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Our Voices, Our Future

Meghan Etsey, Rhea Manohar, Meenu Immaneni, and Laura Uricoechea

Our Future, Our Voices is the podcast where we amplify the changemakers shaping a more equitable future in medicine and beyond. Presented by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association, this series challenges outdated norms, breaks down barriers, and sparks critical conversations on inclusion and justice.

Hosted by Meghan Etsey, Meenu Immaneni, Laura Uricoechea and Rhea Manohar, each episode features candid discussions with leaders, advocates, and trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of equity. No more silence. No more waiting. It’s time to reclaim our future—one voice at a time.

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22 episodes
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Avg 29 min
English

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S3 · E27
Friday · 11 min
System Strategist
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, host Rhea sits down with Ayushi Aggarwal, a healthcare strategy consultant with a background in medicine and public health. Ayushi shares how her path, from a public health project in rural India and an MPH at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, to medical school and then a role at McKinsey, shaped how she understands healthcare as a system and not just a profession. During this episode we talk about what it felt like to step away from medical school while navigating a parent’s cancer diagnosis and a demanding curriculum, and why medical training offers plenty of support for continuing on the path but far less for those whose paths change. Ayushi reflects on the question “Who is this system actually designed for?” and on how rigid assumptions about continuity leave little room for health challenges, family responsibilities, financial pressure, and burnout. She also shares three places she sees similar misalignment in healthcare today: clinical workflow tools that struggle with adoption when they add friction, misaligned incentives in access to therapies like GLP-1s, and the “last mile” problem faced by digital therapeutics. Finally, she offers advice for anyone who feels “off track,” including using institutional resources early, leaning on mentors and communities like AMWA, and normalizing that struggling with or even failing an exam like Step 1 is not the end of the road. To learn more about Ayushi’s work and perspective, reach out to her directly. You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E26
October 9 · 37 min
Doctor and Birth Outcomes Advocate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, host Rhea Manohar sits down with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, a board-certified OB/GYN and OB Hospitalist in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Lincoln is an author, media contributor, past President of the Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists, and a leading voice in women’s health education and advocacy on social media. She received her undergraduate degree from Washington College, her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine, and completed her residency at Oregon Health and Science University. During this episode we talk about the current state of maternal care in the U.S. and why outcomes remain so challenging. We explore the roles of access, trust, and systems-level barriers. Dr. Lincoln shares the three changes she would make tomorrow to improve birth experiences and maternal outcomes. We discuss why physicians today are expanding their roles beyond the clinic into education, media, and advocacy. We also look at what social media gets right and wrong about health communication, and how to navigate misinformation without burning out. We dig into where to draw the line between being a clinician and an advocate, and whether advocacy is optional in women’s health. Dr. Lincoln offers advice for medical students and early-career physicians who want to start engaging in advocacy and public education, even before residency. We talk about what rebuilding trust between patients and the healthcare system really looks like, including the role of communication and transparency. Finally, Dr. Lincoln shares what gives her hope for the future of birth and women’s healthcare, and what she hopes the next generation of women physicians does differently. To learn more about Dr. Lincoln and her work, visit DrJenniferLincoln.com. Her second book, The Birth Book: An OB-GYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery, was published in March 2026 and is available for order on her website or wherever you get your books. You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E25
October 2 · 54 min
Doctor and Trauma-Informed Care Educator
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, host Rhea Manohar sits down with Dr. Kelly Parker, DO, FACOG, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and the Director of Labor and Delivery and Section Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. A committed advocate for reproductive justice and health equity, she is dedicated to ensuring every patient receives safe, dignified, evidence-based care. Her commitment to equity took root early. In the early 2000s, she worked as a housing advocate for families facing homelessness and, through Boston Health Care for the Homeless' Healthy Start Initiative, worked to reduce Black infant mortality and researched postpartum depression. Since 2017, she has served on Ohio's Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (PAMR). Her advocacy is also deeply personal. After the birth of her youngest daughter in 2023, she survived a near-fatal delayed postpartum hemorrhage, an experience that now informs her work at the intersection of personal perinatal trauma and the vicarious trauma clinicians carry. She also serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Toledo and founded PAWS New England, a dog rescue that places nearly a thousand dogs a year. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her husband, three children, and dog. During this episode we talk about her journey to OB/GYN; how her own perinatal trauma changed the way she listens to patients; vicarious trauma in medicine and building a culture where clinicians can process it; what Ohio's Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review taught her about individual "bad outcomes" versus systems that produce inequitable outcomes; practicing through a reproductive justice lens; recognizing social and structural barriers like housing instability, racism, and immigration status; how her early housing advocacy shaped her career; using maternal morbidity and mortality data to drive change; and advice for the next generation of physicians. To learn more about Dr. Parker's rescue, PAWS New England: Our website: www.pawsnewengland.com Our adoptable dogs: www.pawsnewengland.com/adopt PAWS in the HBO documentary "One Nation Under Dog": www.pawsnewengland.com/hbo You can find more information about the work AMWA's Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA's Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E24
September 25 · 23 min
