenas: Ruler of the Kingdom of Kush from 40 B.C. to 10 B.C., located in modern-day Sudan. She launched a surprise attack on the Romans when they attempted to invade her territory.
Boudicca: Queen of the Iceni tribe in Britain, who led a rebellion against Roman rule around 60-61 A.D. She fought to avenge the rapes of her daughters and the injustices suffered by her people.
Ching Shih: A prominent pirate in China during the early 19th century. She commanded over 300 junks crewed by 20,000 to 40,000 pirates, challenging empires such as the British, Portuguese, and the Qing dynasty.
Lakshmi Bai: Rani of Jhansi, who was a significant military leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. She is remembered for her bravery and military prowess.
Dahomey Amazons: An all-female military regiment in the Kingdom of Dahomey (now present-day Benin). They were known for their bravery and fierce fighting skills, often cooperating with European colonialists for strategic advantages.
Joan of Arc: A French peasant girl who led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War. She was captured and executed for heresy but is remembered as a national heroine and saint.
These women, among others, demonstrate the significant roles women have played as warriors throughout history.
Fragile masculinity indeed. Discarding qualified, capable assets due to bruised egos. There's a fool in charge of DOD now, supported by even bigger fools.
KB this is great, thank you. I debated including some historical accounts of military women and historical figures but tried to keep to the word count down, and steer this back to primary care somehow! But your comment adds depth and more importantly the power of story. Long live the green warriors, soon perish the fragile masculinity.
I appreciate the scope of your knowledge base and curiosity which leads to well-informed and thoughtful pieces like this. Thank you for compiling info we can turn into advocacy.
Watching elite athletes, it's easy to see that all people fall into a vast range of characteristics, by training and by physiology. We can be open to the common sense truth that some men and some women and some trans folks are equipped and prepared to be excellent members of the military.
And of course, we need to believe women. Whether they're a patient or a recruit, when a person tells you their lived experience, take them at their word. Be watchful for one's own implicit biases and believe a person's self testimony.
Great words to live by, Dar. Thank you for sharing them. The wild world of human variation and talent cannot easily be reduced to binary abilities, yes's and no's. A really banal example I think of often is my college basketball (intramural) team at Rutgers. Our starting 5 were 4 males over 6 foot, one of whom was a football player... but our point guard was female. She ran the show and was usually our leading scorer. Much better three point shooter than all of us, too. As far as sports and competition are distant echoes of armies and battles, maybe this illustrates that we are often stronger in ways that bely just physical strength. She absolutely had better endurance than all of us, too I might add.
Thanks to the Vetran Service Members and their dedication to serving our country, their life threatining experiences and justified opinions.
And thank you Dr. McCormick for the newsletter and it's normally uplifting, spiritually enriching, and informative health and well being news, with heart warming anecdotal stories; always presented in wonderful verse and prose.
I would like to delicately point out that based on the election results, more than half of your readers maintain a slightly different political viewpoint and you risk alienating them as readers as well as patients. The last two Examined publications have featured rather ominous foreboding of problems you perceive with the current administration. Yet I don't remember one expressing outrage or concerns over NC Hurricane victims still without relief four months after the event, or any problem with the outgoing Executive pardoning his family (why did they need pardons?), or objection over the permission for Ukraine to use long range missiles against Russia in the face of a threat for nuclear retaliation, or another destructive set of fires in CA just 6 years after everyone agreed they should engage in prompt and strategic forest management, or any angst about millions of people from all over the world, pouring through our Southern and Northern Borders
... it goes on.
Perhaps this forum should remain as an impartial escape for your subscribers who are looking for answers, guidance and wisdom about their health and well being.
I have many friends and acquaintances on both sides of the political spectrum and see validity in much of both sides of belief. I also know that people are influenced by the news they consume which often has a bias and a narrative that confirms what their side wants to portray.
