Pre-Owned Women and Doctors (Paperback) 044050533X 9780440505334

Publishers Weekly,Many women already recognize sexism in the medical establishment, but they may confront it more readily after reading this frank, alarming and firmly stated indictment of ob/gyn practices. Smith, a gynecologist for more than two decades, interviewed and monitored ``thousands of physicians'' while founding a Colorado health company5 . Here, he exposes a faulty peer-review system among doctors; a high incidence of hysterectomies based on misdiagnosis, greed or the attitude that the uterus is a ``disposable organ''; unnecessary interference in pregnancies; and insensitive sexual counseling. Disturbing case histories back up Smith's controversial assertions that gynecology should be primarily a women's profession and that midwives should assume a more visible obstetric role. His advice about selecting an ob/gyn specialist, reporting sexual harassment, and positively reinforcing appropriate behavior is realistic and encouraging. This important, cautionary survey alerts women to their need for second opinions before surgery and to their rights as patients. (Jun.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved