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A note from the WPS chair
March 2024
From WPS Chair Aleesha Shaik, MD, MPH
Women’s History Month
In 1978, Women’s History Day was first recognized in Sonoma County, California, an opportunity to commemorate the contributions of women to history. In recognition of the fact that one day is nowhere near enough to encapsulate the tremendous impact women have had in every aspect of society, Women’s History Day grew into a National Women’s History Week, and then, finally, to Women’s History Month. March 8 is also recognized as International Women’s Day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally, in addition to gender-based issues women face.
This year’s theme for National Women’s History Month is “Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” In line with this theme, the WPS is hosting a fireside chat with special speakers from the AMA Center for Health Equity on March 28 at noon Central. Learn more and reserve your spot!
Equal Pay Day
Speaking of disparities affecting women, the gender pay gap remains a major issue, particularly for women in medicine. Women physicians are often paid tens of thousands of dollars less than men annually. Equal Pay Day on March 12 serves to recognize this persistent inequity and a reminder of the work to be done. The AMA passed policy on Advancing Gender Equity in Medicine D-65.989 at the 2018 Annual Meeting and continues to advocate for equal pay.
For further reading, check out "Closing the Gender Pay Gap in Medicine: A Roadmap for Healthcare Organizations and the Women Physicians Who Work for Them," by Amy S. Gottlieb, MD, FACP.
WPS leadership opportunities
If you are feeling inspired to join the WPS in tackling more issues affecting women, apply to serve on the WPS Governing Council or our new standing committee.
WPS Governing Council positions
Various positions are available on the governing council for two-year terms: alternate delegate, member at-large, resident and fellow section representative and Young Physicians Section representative. Application materials are due March 15.
New standing committee
The Growing the Representation and Reach of Women Leaders Standing Committee aims to advance women in leadership positions by addressing barriers and promoting leadership development. The committee also aims to identify, analyze, and address equity gaps that women in medicine face, particularly those of minority backgrounds. Applications are due March 15.
Write a resolution
As the AMA Annual Meeting rapidly approaches, please note that the deadline to submit a resolution to the WPS is March 15. Submit resolutions (DOCX) and direct questions to WPS at [email protected]. If you have an idea for a resolution but need help creating the resolution, you can also share your idea (DOCX) with the WPS.
WPS Book Club
Last month, we discussed Sheryl Sandberg’s famous TED Talk, "Why we have too few women leaders," and her follow-up interview on the "lean in" movement.
Tiffani’s Book Club selection
This month, we’ll continue with a few more TED Talks that examine the glass cliff that comes after the glass ceiling, the unique challenges women of racial minorities face in leadership, and the likeability problem many of us are probably all too familiar with. Take a listen and join us on the GroupMe for a great discussion!
- “The rigged test of leadership," by Sophie Williams
- “The myth of bringing your full, authentic self to work," by Jodi-Ann Burey
- “The likeability dilemma for women leaders," by Robin Hauser
Endometriosis Awareness Month
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month! Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition with primary symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, painful periods and infertility. Despite it affecting up to 10% of women, it remains poorly understood and can be difficult to diagnose. Your WPS Governing Council coordinated efforts to pass a policy titled "Addressing Disparities and Lack of Research for Endometriosis D-420.989" at the AMA Interim Meeting in November 2023. We are hopeful this will lead to improved outcomes for those affected by endometriosis.
Member spotlight
This month, we are honored to celebrate Tani Malhotra, MD, an OB-GYN and maternal and fetal medicine specialist at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. With a long history of involvement with the AMA, she has been a tireless advocate for patients and physicians in Pennsylvania, Ohio and nationally.
In Pennsylvania, she served on a Department of Health work group to develop guidelines for medication-assisted treatment of opioid-use disorders in pregnancy. She was also honored as a Top Physician under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Since the Dobbs v. Jackson decision was announced, Dr. Malhotra has spoken vocally and publicly on the tremendous impact this will have and has had on patient care.
Earlier this year, she had the honor of introducing President Joe Biden at a meeting of his Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access at the White House. During her introductory remarks, she eloquently spoke about how patients and physicians have been affected by political decisions.
In addition to her involvement with the WPS, she is currently the chair-elect of the International Medical Graduates Section and has previously served as chair of the Resident and Fellow Section. Learn more about Dr. Malhotra in her Members Move Medicine profile. We are grateful to have Dr. Malhotra as an active member and leader in the WPS.
Contact us
Have information about WPS members doing great work? Email us at [email protected].