I do know that anything that makes America stronger, more economically viable and able to help our own people as well as the rest of the world is something from which we will all will benefit
Hi Robert, many thanks for this measured and well written comment! I'll take your advice to heart. I can't comment on all the specific issues you mentioned, as I agree some are outside my lane with this primary care writing project. But the war on science, and the pandemic revisionism on display is real, and it's not coming from the progressive political world. https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/24/trump-restrictions-dei-communications-health-and-science-agencies-nih-cdc-fda/
"In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $1.2 billion in assistance for communities. This includes $746 million in assistance for individuals and families, along with more than $524 million for debris removal and efforts to protect public health and safety. As ongoing response efforts continue in western North Carolina, FEMA has approved over $130 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 89,500 households.
FEMA has spent approximately $4.3 billion on Hurricane Helene response and recovery. This number not only includes direct assistance to survivors and communities, but also encompasses broader response and recovery efforts such as mission assignments for Urban Search and Rescue and Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal, as well as Disaster Recovery Center set up and maintenance.
Currently, FEMA has deployed more than 4,900 personnel to the affected areas, contributing to a total of over 7,035 federal responders who are working together to support state and local governments in their recovery efforts. FEMA personnel on the ground are actively coordinating with local officials, conducting damage assessments, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. To support response and recovery efforts, FEMA delivered over 12.6 million meals, and 13.2 million liters of water to states impacted by Helene.
More than 8,400 families, effect by Helene, have checked into FEMA provided hotels, allowing them a safe and warm place to stay while they recover. Shelter numbers remain steady, with 11 shelters housing just over 470 occupants."
You probably heard that while visiting California this week, President Trump announced he wants to get rid of FEMA.
From my perspective the pardons were necessary because people like Fauci, Milley, and Cheney were sure to be taken down for purely political reasons despite their service and integrity.
You will also recall that the bipartisan border legislation, very much shaped by a republican border hawk, was still politically undermined by candidate Trump. Ironically border crossings were at a low towards the end of the year anyway:
If I am the only voice you read that is contrary to your usual sources of information, then I thank you immensely for listening. Please know that the science community and the public health community are truly being undermined, and so I plan to speak up when I can against the most egregious stuff. If at any time I have offended you without proper reference and citations (which I especially try hard to do when reviewing medical stuff) please allow me to refund your upgraded support, no hard feelings.
I appreciate this dialogue as well. It states facts I can share with people I know who believe the government refused help and there was no FEMA response.
While I enjoyed and appreciated your article, and found the general premise interesting/enlightening, I take issue with you’re reference from Dr Jen Gunter’s analysis of the WHI study indicating that MHT should not be used to support disease prevention. (I think that’s what you were agreeing with? I may have misunderstood.) I am taking HRT, and intend to continue taking it, indefinitely, for it’s protective benefits for the heart, bones, and brain in particular. I am supported by my provider (who is certified by The North American Menopause Society(NAMS). I found these 2 podcasts very informative, and also read the books by both of the guests on these shows. You (and your readers)might find them interesting, or maybe you’re already familiar. I’d be interested in your take/ insights, if you’ve looked into the full picture here, as well as more on this topic!
Thank you Nancy! I included a link to Dr. Gunter's post as a pretty quick shorthand reference, as veering into the topic of HRT/MHT threatened to really derail this post... as this subject by itself could spawn an entire library of research! But you make very good points, and I have also read most of Peter Attia's book Outlive, though not this article. I will see if I can find a way to read soon. In general Gunter's take on things is a good combination of nuance and personal experience, with a skeptical eye on unproven claims. I'll also go back and read some of her recent stuff as she has been focusing on HRT/MHT of late. Just too many sources and too many words for one brain.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing these links!
You’re welcome! The books I read, and got a lot out of were: Estrogen Matters by Carol Tavris PhD and Avrum Bluming MD, and How To Navigate Menopause by Mary Claire Haver MD, in case anyone is interested.
Estrogen Matters goes deep on how the WHI study was flawed, but also fully turns over HRT, and references many studies.
