A note from the WPS chair
October 2026
From WPS Chair Tiffani Bell Washington, MD, MBA, MPH
Set the goal—and bring someone with you
As we move into October, I have been thinking a lot about goals.
We are entering the final few months of 2026, and this is usually the time of year when we start looking at everything we hoped to accomplish and wondering, "Where did the year go?"
If there is something you hoped to do this year that you have not gotten to yet, I want to remind you: the year is not over.
As women physicians, we spend so much of our time taking care of other people, meeting deadlines, leading teams, supporting our families and showing up wherever we are needed. It can be very easy to put our own goals at the bottom of the list.
So, what is one thing you still want to accomplish in 2026?
Maybe you want to apply for a leadership position. Maybe you have an idea for a research project. Maybe you want to become more involved in the AMA, submit something you have been working on, or finally say yes to an opportunity that stretches you.
Write it down. Take one step. And most importantly, tell someone about it.
Because we were never meant to do all of this alone.
Mentorship matters. Sponsorship does, too.
Many of us can name mentors who have helped us throughout our careers. They gave advice, encouraged us and helped us navigate difficult decisions.
But sponsorship is different.
A sponsor says your name when you are not in the room. A sponsor recommends you for the position, makes the introduction, nominates you for the opportunity, or simply says, “Have you thought about her?”
And we need both.
This month, I encourage you to ask yourself two questions: Who is sponsoring me? And who am I sponsoring?
There may be another woman physician in your circle who needs exactly the encouragement, introduction or opportunity that you can provide.
Joan F. Giambalvo Fund for the Advancement of Women
One opportunity I hope you will share is the Joan F. Giambalvo Fund for the Advancement of Women. The fund provides scholarships of up to $10,000 to support research advancing the study of women in the medical profession and strengthening the AMA’s ability to identify and address issues affecting women physicians and medical students. Applications are due Oct. 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. Central. If you have work that aligns with this mission, I encourage you to apply. And if it is not for you, send it to someone who comes to mind.
Sometimes sponsorship really is that simple: “I saw this and thought of you.”
October challenge
As we prepare for our WPS Interim Meeting in November, I am looking forward to being together again and continuing these important conversations about leadership, sponsorship, advocacy, and the future of women in medicine.
So here is my challenge for October:
Choose one goal. Take one step toward it. Ask for the support you need. And then reach back and help another woman move one step closer to hers.
There is still time to make meaningful progress this year.
And as we move forward, let’s make sure we are bringing other women with us.
