The American Medical Association has designated September as Women in Medicine month. Last year, I asked a few of our women faculty to offer their thoughts on what the subject means to them. Last year’s writers revealed hope and talked about finding a supportive environment here in the Carver College of Medicine or in a specific faculty member or a clarifying mentor. We also heard stories of patients and faculty members expressing their biases, each creating sets of barriers to these physicians, whether in ease of care delivery or in career advancement.
This year, we have been graced with a thoughtful essay from our Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Jeydith Gutierrez, MD, MPH. In her DEI Newsletter yesterday, she wrote, “Everyone can help change these structural and social biases that still prevail in our profession. For that purpose, we must start with self-reflection . . . . We can intentionally work on amplifying the accomplishments and messages of our bright women colleagues, quoting their work and celebrating their achievements, as much as we do with those of our men colleagues.” Hear, hear.
We have also asked some of our women clinicians, educators, and researchers to share their thoughts on the subject, but this time offering some focusing questions, from which they could choose. I am grateful to these colleagues for taking the time to offer their reflections.
Taylor Becker, MD
What advice would you give a young woman entering academic medicine?
Be true to who you are. I have found that so many people expect women in medicine to be different than they are. For me, it was “softer, less outspoken, more apologetic, less confident, less tough.” For a while I attempted to stifle my personality to appease others and fit in some preconceived notion of a female in medicine. If people didn’t like me, how would I succeed? This made me feel extremely burnt out and took the joy out of medicine for me. Once I started embracing my personality and using it as a force of good, I saw an immediate difference. My passion for medicine returned, and I was able to improve care for my patients. Additionally, I now can mentor other women who struggle to stay true to who they are while at work.
Find the women in your life that support you, keep you accountable, and improve you as a person and a clinician. The women that I attempt to model my behavior after are not only incredible clinicians but are supportive and encouraging role models for other women.
Why is it important for woman to hold leadership roles in medicine?
Women bring such a different set of skills and perspectives to any organization! Truthfully, any institution that avoids having women in leadership is missing out on substantial growth. Empowering women in leadership guarantees ongoing advancement and improvement and ensuring that their female employees have people to aspire to be. This promotes creativity, productivity, and a safe space for all to grow and succeed!
Who has been a woman in medicine whom you have looked up to as a leader, either personally or historically?
Dr. Jeydith Gutierrez and Dr. Meenakshi Sambharia are two female physicians that I have looked up to since the start of residency. Of course, I was blown away by their clinical knowledge and intelligence. But more importantly, I was amazed at how they were able to balance their strength, outspoken demeanors and dedication to details with grace and understanding. Being around them inspired me and pushed me to be a better physician and human being. In tough situations, I ask myself “what would Jeydith or Meenakshi do?” and use this as a guide in decision-making. Even without the direct mentorship they have provided to me, I truly believe just their presence in our department inspires other young female physicians to push harder, speak louder, and do better.
Elizabeth Bowen, MD
What advice would you give to a young woman entering academic medicine?
Academic medicine is great because you get to be a doctor, but you are able to create other career opportunities for yourself as well. I think it is somewhat important to know which direction you are headed in because there are so many opportunities. This is advice I was given near-continuously—but did not understand at the time—that having a plan would not merely allow me to branch out from seeing patients, but also focus on my goals and opportunities.
What is a lesson you have learned as a woman in medicine?
I don’t think this truly only relates to women, but there are aspects of my life—having a young kid, having my own health, etc.—that are to some extent temporary. I could work all the time and miss out on all of this (acknowledging that sometimes working is easier than being with a toddler). But I remind myself that I don’t want to miss this part of my life and I adjust my work priorities accordingly.
Mariko Hagiwara, MD
Why is it important for woman to hold leadership roles in medicine?
As females, we are challenged daily with multiple roles but able to balance them out at the end of the day, Women understand those struggles of others and support them, and create an environment for all to be able to collaborate and work together.
Who has been a woman in medicine whom you have looked up to as a leader, either personally or historically?