I enjoyed the part of the Newsletter about women hunters and soldiers. I am in full agreement that women are the stronger sex (mentally if not physically). Without their love, strength and determination, most children would never survive to adulthood. They are the drivers of comm9n sense and family unity, and are deserving of equal respect and participation in all aspects of life.
My daughter is a hunter as well as strong willed and smart and can do anything a man can.
I don't know much about Pete Hegseth, nor am i vouching for his character, but do know that these allegations pop up every ectoon cycle about nominees both good and bad. We may be coming to a point where there are no more Saints available for public office. Everyone seems like they are guilty of some past transgression, but they have to be able to evolve into better human beings and learn from their mistakes.
Hi Robert, I share your deep respect to the point of reverence for the women in my family, and I think rebuilding trust and common ground between our deeply divided country all starts with shared values and shared experiences. Very cool that your daughter "is a hunter as well as strong willed and smart and can do anything a man can." I'm sure you had no small part in helping to raise her to be this way. I aspire to the same with my daughter.
And though the swamp is full of swamp creatures, I do think there are lots of public servants with incredible integrity and life stories left. We just let the ugly political discourse trash them all, and bring them down to the level of the other grifters, liars, and felons on both sides, right?
While stationed at Walter Reed in the '80's, my TOP needed someone from USAIDR to represent in the wrist wrestling tournament. Out of all the soldiers, they asked me. As the only female, snickers and grins were plentiful until I won in two weight classes. And I have the plaque to prove it.
Capable? Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Great piece, doc! In addition to the feminist in me loving and appreciating this and you, I simply learned a lot (as I often do when I come to your newsletter). The idea that research and training exercises should be tailored specifically to women and their needs/strengths can’t be emphasized enough for my liking.
Thanks Amy! I always feel conflicted when getting credit for being a feminist (whatever that word means, to me it means a social, political, and economic movement advocating for women's rights and equality between all genders in society). That should be the default assumption all around the world by 2025.
I thought this idea re: research and training exercises from the SciAm authors was striking, too! I feel ignorant hashing the details out further, and I think that's the point.
You’re absolutely right - societies fare better when women are treated with respect and equality. You’d think by 2025, this would not be rocket science!
I really appreciate this article and believe Pete Hegseth should see women have always had indelible strength and power they are the superior sex in many ways.
Thank you Delores. It would be so nice to move beyond the battle of the sexes, which seems so tired and full of fallacies. The truth is that women bear a tremendous burden, made heavier by the biology and expectation of reproduction... but we should all support and glorify the good service and miracles of one another's time here.
Thank you! There was much I did not know either. I've been wanting to highlight this SciAm article for over a year, but last night's confirmation was the trigger. A bit of a dance to tie it all together. 💪👩
Dr. McCormick, I knew you would have a well informed response, thank you for that.
My point, which you realized, is that beginning Examined with a political perspective can cause those with a different viewpoint to turn off and miss the worthwhile content in your newsletters.
The edition about the strength, capabilities and physiological advantages of women was extremely interesting and worth reading, but it's genesis was the potential nomination of an alleged misogynistic abusive man. I suppose current events are usually the catalyst for inspiration.
I have no interest in canceling my subscription and thereby remaining closed off from new information, and understand your drive to expose the assaults on Medicine and our Society.
We live in a world now, where local news is non-existent, and Nationsl news is selective and often slanted, and there is more going on than any one person can process. That gives additional value to your perspective, which I respect. It is your publication and earnest endeavor, so you shouldn't feel limited by others opinions.
It is a tightrope to navigate the real versus false and your outlook against another's with different experiences.
May we continue to learn everyday and appreciate views outside of our own, and always remember to not discuss politics with family during the Holidays.!
