means the saving of the patient.
Q — Naturally. And has the American woman doctor a share in this research, or are the men doctors alone devoted to these scientific studies?
A — No; the enthusiasm of the American woman doctor, especially in her own fields, is no less than the man's. A large number of women doctors have in fact distinguished themselves in this research, devoting themselves to study and investigation. I recall two in particular: Dr. Macfarlane in Philadelphia, and Dr. Platt in Washington... These two have won world fame in this field.
Q — Yes, and I recall that last summer I read an article which said: the two things that most terrify the American woman at present are her sons' going off to the Korean war, and the disease of cancer. What truth is there in this statement, in view of your direct contact with the American woman?
A — This feeling of double terror did in fact prevail in all women's circles in America, and its cause is a natural one: the American woman, for all her national upbringing, was not convinced that it was right to send her sons to the front to die in a war that is not their war!! As for the second source of terror, I mean cancer, this is owing to the wide spread of this disease in recent years, and medicine's inability to cure it despite the extensive attempts made to that end...
Q — It is truly a subject of the utmost importance. And now let us pass to another question which comes from the very heart of our life, and in which there may be some benefit for the gracious lady listeners: what is your opinion, Dr. Abouchdid, of the pregnant woman among us, and of the pampering she exacts
of her husband and her household during the time of her cravings?
A — Pregnancy is a natural condition in woman, and the pregnant woman must not be treated as though she were a chronic invalid, removed from her ordinary life. As for the cravings, they remain one of the riddles of medicine — and it has been proved that not all women's cravings are a matter of coquetry and playing spoiled; certain cases of vomiting and dizziness have physiological causes, and can be greatly relieved at the doctor's direction...
Q — I do not think, Dr. Abouchdid — you who are known for generosity and good taste — I do not think you will begrudge us a few elementary counsels for the expectant mother — I mean important matters which we usually neglect to attend to?
A — The pregnant woman must make sure that her weight does not increase, over the whole period of pregnancy, by more than ten kilos, and that half this increase, naturally, comes in the last three months... I therefore call the attention of expectant mothers to consult their own doctor if their weight increases in the first three months by more than two kilos. In case of excess weight, the pregnant woman must abstain from eating salt, cut down her food, and take to walking in the open air, particularly in the last two months, so as to ease the delivery and to reduce the fat and the child's weight. And the pregnant woman must not delay in consulting her doctor at once if she feels a sharp headache, or a pain in the lower abdomen, the back, or the stomach, or if her vomiting grows severe.
Q — Perhaps, Doctor, I have kept you too long — forgive me — but this is my last question: do you advise girls to take up medicine as a profession?... Do you believe that the woman
doctor is better fitted to diagnose women's diseases than the man?
A — That is an embarrassing question, Mrs. Shayboub — but no matter, I have courage enough to answer it:
Q — Please do!
A — I sincerely believe that the doctor, however far he may go in specialization and skill, cannot reach the complicated psychology of woman, and connect it with her bodily and nervous symptoms, as the woman doctor understands it.
Q — That is the second half of the question, and one with which I personally agree. And now, what is your opinion of woman and medicine?...
A — As for woman's specializing in medicine, I do not encourage our girls toward it; because I feel, after my long experience, that the profession of medicine demands great sacrifices and constant giving, and that for a woman to give it its full due stands inevitably in the way of establishing her family life, which is an instinct in the nature of every woman. Let the girl proceed, then, to specialize in medicine — and especially gynecology and pediatrics — on condition that she be ambitious, and prepared for the great sacrifice.
Q — Naturally; and great works come only by great sacrifices.
To subscribers of The Woman's Voice in the Gold Coast
The management of The Woman's Voice announces that it has appointed Mr. Joseph Richa as its agent in the Gold Coast. Kindly get in touch with him for the payment of subscriptions. His address:
P. O. B. 594 Kumasi