A note from the WPS chair
March 2025
From WPS Chair Elisa Choi, MD
Women’s History Month
"Well behaved women seldom make history." Welcome to March, Women's History Month, when we celebrate the "history-making" of women's contributions to our society. This phrase was first coined by author and historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in 1976, and has since served as a rallying cry for women to “break barriers.”
Women's history recognition started as a week-long celebration in 1980 and became Women's History Month in 1987 by presidential proclamation. This is a time for all of us to appreciate and applaud the historic achievements made by women to U.S. society. And yes, many women who make history are not "well-behaved!"
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte became the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree in 1889. Dr. Margaret Chung became the first American-born Chinese woman doctor in 1916. Dr. Antonia Novello became the first Latina/Hispanic woman Surgeon General of the United States in 1990. Read about other women in medicine “history makers.”
Register for WPS webinar
The theme for the 2025 Women's History Month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Our WPS celebrates Women's History Month this year by hosting a webinar on March 26 at noon Central. Register now.
Moderators
- Adrienne Nguyen, MSS representative, WPS Governing Council
- Avani Patel, MD, YPS representative, WPS Governing Council
Panelists
- Karen Kim, MD, MS
- LeeAnna Muzquiz, MD, Association of American Indian Physicians representative, MAS Governing Council
- Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, MD, vice chair, MAS Governing Council
WPS policymaking
The WPS policymaking process for the 2025 Annual Meeting (A-25) is well on its way, and there are numerous impactful resolution drafts arising from the WPS. Visit the WPS policymaking page for details. WPS members, please note these important dates; details to come:
- March 27-April 1: WPS resolutions open forum
- April 14-17: WPS resolutions online ratification
- April 24: WPS Handbook Review Committee sign-up deadline
Contact WPS general email at [email protected] if you have not been receiving our section newsletters and to ensure you are on the mailing for future section correspondences.
GRROWL A-25 preparations
WPS Buddy Program
The WPS GRROWL (Growing the Representation and Reach of Women Leaders) Committee has started planning for the WPS Buddy Program for the 2025 Annual Meeting. This program pairs new attendees to AMA meetings (mentees) with more experienced meeting attendees (mentors). Email [email protected] to sign up either as a mentee or a mentor.
WPS Speed Mentoring Program
The GRROWL Committee is also planning the annual WPS Speed Mentoring Program for A-25. Save the date: The WPS Business Meeting is planned for Friday, June 6, starting at 3 p.m., with the WPS Speed Mentoring Program occurring immediately following the business meeting. If you would like to serve as a table mentor (final topics to be determined), email [email protected] and you will be contacted with more details.
There may be some additional programs and events sponsored or co-sponsored by WPS, both at the annual meeting and also in the weeks leading up to A-25, so be sure to stay connected with our section GroupMe or our section newsletters.
Contact and connect with the WPS
As we “march” into Spring, let’s continue to focus on the 3 Cs (collaborations, connections and community). My ongoing appreciation to all our AMAzing WPS members!
Keep in touch with us by joining the WPS GroupMe chat, or email us at [email protected].
