WOMEN IN MEDICINE MONTH
Hospital Medicine's Women in Medicine Features
Laura Derry, MD, MBA
What has been your experience as a woman in medicine?
My experience as a woman in medicine has been overwhelmingly rewarding but not without its challenges. The most challenging aspect of my job is navigating the inherent uncertainty in medicine, which I think women often feel more deeply. I am learning to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments, and I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues and mentors who have been instrumental in my development and sponsored my career at every stage. We all face obstacles along our journey, but each challenge has provided opportunities for growth and leadership.
What makes you proud to be a woman in medicine?
I am proud to be a woman in medicine because it allows me to contribute to a field that is touching lives and advancing health for the future. There is growing recognition of the diverse perspectives, expertise, and excellent outcomes women bring to clinical practice and research, and I am so proud to be part of the group of women who are changing clinical practice and research for generations to come. The ability to serve as a role model and mentor for other younger women is particularly fulfilling. I currently serve as a mentor to undergraduate students in a variety of forums, including my alma mater, Wake Forest University. Every day, I am reminded of the impact we can make by choosing to push boundaries and pave the way for future generations.
As a woman in medicine, what advice would you give someone who is looking to pursue a career in medicine?
For anyone considering a career in medicine, my advice is to remain humble, curious, and passionate. Medicine is a demanding field that requires dedication and perseverance, but it is also incredibly rewarding and a privilege. Never forget to thank your patients for allowing you to care for them along their journey. Seek out mentors and sponsors early on. Embrace opportunities for growth and say yes to things, especially early in your career. Find what brings you passion and joy, and chase that relentlessly. Approach each challenge or new experience with humble inquiry; there is always so much to learn.
Kathleen Jia, MD
What has been your experience as a woman in medicine?
I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and workplace that allow me to fulfill my dream of being a woman in medicine. A career in medicine comes with its challenges but also many opportunities for growth. I’ve been privileged to be able to combine the passion for clinical care with my other interests including education and research. I’m also lucky to be among colleagues who support each other through the different challenges of work and life.
What makes you proud to be a woman in medicine?
I’m proud to be able to help grow the presence and footprint of education at SHC Tri-Valley hospital. When I first started at Tri-Valley in 2017, there were only internal medicine residents and PA students coming a few months per year. Now we have trainees ranging from medical students to residents/fellows across 9 different departments and have established our own GME and will be launching our own residency program. I’m proud to work alongside excellent colleagues to make this possible and push forward the academic medicine mission.
As a woman in medicine, what advice would you give someone who is looking to pursue a career in medicine
Don’t be afraid to explore and ask questions, be open opportunities and possibilities. Find your passion and find mentors who will support you in your efforts and help you get to where you want to be.
Nancy Liu, MD
What has been your experience as a woman in medicine?
I am fortunate to have had many wonderful mentors and support as a woman in medicine at Stanford. While medicine can be challenging field that requires dedication, resilience, and passion, I feel lucky every day to be able to take care of patients and work in such a meaningful environment.
What makes you proud to be a woman in medicine?
Medicine has started to embrace diversity as we've acknowledged how important it is to have health care providers come from the same communities as the patients we serve. We still have a long way to go. I am proud to have more women, people of color, and other historically underrepresented groups enter into the field and bring out the many different strengths that diversity can provide.
As a woman in medicine, what advice would you give someone who is looking to pursue a career in medicine?
Seek out mentors, early and often. There are so many people out there who are rooting for you and ready to support you - don't be afraid to ask!