Thank you for this thoughtful follow up! If only people of goodwill could all talk like this. You are right and I will try to tone down any reactive frustration that I have with political stuff, because you are spot on, this only serves to close doors and create further reactive thoughts in others. Remind me when needed, as this is not easy.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend, and E, A, G, L, E, S! if you are a Philly fan, too. My first hope is that injuries are avoided, second hope is for a morale boost from watching elite athletes do their thing enroute to a Philly Superbowl appearance. Hard for me to watch as a clinician, but even harder to watch the real war zones and the real soldiers sacrificing so much.
As a veteran I can attest to the fact that the women I served with were more reliable than the men. You forgot to mention how men have a tendency to "over indulge" at the feast, drink a little too much so they can't perform so well on the hunt the next day. When I was in, our biggest problem was men and their drinking problems, and how it was overlooked. It was not the women and their physical abilities. Men might be stronger but the women seem to have a stronger will power not to get obliterated the night before an event.
David I salute you and this comment, thank you. I had not thought of that, but on the heels of my other post about alcohol it really adds to the discussion.
On the eve of a battle historically I can absolutely see why soldiers would turn to alcohol to calm the nerves and soothe dread, fear, and impending death. Horrible stuff.
I would say that the women in my family tree have left an indelible imprint of strength and character, and like most men who are being honest, I easily concede that they are the superior sex in many ways ;)
Fascinating piece. And, good to see your words, Doctor. Feeling pretty demoralized over here with the federal health agency communication blackout, having my update meetings on important topics all canceled. We in state and local health are feeling the burden of increased responsibility, but we are improvising, capturing resources (before they disappear), and doing our best.
Thank you! <3
Thank you for your service, too, Sistr. There are so many fine people, career experts with irreplaceable talents and knowledge, simply being shown the door because of a sick ideology of obeisance to central command. The incompetence that will follow by putting incompetent people in important positions is built in.
Thank you again.
Saving this one. Thank you.
It is also interesting ignoring the history of women in warfare. From Brave search. Women Warriors in History
Throughout history, there have been numerous women who served as warriors, leading armies and engaging in battles. Here are some notable examples:
Fu Hao: A Shang Dynasty general who lived around 1200 B.C. She was a military commander and directed troops and led campaigns. Her tomb contained over 100 weapons, indicating her significant role in military affairs.
Queen Amanirenas: Ruler of the Kingdom of Kush from 40 B.C. to 10 B.C., located in modern-day Sudan. She launched a surprise attack on the Romans when they attempted to invade her territory.
Boudicca: Queen of the Iceni tribe in Britain, who led a rebellion against Roman rule around 60-61 A.D. She fought to avenge the rapes of her daughters and the injustices suffered by her people.
Ching Shih: A prominent pirate in China during the early 19th century. She commanded over 300 junks crewed by 20,000 to 40,000 pirates, challenging empires such as the British, Portuguese, and the Qing dynasty.
Lakshmi Bai: Rani of Jhansi, who was a significant military leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. She is remembered for her bravery and military prowess.
Dahomey Amazons: An all-female military regiment in the Kingdom of Dahomey (now present-day Benin). They were known for their bravery and fierce fighting skills, often cooperating with European colonialists for strategic advantages.
Joan of Arc: A French peasant girl who led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War. She was captured and executed for heresy but is remembered as a national heroine and saint.
These women, among others, demonstrate the significant roles women have played as warriors throughout history.
Some of today's warriors are green warriors. https://greencitizen.com/news/these-women-warriors-are-protecting-the-amazon-forest/
This barely scratch the surface.What we are seeing id fragile masculinity on display.
Fragile masculinity indeed. Discarding qualified, capable assets due to bruised egos. There's a fool in charge of DOD now, supported by even bigger fools.
KB this is great, thank you. I debated including some historical accounts of military women and historical figures but tried to keep to the word count down, and steer this back to primary care somehow! But your comment adds depth and more importantly the power of story. Long live the green warriors, soon perish the fragile masculinity.
I appreciate the scope of your knowledge base and curiosity which leads to well-informed and thoughtful pieces like this. Thank you for compiling info we can turn into advocacy.
