Honoring the Legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Selected Quotes
#1 “I tell law students… if you are going to be a lawyer and just practice your profession, you have a skill—very much like a plumber. But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself… something that makes life a little better for people less fortunate than you.”
#2 “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
#3 “We should not be held back from pursuing our full talents, from contributing what we could contribute to the society, because we fit into a certain mold ― because we belong to a group that historically has been the object of discrimination.”
#4 “I see my advocacy as part of an effort to make the equality principle everything the founders would have wanted it to be if they weren’t held back by the society in which they lived and particularly the shame of slavery. I don’t think my efforts would have succeeded had it not been for the women’s movement that was reviving in the United States and more or less all over the world at the time.”
Discussion Questions
How does Justice Ginsburg’s call to be a “true professional” speak to you? (Excerpt #1)
How does this famous quote from Justice Ginsburg resonate with what we know about the leaky pipeline for women in medicine? (Excerpt #2)
How do Justice Ginsburg’s words resonate with current calls to increase diversity and inclusion within medicine? (Excerpt #3)
How does Justice Ginsburg’s view of advocacy relate to the role of healthcare providers as advocates? (Excerpt #4)
How will you remember Justice Ginsburg?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“Though as an MS1 much of my headspace is occupied by basic science and rote memorization, I want to remember how my studies are linked to human flourishing and commit to one day mobilizing this knowledge in compassionate care and the pursuit of health equity.”—@carolyn__chow
“I'm reminded of her "until there are 9" quote. Academia, and medicine esp are so often male dominated, and I'm proud to be part of that change. I also feel like its important to keep in mind that as a white woman, I have to remember my sisters of color as well!”—@deafcon_meg
“We limit ourselves as a profession by perpetuating exclusivity among our ranks. Our patients do better when our workforce reflects them. Just because medicine has historically been white, male, and wealthy doesn't mean that's the optimal system.”—@jennifermcaputo
“Plain and simple: advocacy is preventive medicine.”—@LanceShaver
“Justice Ginsburg far surpassed her own goal for her legacy. My hope is to continue to uphold her spirit through advocacy based on the belief of human rights for all”—@jennifermcaputo
About this #MedHumChat
These quotes from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg were selected for a #MedHumChat on October 7, 2020 Honoring the Legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
This chat was curated by Jennifer Caputo-Seidler, MD (@jennifermcaputo), a hospitalist at the University of South Florida interested in narrative medicine, gender equity, and medical education.
About the Author
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (1933-2020) was an outspoken advocate for gender equality and a leader in the women’s civil rights movement, whose work shaped American history as we know it .