"There have been social events for the female physicians in Mobile on a few occasions in recent years, but this is the first that will focus on networking to include medical students and residents," said Elizabeth Minto, M.D., assistant professor of neurology and director of clinical skills at the USA College of Medicine. "An event like this one will help to foster relationships and a culture of support for the women in medicine in Mobile County, and we hope this event will be the first but not the last of its kind."
Megan Hood, a second-year medical student, serves as the president of USA’s chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and initiated the event-planning efforts.
"The women at USA College of Medicine are so lucky to have incredible physicians in every specialty in our community, and having these role models plays a huge part in helping us become the kinds of doctors our communities can be proud of," Hood said. "The social should be a fun way to build relationships between students and the doctors we look to for mentorship."
As the event took shape, Hood reached out to Minto and Lynn Batten, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, for guidance. Minto and Batten, who have both served on the board of the Medical Society of Mobile County, helped to facilitate an event sponsorship from the society. Within a little over a week, the Women in Medicine Social also had the support of the USA Medical Alumni Association, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and several local businesses.
Minto and Hood said the event will give students the opportunity to ask physicians questions that all medical students have, such as how to choose a specialty and what is involved in the residency interview process. But, more specifically, it will provide a setting where they can feel comfortable discussing these issues as they relate to women.
"Women in medicine often feel fragmented by their need to be dedicated to both their patients as well as to the other roles females frequently serve in society," Minto said. "Nationwide, women are underrepresented in leadership roles in academic and private institutions, with numerous underlying causes being well articulated in scientific and popular literature."
Hood noted that women are often compared to one another, creating a sense of competition. "For this reason, it is critical for women in medicine to understand that there is room for everyone here," she said. "Everyone does better when we take the time to get to know each other and form meaningful connections to the people around us. Having a community of women who support and encourage each other during medical school is the best way to ensure that we are all successful. It is my hope that AMWA can be a starting place for women to find support and connection here at USA College of Medicine."
The Women in Medicine Social will provide food, drinks and live music. Attire is "snazzy professional." To RSVP, call (251) 476-9494 or email frontdesk@msomc.org.