Watching elite athletes, it's easy to see that all people fall into a vast range of characteristics, by training and by physiology. We can be open to the common sense truth that some men and some women and some trans folks are equipped and prepared to be excellent members of the military.
And of course, we need to believe women. Whether they're a patient or a recruit, when a person tells you their lived experience, take them at their word. Be watchful for one's own implicit biases and believe a person's self testimony.
Thanks, doc, for your very good work.
Great words to live by, Dar. Thank you for sharing them. The wild world of human variation and talent cannot easily be reduced to binary abilities, yes's and no's. A really banal example I think of often is my college basketball (intramural) team at Rutgers. Our starting 5 were 4 males over 6 foot, one of whom was a football player... but our point guard was female. She ran the show and was usually our leading scorer. Much better three point shooter than all of us, too. As far as sports and competition are distant echoes of armies and battles, maybe this illustrates that we are often stronger in ways that bely just physical strength. She absolutely had better endurance than all of us, too I might add.
Thanks for stopping by :)
Thanks to the Vetran Service Members and their dedication to serving our country, their life threatining experiences and justified opinions.
And thank you Dr. McCormick for the newsletter and it's normally uplifting, spiritually enriching, and informative health and well being news, with heart warming anecdotal stories; always presented in wonderful verse and prose.
I would like to delicately point out that based on the election results, more than half of your readers maintain a slightly different political viewpoint and you risk alienating them as readers as well as patients. The last two Examined publications have featured rather ominous foreboding of problems you perceive with the current administration. Yet I don't remember one expressing outrage or concerns over NC Hurricane victims still without relief four months after the event, or any problem with the outgoing Executive pardoning his family (why did they need pardons?), or objection over the permission for Ukraine to use long range missiles against Russia in the face of a threat for nuclear retaliation, or another destructive set of fires in CA just 6 years after everyone agreed they should engage in prompt and strategic forest management, or any angst about millions of people from all over the world, pouring through our Southern and Northern Borders
... it goes on.
Perhaps this forum should remain as an impartial escape for your subscribers who are looking for answers, guidance and wisdom about their health and well being.
I have many friends and acquaintances on both sides of the political spectrum and see validity in much of both sides of belief. I also know that people are influenced by the news they consume which often has a bias and a narrative that confirms what their side wants to portray.
I do know that anything that makes America stronger, more economically viable and able to help our own people as well as the rest of the world is something from which we will all will benefit
Hi Robert, many thanks for this measured and well written comment! I'll take your advice to heart. I can't comment on all the specific issues you mentioned, as I agree some are outside my lane with this primary care writing project. But the war on science, and the pandemic revisionism on display is real, and it's not coming from the progressive political world. https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/24/trump-restrictions-dei-communications-health-and-science-agencies-nih-cdc-fda/
We could trade outrages all day, but I would point out that I don't know about NC. Here is what FEMA posted 3 months ago: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241021/biden-harris-administration-provides-billions-federal-assistance-helene
"In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $1.2 billion in assistance for communities. This includes $746 million in assistance for individuals and families, along with more than $524 million for debris removal and efforts to protect public health and safety. As ongoing response efforts continue in western North Carolina, FEMA has approved over $130 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 89,500 households.
FEMA has spent approximately $4.3 billion on Hurricane Helene response and recovery. This number not only includes direct assistance to survivors and communities, but also encompasses broader response and recovery efforts such as mission assignments for Urban Search and Rescue and Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal, as well as Disaster Recovery Center set up and maintenance.
Currently, FEMA has deployed more than 4,900 personnel to the affected areas, contributing to a total of over 7,035 federal responders who are working together to support state and local governments in their recovery efforts. FEMA personnel on the ground are actively coordinating with local officials, conducting damage assessments, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. To support response and recovery efforts, FEMA delivered over 12.6 million meals, and 13.2 million liters of water to states impacted by Helene.
More than 8,400 families, effect by Helene, have checked into FEMA provided hotels, allowing them a safe and warm place to stay while they recover. Shelter numbers remain steady, with 11 shelters housing just over 470 occupants."
