New initiative highlights women in emergency medicine

WiM-EM aims to encourage leadership among women in emergency medicine.

The USA Department of Emergency Medicine has launched a new initiative designed to support, empower, and advance women within the field of emergency medicine through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement. The group, called Women in Medicine – Emergency Medicine (WiM-EM), was founded in 2024 by Caroline Molins, M.D., and Carmen J. Martinez, M.D., assistant professors of emergency medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

WiM-EM met at TopGolf last September to establish

the group's name and vision.

Open to emergency medicine residents and faculty, WiM-EM fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment in which women can connect, grow and lead. The group’s mission is to promote equity, celebrate achievements, and encourage leadership among women in emergency medicine, all while driving innovation and excellence in patient care. 

WiM-EM’s inaugural year featured two successful events: a kickoff gathering last September at TopGolf, where members established the group’s name and vision, and an April 2025 luncheon at Slurp Society that included a thoughtful discussion on microaggressions and professional development planning. These events have laid the groundwork for ongoing quarterly meetings and future initiatives, including hosting a lecture on leadership open to all residents and faculty. 

According to Molins, the group’s vision for 2025-2026 includes expanding mentorship, building interdepartmental collaborations, increasing medical student engagement, and exploring creative avenues such as a book club. She said WiM-EM recognizes both the challenges and opportunities in this space and is committed to building a culture of support, respect and growth.