This presentation traces the historical framing of endometriosis as a uterine disorder in the 1920s by John A. Sampson, the Senior Gynecologist at Albany Medical College, and examines how Sampson’s 1927 “retrograde menstruation” theory overshadowed over a century of endometriosis research and treatment through reductive and misogynistic narratives in biomedicine. By connecting these archival accounts to contemporary experiences of medical gaslighting, this talk explores how structural disbelief has shaped the diagnostic delay, dismissal, and suffering of endometriosis patients across centuries.
OBJECTIVES:
- Examine the socio-cultural and historical backgrounds of the theories of endometriosis pathogenesis
- Recognize gender bias in current recommended diagnostic delays and treatments for the disease
- Gain an understanding of the political and scientific impediments to further endometriosis research funding
SPEAKER:
Maria Rovito, PhD, is an Instructor of Medical Humanities at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, specializing in medical humanities, literature, disability studies, and women’s and gender studies. Her forthcoming book, Redefining Endometriosis: The History, Rhetoric, and Politics of Women’s Pain (Palgrave 2026), examines the history and stigmatization of endometriosis, challenging its misrepresentation as primarily an infertility issue rather than a chronic pain disorder. Analyzing the archival writings of early-20th century gynecologists from the Welch Medical Library at Johns Hopkins University, the Historical Medical Library at the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, and the Center for the History of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Rovito tied the official recognition of endometriosis to eugenics and the common belief held by physicians that feminism, women’s careers, and education were leading to the decline of the white race in the post-World War II era. Dr. Rovito is also an active public intellectual, contributing to Ms. Magazine and Diva Cup on issues related to endometriosis and medical racism and presenting medical humanities research at public awareness events. Her conference presentations and invited talks address critical topics in feminist disability studies and women's health. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Alumni Association Dissertation Award at Penn State and the Northeast Modern Language Association Dissertation Fellowship.
ACCREDITATION:
The University of Illinois College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians, residents, medical students, and all other providers.
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine designates this Live activity for a maximum of (1) AMA PRA Category I Credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