You probably heard that while visiting California this week, President Trump announced he wants to get rid of FEMA.
From my perspective the pardons were necessary because people like Fauci, Milley, and Cheney were sure to be taken down for purely political reasons despite their service and integrity.
You will also recall that the bipartisan border legislation, very much shaped by a republican border hawk, was still politically undermined by candidate Trump. Ironically border crossings were at a low towards the end of the year anyway:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-mexico-border-migrant-crossings-reach-new-biden-era-low/
If I am the only voice you read that is contrary to your usual sources of information, then I thank you immensely for listening. Please know that the science community and the public health community are truly being undermined, and so I plan to speak up when I can against the most egregious stuff. If at any time I have offended you without proper reference and citations (which I especially try hard to do when reviewing medical stuff) please allow me to refund your upgraded support, no hard feelings.
Again, appreciate the dialogue, sincerely!
I appreciate this dialogue as well. It states facts I can share with people I know who believe the government refused help and there was no FEMA response.
While I enjoyed and appreciated your article, and found the general premise interesting/enlightening, I take issue with you’re reference from Dr Jen Gunter’s analysis of the WHI study indicating that MHT should not be used to support disease prevention. (I think that’s what you were agreeing with? I may have misunderstood.) I am taking HRT, and intend to continue taking it, indefinitely, for it’s protective benefits for the heart, bones, and brain in particular. I am supported by my provider (who is certified by The North American Menopause Society(NAMS). I found these 2 podcasts very informative, and also read the books by both of the guests on these shows. You (and your readers)might find them interesting, or maybe you’re already familiar. I’d be interested in your take/ insights, if you’ve looked into the full picture here, as well as more on this topic!
Thanks for your work!
https://peterattiamd.com/caroltavris-avrumbluming/
https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-mary-claire-haver-how-to-navigate-menopause-perimenopause-for-maximum-health-vitality
Thank you for these links
You’re welcome! Below in my reply to Dr McCormick are 2 very good books to check out as well.
Thank you Nancy! I included a link to Dr. Gunter's post as a pretty quick shorthand reference, as veering into the topic of HRT/MHT threatened to really derail this post... as this subject by itself could spawn an entire library of research! But you make very good points, and I have also read most of Peter Attia's book Outlive, though not this article. I will see if I can find a way to read soon. In general Gunter's take on things is a good combination of nuance and personal experience, with a skeptical eye on unproven claims. I'll also go back and read some of her recent stuff as she has been focusing on HRT/MHT of late. Just too many sources and too many words for one brain.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing these links!
You’re welcome! The books I read, and got a lot out of were: Estrogen Matters by Carol Tavris PhD and Avrum Bluming MD, and How To Navigate Menopause by Mary Claire Haver MD, in case anyone is interested.
Estrogen Matters goes deep on how the WHI study was flawed, but also fully turns over HRT, and references many studies.
P.S.
I enjoyed the part of the Newsletter about women hunters and soldiers. I am in full agreement that women are the stronger sex (mentally if not physically). Without their love, strength and determination, most children would never survive to adulthood. They are the drivers of comm9n sense and family unity, and are deserving of equal respect and participation in all aspects of life.
My daughter is a hunter as well as strong willed and smart and can do anything a man can.
I don't know much about Pete Hegseth, nor am i vouching for his character, but do know that these allegations pop up every ectoon cycle about nominees both good and bad. We may be coming to a point where there are no more Saints available for public office. Everyone seems like they are guilty of some past transgression, but they have to be able to evolve into better human beings and learn from their mistakes.
Hi Robert, I share your deep respect to the point of reverence for the women in my family, and I think rebuilding trust and common ground between our deeply divided country all starts with shared values and shared experiences. Very cool that your daughter "is a hunter as well as strong willed and smart and can do anything a man can." I'm sure you had no small part in helping to raise her to be this way. I aspire to the same with my daughter.
