Dr. Kristin Small, an anatomy professor and obstetrician from Australia, advocates for renaming body parts she deems “irrelevant and misogynistic.” She targets terms like the Adam’s apple and Achilles tendon, named after men despite being present in all genders. Dr. Small aims to update anatomical language globally, starting with societies like Australia and the United States.
Teaching her students differently, she educates them on alternative, inclusive terms, challenging the use of historical, male-centric names. Councilmember Dr. Nisha Khot supports this shift, noting that trainee doctors are receptive to more relevant language. One example is replacing “hysterectomy” with “uterectomy,” eliminating gender bias and archaic beliefs about female health.
The movement extends beyond women’s health, gaining traction in the wider medical community. Dr. Khot emphasizes the importance of understandable terms for both medics and patients. Additionally, common body parts like the Adam’s apple and Achilles tendon, as well as medical instruments like the speculum, bear names linked to historical men, reflecting a broader issue in medical terminology.
