At the bedside, in research, through medical education and in the halls of government, women physicians are helping shape the future of women’s health. Their advocacy takes many forms. Some are working to improve maternal health and reproductive care. Others are calling attention to gaps in research, access to care and health outcomes, or making sure patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
That work often begins with what physicians see in their own exam rooms. By listening to patients and recognizing where the health system falls short, physicians can turn those experiences into research, education, policy and other efforts to improve care far beyond a single patient encounter.
The women physicians featured here are advancing that work in different specialties and at different stages of their careers. Through clinical care, leadership and advocacy, they are raising their voices to improve the health of women and their communities.
Each of these doctors is from an organization that is part of the AMA Health System Member Program, which provides enterprise solutions to equip leadership, physicians and care teams with resources to help drive the future of medicine.
Rumki Banerjee, MD
Dr. Banerjee, a family physician at CenterWell Senior Primary Care, focuses on whole-person care for older adults, recognizing that emotional and social needs can be closely tied to physical health. She has seen patients benefit when care teams look beyond medical conditions to address isolation, loss of purpose and changes that can come with aging and retirement. Dr. Banerjee said helping older patients build connections, routines and a renewed sense of purpose can support their overall well-being.
Jennifer Bryan, MD
As a family physician at Hattiesburg Clinic, Dr. Bryan is helping physicians navigate the growing use of augmented intelligence (AI) in everyday care. She encourages doctors to take an active role in how AI is used, from ambient documentation to clinical decision support, while continuing to verify AI-generated information and safeguard patient trust. Dr. Bryan also advocates for transparency, physician-led governance and equitable standards, so AI enhances—rather than replaces—clinical judgment.
Monique Butler, MD
As president of graduate medical education at HCA Healthcare, Dr. Butler is shaping and guiding the next generation of physicians by strengthening how residents and fellows are recruited, trained and supported. Her work emphasizes clinical excellence, mentorship and creating learning environments where physicians can grow into compassionate, competent leaders. Dr. Butler also advocates for more women to pursue leadership opportunities in medicine and encourages early-career physicians to understand their strengths, raise their hands for new opportunities and make their career goals known.
Wendy Ross, MD
Through her work at Jefferson Health, Dr. Ross is advancing neurodivergent-affirming care that recognizes patients’ individual communication, sensory and health needs. As director of Jefferson Health’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, Dr. Ross has expanded education across the health system, advocates for patients with intellectual disabilities and incorporated patient input into the design of more accessible clinical environments. Her work emphasizes listening to patients who are neurodivergent and creating systems of care that allow them to be seen, heard and treated without assumptions.
Christina Brown, MD
Through the Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine Program at Kaiser Permanente and the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Brown is transforming how obesity is treated in adolescents. Her physician-led approach goes beyond weight loss to address nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress and social connections while partnering with teens on realistic, patient-driven goals. Dr. Brown is also working to expand access to evidence-based pediatric obesity care by educating other physicians and encouraging them to treat obesity with the same clinical rigor as other chronic conditions.
Archana Rao, MD
At Dallas Nephrology Associates, Dr. Rao is using physician well-being data to guide changes aimed at strengthening the practice of nephrology. As executive vice president, she has championed efforts to improve EHR efficiency, expand mentorship for early-career physicians and create leadership and career-growth opportunities for mid-career doctors. Dr. Rao also advocates greater support for nephrologists and the specialty’s future workforce, emphasizing the need to address the pressures that can contribute to burnout.
Nalini Casey, MD
After experiencing burnout driven by administrative overload and inefficient practice systems, Dr. Casey, a pediatrician, sought a practice environment that would allow her to reconnect with the work that drew her to medicine. At Privia Health, streamlined documentation and coding processes have given Dr. Casey more time to listen to young patients and their families, provide hands-on care and practice according to her values. Her experience underscores how reducing unnecessary administrative burdens can support physician well-being while preserving time for meaningful patient-physician relationships.
Alyssa Kuban, MD
At Texas Children's Pediatrics, Dr. Kuban is treating food insecurity as a health issue that deserves the same attention and follow-through as other medical concerns. As associate medical director, she has championed annual screening for food insecurity and a referral process that connects families directly with food banks and other community resources. The approach recognizes that access to nutritious food, housing and transportation can shape children’s health—and that supporting the entire family can make healthy changes more achievable.
Linda Shiue, MD
By combining her training as an internist with her expertise as a professionally trained chef, Dr. Shiue is expanding the role of nutrition in patient care. At The Permanente Medical Group, she leads culinary and lifestyle medicine efforts, including Thrive Kitchen, which teaches patients practical ways to prepare healthy, flavorful meals. Dr. Shiue also brings culinary medicine into medical education, equipping future physicians to discuss nutrition, recognize food insecurity and connect patients with dietitians and other resources when needed.
Stephanie Radke, MD, MPH
Through her work at University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Radke is expanding access to maternity care in communities facing shortages of obstetric services. As director of the Iowa Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, she works with birthing centers across the state to strengthen care for emergencies such as hemorrhage, hypertension and preeclampsia. Dr. Radke also champions simulation training and regional collaboration so rural care teams are better prepared to manage obstetric complications and provide safer maternity care close to home.
Learn more about the AMA Women Physicians Section, which seeks to influence and contribute to AMA policy and program development on issues of importance to women physicians, and to increase the number and influence of women physicians in leadership roles.