And though the swamp is full of swamp creatures, I do think there are lots of public servants with incredible integrity and life stories left. We just let the ugly political discourse trash them all, and bring them down to the level of the other grifters, liars, and felons on both sides, right?
Excellent piece, Doctor Ryan and it should be required reading for both genders.
Facts right in front for everyone to see.
While stationed at Walter Reed in the '80's, my TOP needed someone from USAIDR to represent in the wrist wrestling tournament. Out of all the soldiers, they asked me. As the only female, snickers and grins were plentiful until I won in two weight classes. And I have the plaque to prove it.
Capable? Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Chills down my arm reading this, which surely would have been broken in such a competition with you ;)
My mom could hold her own against my dad arm wrestling. I'm not even sure who won, it was such a good contest :)
Great piece, doc! In addition to the feminist in me loving and appreciating this and you, I simply learned a lot (as I often do when I come to your newsletter). The idea that research and training exercises should be tailored specifically to women and their needs/strengths can’t be emphasized enough for my liking.
Thanks Amy! I always feel conflicted when getting credit for being a feminist (whatever that word means, to me it means a social, political, and economic movement advocating for women's rights and equality between all genders in society). That should be the default assumption all around the world by 2025.
I thought this idea re: research and training exercises from the SciAm authors was striking, too! I feel ignorant hashing the details out further, and I think that's the point.
You’re absolutely right - societies fare better when women are treated with respect and equality. You’d think by 2025, this would not be rocket science!
I really appreciate this article and believe Pete Hegseth should see women have always had indelible strength and power they are the superior sex in many ways.
Thank you Delores. It would be so nice to move beyond the battle of the sexes, which seems so tired and full of fallacies. The truth is that women bear a tremendous burden, made heavier by the biology and expectation of reproduction... but we should all support and glorify the good service and miracles of one another's time here.
Well said, women are not just smaller men! There is a lot in this piece that I didn’t know, thanks for your excellent writing
Thank you! There was much I did not know either. I've been wanting to highlight this SciAm article for over a year, but last night's confirmation was the trigger. A bit of a dance to tie it all together. 💪👩
Dr. McCormick, I knew you would have a well informed response, thank you for that.
My point, which you realized, is that beginning Examined with a political perspective can cause those with a different viewpoint to turn off and miss the worthwhile content in your newsletters.
The edition about the strength, capabilities and physiological advantages of women was extremely interesting and worth reading, but it's genesis was the potential nomination of an alleged misogynistic abusive man. I suppose current events are usually the catalyst for inspiration.
I have no interest in canceling my subscription and thereby remaining closed off from new information, and understand your drive to expose the assaults on Medicine and our Society.
We live in a world now, where local news is non-existent, and Nationsl news is selective and often slanted, and there is more going on than any one person can process. That gives additional value to your perspective, which I respect. It is your publication and earnest endeavor, so you shouldn't feel limited by others opinions.
It is a tightrope to navigate the real versus false and your outlook against another's with different experiences.
May we continue to learn everyday and appreciate views outside of our own, and always remember to not discuss politics with family during the Holidays.!
Thank you for this thoughtful follow up! If only people of goodwill could all talk like this. You are right and I will try to tone down any reactive frustration that I have with political stuff, because you are spot on, this only serves to close doors and create further reactive thoughts in others. Remind me when needed, as this is not easy.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend, and E, A, G, L, E, S! if you are a Philly fan, too. My first hope is that injuries are avoided, second hope is for a morale boost from watching elite athletes do their thing enroute to a Philly Superbowl appearance. Hard for me to watch as a clinician, but even harder to watch the real war zones and the real soldiers sacrificing so much.
Take good care, Robert :)
~Ryan
Can I forward this? You are EXCELLENT!!!
Hi Sue, please forward at at will, thanks so much :)
GO E A G L E S absolutely! Now your talking about something we can all support!
And thanks for all your responses to reader's comments.
🦅🦅🦅 !!!