Personally, I have looked up to Dr. Diana Jalal, who held the role as the deputy chief of medicine at Iowa City VAMC. She has always had a calm demeanor during challenges and supported team collaboration. During the COVID pandemic, we struggled with significant workload, burnout, and the unknown, but she has connected teams together and led us during the difficult times.
Amanda Karanikolas, ARNP
What is a lesson you have learned as a woman in medicine?
A lesson I’ve learned as a woman in medicine is that you have to be a tireless and relentless advocate for yourself as much as for your patients. You cannot assume that someone will speak up on your behalf (though it’s very nice when they do!), and learning to do that takes practice, practice, practice. Dr. Julia Klesney-Tait is someone who does this exceptionally well. Though I have not worked directly with her, I have observed from a distance (and heard from her patients) that she will not back down until she gets what she feels she or her patients need. I struggle with this, and I see other women struggle with it. Dr. Klesney-Tait is an exemplar for all of us.
Katie Robinson, MD, PhD
Why is it important for woman to hold leadership roles in medicine?
Despite significant societal changes since the 1960s women still face unique pressures and challenges in medicine. Women in leadership positions provide crucial mentorship and insight into how to balance all of the (sometimes conflicting) demands women face. Additionally, women in leadership positions bring unique perspectives and richness to the role, enhancing the efficacy of the institution as a whole and allowing us to better care for our patients and meet our goals.
Jennifer Strouse, MD
Who has been a woman in medicine whom you have looked up to?
I’ve met many amazing women who are physicians since starting my medical career, but the one who most exemplifies who I want to be as a doctor is the one I’ve known my whole life: my mom. When I was growing up, I can remember seeing how obviously important her job and the care of her patients were to her. For instance, I remember her excitement when she and her colleagues received a grant to provide psychiatric medication to individuals who couldn’t afford them. Despite that importance, she was always able to be present and in the moment with my brothers and me. Now, as the chief of Behavioral Medicine at the VA, she is using her wealth of knowledge and experience to help on a wider scale. She’s never been quite ready to retire as she always has another project that could make things better for her patients and the staff she leads. Whenever she does choose to retire, I hope she can relax knowing that I will do my best to follow the example she set and to be one for others.
Emma Thornell, PhD
What advice would you give a young woman entering academic medicine?
To be careful not to downplay the work that you have done too much, as people may more easily discredit you if you don’t take ownership over your accomplishments. Take every opportunity available to present work you’ve done, it’s a great opportunity to receive feedback.
What is a lesson you have learned as a woman in medicine?
To have a thick skin and just keep moving forward – you can only control the work that you do and not people’s responses to it. If necessary, work on setting boundaries.
Why is it important for woman to hold leadership roles in medicine?
Representation matters. Not only does it help young women to see it’s possible to be a leader, but males take note, too, making the field more collectively comfortable with any gender in leadership and faculty positions.
Who has been a woman in medicine whom you have looked up to as a leader, either personally or historically?
Lynda Ostedgaard – not only is she a PhD working in a field predominantly consisting of MDs, but she is a fantastic scientist, straight shooter, and supportive person who secured her career during a time when there were not female faculty or grant options for PhDs.
Ily Kristine Yumul-Non, MD
What advice would you give a young woman entering academic medicine?
There is more to academic medicine than just medicine. It is not just about getting to the best program for your next leg of training. There are other careers, opportunities and roles that can be fulfilled outside of being a physician.
There is life outside of academic medicine. There is no such thing as a “perfect time” to get married or to have kids or to take that trip. Medicine can easily take one or two decades of your best years. Do not wait to finish it all before you start the more important aspect of life.
What is a lesson you have learned as a woman in medicine?
It is difficult – especially being a mother. That by itself is a full-time job. In reality, I am working two full-time jobs.
Why is it important for woman to hold leadership roles in medicine?
To show the younger generation that it can be done and that there are people willing and ready to support you.
Who has been a woman in medicine whom you have looked up to as a leader, either personally or historically?
Michelle Kittleson, MD PhD (Cedars-Sinai)
