Harsh Medicine
Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Healthcare
by Jennifer Rubin Grandis, MD
Published by Johns Hopkins University Press – July 7, 2026
About the Book
Harsh Medicine examines the persistent challenges women encounter while working in science and healthcare, combining research, policy analysis, and firsthand experiences.
For scientists, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to understand gender disparities
A call to action for institutions committed to equity
Combines empirical research with practical recommendations
About the Book
Harsh Medicine examines the persistent challenges women face in science and healthcare, combining research, policy analysis, and firsthand experiences.
- For scientists, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to understand gender disparities
- A call to action for institutions committed to equity
- Combines empirical research with practical recommendations
About the Author
Jennifer Grandis, MD
Physician-scientist at UCSF leading research in cancer biology and clinical innovation.
- Professor of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, UCSF
- Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects
- Featured in The New York Times, Science, The Lancet
- National committees on healthcare equity and mentorship
- American Cancer Society Professor (since 2008)
Why This Book Matters
Despite decades of progress, women who work in science and healthcare continue to face systemic obstacles.
Harsh Medicine explores:
- How being a woman or minority in science and healthcare impacts one’s ability to move up the corporate ladder and effectively manage teams and budgets because of systemic issues;
- Male experiences working in science & healthcare are different from women’s. However, men who witness wrongs struggle to feel powerful enough to right those injustices. Additionally, when they are in power, they have a hard time seeing the inequities in their own domain;
- The universality of the female experience in the corporate world. Harsh Medicine focuses on science and healthcare, but the struggles of these women are found in almost all industries;
- These gender biases hurt us all: not just the women who are denied advancement; the entire industry is weakened when a variety of voices and ideas cannot be heard and explored;
- Harsh Medicine does not just report on wrongdoing: it is filled with actionable solutions that center on frank, open, and respectful conversations about what is happening, and offering interventions that can benefit entire teams and how they work together.
Why This Book Matters
Despite decades of progress, women who work in science and healthcare continue to face systemic obstacles.
Harsh Medicine explores:
- How being a woman or minority in science and healthcare impacts one’s ability to move up the corporate ladder and effectively manage teams and budgets because of systemic issues;
- Male experiences working in science & healthcare are different from women’s. However, men who witness wrongs struggle to feel powerful enough to right those injustices. Additionally, when they are in power, they have a hard time seeing the inequities in their own domain;
- The universality of the female experience in the corporate world. Harsh Medicine focuses on science and healthcare, but the struggles of these women are found in almost all industries;
- These gender biases hurt us all: not just the women who are denied advancement; the entire industry is weakened when a variety of voices and ideas cannot be heard and explored;
- Harsh Medicine does not just report on wrongdoing: it is filled with actionable solutions that center on frank, open, and respectful conversations about what is happening, and offering interventions that can benefit entire teams and how they work together.
Media & Speaking
Jennifer Grandis is available for interviews, panels, and speaking engagements on topics including:
Gender equity in science and healthcare
Structural barriers to advancement for women in academic medicine
Leadership pathways and promotion in research institutions
Bias, evaluation, and decision-making in scientific careers
Mentorship, sponsorship, and retention of women in STEM
Work culture, burnout, and the cost of inequity in healthcare systems
Translating research into institutional and policy change
Equity-centered approaches to medical education and training
The intersection of clinical practice, research, and leadership
Data-driven strategies for reform in academic and healthcare institutions
Talks are tailored for press, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, conferences, and policy forums.
Upcoming Events
San Francisco + Live Stream / July 6 / 6pm PDT
Taube Family Auditorium – San Francisco, CA + Online