Doc McStuffins: Seeing Herself in Me
A little girl in my office asked to be my helper and said, 'I want to be a real Doc McStuffins.' Why representation in medicine matters.
There are some moments that make you reflect and appreciate the reason why you chose your career or vocation.
I was evaluating someone in my office and she had her daughter with her. I looked at this girl and was transported back in time to my childhood. She looked like me as a child, and she looked right at me. Her smile was so big.
She looked fascinated as I spoke, and when I performed my musculoskeletal exam, she asked if she could be my little helper.
I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and immediately she said, 'I want to be a doctor, a real Doc McStuffins. I want to be like you.' (Doc McStuffins is a Disney cartoon character, a doctor who treats her stuffed animals. I have watched several episodes and I'm so happy that Disney created this character for young girls, especially girls from minority backgrounds.)
I felt touched and told her that she would have to study very hard, but she could do it and take care of people.
Minority female physicians make up about 2% of the physician population. I didn't grow up seeing many minority female physicians, and I know it's an honor to show young girls that we are out there to help them realize their dreams.
The girl asked me what kind of doctor I was. For those who don't know: I am a rheumatologist, a specialist who focuses on the education, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal and immune systems. I take care of individuals who may have arthritis, bone disease like osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases like lupus, and other conditions like tendonitis and bursitis.
You never know… maybe that little girl saw herself reflected in me and will become the next generation of Doc McStuffins. 💜
Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD