National Women Physicians Day 2019 and Dear Girl
I love Dear Girl by Paris Rosenthal and her mother, Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I know her mom’s name is listed first, as she is an acclaimed writer, but I’m listing Paris first as she is the one who is carrying out her mother’s legacy.
Dear Girl is a love letter to all the little girls out there, to let them know that they are not alone. To let them know that it’s okay to say no, to let them know that it’s okay to be strong, to cry, to be themselves. As an Asian woman with freckles, I’m particularly fond of the “Thank you, freckles” spread. And the illustrations by Holly Hatam are cute, effective, and moving.
You may remember reading about Amy Krouse Rosenthal several years ago when she posted an article in the New York Times that was written like a dating ad for her husband. You may know Rosenthal from her many other successful and encouraging, fun-to-read-outloud picture books.
In the months after her mother’s death, Paris Rosenthal continued her Project123 on Instagram, in honor of her mother. In doing so, and in the publication of Dear Girl, she is carrying on her mother’s legacy and messages of hope.
I’m thinking of them today on National Women Physicians Day.
Why?
Because as I scrolled back to see if I could find a photo of me in my white coat, I found pictures of this book instead. I first heard about Dear Girl through the lovely bookstagram community, and immediately purchased a copy for my girls and also for one of their wonderful teachers.
Last year, I wrote about dedicating this day to my patients and the year before to my mom, an amazing and inspiring physician, and other female attendings who inspired me.
And as I wrote about my patients, I also talked about one of my patients who would dress up in her Doc McStuffins white coat and pretend to be “Dr. Tioleco” to her own stuffies. That’s what I think this day is about: Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman physician trained in the U.S., was born on this day and she inspired many women to follow in her footsteps.
I want to be the type of doctor who inspires her patients to be what they want to be as well, physician or not.
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
And may we inspire them to become the BEST person that they can be. <3
Happy National Women Physicians Day. I am grateful to have been surrounded by strong and loving people when I was growing up, who helped me become the best ME possible too. I love you, Mom and Dad. xo
