Doctoring While Female

Kolleen Cannon Dougherty

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Medicine is a man’s world—but even small steps create monumental change.

“Blondilocks.” Dr. Kolleen Dougherty accepted the nickname used by her male counterparts for years. But decades later, the dismissive comments, denied advancement, and lack of equal resources had taken their toll: she was ready to stand against misogyny and marginalization in medicine.

In Doctoring While Female, Dr. Dougherty shares her story and exposes the medical field for its discriminatory practices. An anesthesiologist and critical care intensivist, Dr. Dougherty reveals what it’s like to work alongside powerful men in a high-stakes environment created by men, for men. This is a story about reclaiming power and relearning purpose. It’s about eliminating double standards and empowering women to pursue their dreams. An invaluable perspective on gender inequity in the workforce, Doctoring While Female is a testament to how injustice is fought, one step at a time.

Press & Praise

Julie Roginsky & Gretchen Carlson, co-founders of Lift Our Voices.

"Doctoring While Female is a must-read for all women entering the workforce. Dr. Dougherty shares the real-life stories she faced as a female physician-similar to what many other women face at work. The invaluable lessons learned after two decades of practicing medicine in a world of mansplaining, interruptions, and being bypassed by less experienced men for promotions are relatable, and her advice on how to move through it, despite these hurdles, provide insightful and actionable advice for readers."

Jenny Thompson, MD, pediatric anesthesiologist and twelve-time Olympic medalist.

"Dr. Dougherty, through her candid sharing of her life story, brings the reader into the medical world and what it is like behind the closed doors of academic medicine. Vying for promotions and nonclinical time allocation, attending meetings, professional peer reviews, and even what shoes one picks can be fodder for comment by the male majority. Filled with timely statistics on what it means to work in male-dominated American careers, Dr. Dougherty uses her life as an example to bring these damning statistics to life. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Dougherty as a mentor for the seven years I practiced anesthesia with her."

Tiffany Moon, MD, FASA, author, Real Housewives of Dallas castmember, and CEO and founder of LeadHerSummit.

"Doctoring While Female is part memoir, part wake-up call. Dr. Dougherty takes you behind the scenes of academic medicine and shows what it's really like to be a woman in a male-dominated world. It's raw, smart, and unflinchingly honest. Whether you're a fan of Grey's Anatomy, a working mom, raising children, or just want a powerful read-you'll be entertained, enraged, and deeply moved. She doesn't just tell her story-she gives women real tools to navigate the workplace minefield. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about equity and change in the workplace."

Kolleen Cannon Dougherty, MD, FASA is a Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons graduate and Harvard trained, double- board certified physician in anesthesiology and critical care medicine. She’s practiced for over two decades at a Level 1 trauma center in New England, where she trained residents and medical students and cared for patients. Dr. Dougherty is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Anesthesia Subcommittee on Women. She is also a certified Professional Coach and Life Coach. Dr. Dougherty and her husband of twenty-five years have four amazing children, two loyal poodles, and a newly-acquired cat who wandered into their lives one night.

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