Reclaim the Bench

Aug 05 2021 4

Reclaim the Bench Podcast artwork

We aim to amplify the voices and experiences of individuals and communities throughout history to the current day who have been historically excluded, marginalized, oppressed, and exploited in the fields of science and medicine. This encompasses a focus on “unsung heroes” from underrepresented groups who have made major, oft-unrecognized contributions to their fields; examples of exploitation or exclusion of communities of people in the pursuit of medical advancement; and the struggles and triumphs encountered today by members of such groups. We believe it is essential to understand the exclusionary legacy of medical science and patient care in order to move toward a more inclusive, and ultimately more successful, laboratory bench.

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Season 2 Update

Aug 05 2021 13 mins

An update for the long awaited season 2! There is no excuse for this one - except for our busy life in research and Jai (the person writing this description) simply forgetting to upload on time. In this mini episode Jamal and Megan will tell you how we are changing the structure of the show from here on out. Get ready to be informed!

Episode 7: His Hands Saved Our 'Blue Babies' - The Legacy of Dr Vivian Thomas

Dec 19 2020 90 mins

Come along with us as we explore the life of the amazing Dr Vivian Thomas; his humble beginnings and how his techniques are still being still being used in heart surgeries for Infant Methemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome)

Episode 6: The Freedom House Paramedics

Dec 06 2020 57 mins

In 1967, a group of 26 men from Pittsburg’s struggling Hill District patrolled the streets in an unprecedented way. They were Black men with Afros and uniforms that read Freedom House Paramedics, trained in advanced pre-hospital medical procedures never seen before. The Freedom House story is both fascinating and tragic. This group was the first intensively trained paramedics in

Episode 5: Dr D The "Resilient" - The First Black Woman Surgeon in the South

Nov 21 2020 67 mins

Continuing on our theme of inspiring people, let us introduce you to Dr Dorothy Brown, the first black woman to become a surgeon in the deep south of the United States of America. Be inspired by her story of perseverance and listen to Megan and Jamal be dazzled in her resolve to never back down, no matter how they would try to oppress her.

The Erosion of Medical Consent - A Discussion with Harriet A. Washington

Nov 15 2020 64 mins

We had the unbelievable opportunity to have a chat with famous author and educator Harriet A. Washington about her upcoming book - Carte Blanche: The Erosion of Medical Consent

Discussing the "Father" of Gynecology - An Interview with Dr Lisa Nicholas

Nov 08 2020 48 mins

We had this amazing opportunity to talk to Dr Lisa Nicholas (specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology) from UCLA. She provided a lot of insight in the present field of gynecology and its murky origination.

Episode 4: 100 Years too Young - Remembering The Amazing Dr Rita Levi-Montalcini

Oct 24 2020 73 mins

Perseverance personified: Life and legacy of Nobel Laureate Rita-Levi Montalchini. We discuss the experience, struggles, awards and controversies surrounding her life.

Episode 4 Teaser

Oct 24 2020 1 mins

Check out the new trailer for episode 4 where we explore the amazing life of late Dr Rita Levi-Montalcini

Episode 3: The "Blood" Banker - The Legacy of Dr Charles Drew

Oct 10 2020 71 mins

In this week's episode we cover the work of Dr. Charles Drew, a physician-scientist who pioneered the blood banking system almost 80 years ago which is still being used today. Although Drew had much success throughout his career, ranging from research, surgery, teaching, and administration, his career path was riddled with racial barriers. However, Drew's fortitude and meticulous a

Episode 2: Dr Rebecca Lee Crumpler - The "Mother" of Modern Gynecology?

Sep 26 2020 58 mins

Listen to Megan and Jamal make the case for Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the 1st Black woman to earn a medical degree in the US, to be considered the 'Mother of Gynecology'.