Doctor and Political Candidate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Laura Andreson, a practicing OB/GYN with 24 years of clinical experience and a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives. During this episode we talk about Dr. Andreson's journey from delivering babies to running for public office, what it was like becoming a plaintiff in Phillips v. Tennessee challenging the state's trigger abortion ban, and why she believes physicians have a unique and necessary voice in shaping health policy. We also dig into the moments in the exam room and at the State Capitol that pushed her to step outside her comfort zone, and what she'd tell any physician or medical student who feels frustrated with the system but doesn't know where to start. To learn more about Dr. Andreson's campaign for Tennessee State House, visit https://www.laurafortn63.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Find her on social media @lauraandreson4tn You can find more information about the work AMWA's Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA's Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
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S3 · E23
September 18 · 58 min
Doctor and Relentless Change Advocate
Title: Student Doctor and Relentless Change Advocate In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Katrina Green, an emergency physician and powerhouse advocate based in Nashville, TN, whose work spans gun violence prevention, reproductive rights, and grassroots political organizing. During this episode we talk about what drew Dr. Green into advocacy, how her identity as an ER physician shapes her priorities, the impact of the 2023 Covenant School shooting on Nashville's medical and advocacy communities, her work with Gideon's Army and gun violence solutions efforts, what it means to fight for reproductive rights in one of the most restrictive states in the country, how grassroots organizing through East Nashtivists and Planned Parenthood advocacy translates into real change, why physicians should engage in political spaces, and where overwhelmed trainees and physicians can start when it comes to making an impact. To learn more about Dr. Green's advocacy work, you can follow her efforts through the Tennessee Medical Association, Gideon's Army, and her community organizing with East Nashtivists and Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. You can also reach out to Dr. Katrina Green via email: doctorhurricane@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA's Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA's Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E22
September 11 · 21 min
Doctor and Sleep Professional
Title: Student Doctor and Sleep Professional In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Inja, a dual-trained adult and pediatric sleep medicine physician, to explore why sleep is one of the most undervalued pillars of health and what we can do about it. During this episode we talk about what drew Dr. Inja to sleep medicine, the gaps in medical education around sleep, the most common sleep challenges facing modern families, how to tell normal developmental sleep patterns from warning signs, the evidence (and myths) around sleep training, practical tips for sleep-deprived parents, how sleep health shifts across the lifespan, burnout in caregivers and healthcare professionals, and why physicians sharing their full humanity on social media matters. To learn more about Dr. Inja's work in sleep medicine and her efforts to educate both patients and medical professionals, you can follow her on social media, where she shares sleep health education and an authentic look at life as a physician, mom, and woman in NYC. You can also reach out to Dr. Inja via email: injaravali@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E21
September 4 · 30 min
Doctor and Empowering Entrepreneur
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, We sit down with Dr. Tammie Chang, a board-certified pediatric oncologist and pediatric nocturnist, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and national advocate for gender equity and cultural change in healthcare. Dr. Chang is the Co-Founder of Pink Coat, MD and Co-Founder of AMWA's ELEVATE Leadership Development Program, and served as the first Medical Director of Physician/APP Wellness for her health system from 2021–2026. During this episode, we talk about what it means to step into leadership before you have the title, how perfectionism and the "high achiever" identity show up (and take a toll) for women in medicine, Dr. Chang's own experience with burnout and the moment she knew something had to fundamentally change, and practical mindset tools trainees can use to reconnect with who they are beyond their achievements. We also dig into what inspired the creation of Pink Coat, MD, and what real leadership looks like for women in medicine. To learn more about Dr. Chang's work, Pink Coat, MD, and AMWA's ELEVATE Leadership Development Program, keep an eye out for links in our show notes. You can also reach out to Dr. Chang via email: info@tammiechangmd.com To learn more: www.tammiechangmd.com www.pinkcoatmd.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9ytQa_hW70&feature=youtu.be&themeRefresh=1 You can find more information about the work AMWA's Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA's Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine — join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, We will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E20
August 28 · 24 min
Doctor and Voice of Sociohistorical Justice in Medicine
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we are joined by Dr. Carmen Black, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut and Vice Chair of Education for the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Black shares her journey as a clinician and scholar whose work centers on Sociohistorical Justice, a framework that examines how historical lived experiences and generational context shape health, identity, and clinical care within Black American communities. During this episode we talk about how generational and ethnic differences among Black Americans influence clinical encounters, patient trust, and health outcomes, as well as the common misconceptions clinicians may hold when approaching Black patient populations. Dr. Black discusses how these differences manifest in real-world psychiatric and medical settings and why acknowledging historical and structural context is essential for delivering equitable care. We also explore what it looks like when healthcare systems and clinicians meaningfully integrate sociohistorical awareness into practice, and the barriers that continue to prevent this from happening at scale. Finally, Dr. Black offers guidance for clinicians and trainees on how to begin engaging with this work in a thoughtful, respectful, and impactful way. To learn more about Dr. Black and her work, you can visit the following links: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10401334.2025.2521473 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-025-02699-w https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10459-026-10541-z You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E19
August 21 · 20 min
Doctor and Digital Advocate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Madison Centofanti, a third-year osteopathic medical student at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, advocate for women in medicine, former Division I athlete, and aspiring Family and Sports Medicine physician. Madison shares her journey from student-athlete to medical student, her passion for rural healthcare and mentorship, and how she uses social media to make medicine more accessible and relatable for future physicians. During this episode we talk about navigating medical school, balancing personal branding with professionalism, women in leadership within medicine, mentorship, advocacy, overcoming challenges in training, social media in healthcare, rural medicine, and staying authentic while pursuing a career in medicine. To learn more about Madison and her work via her social media: • Instagram: @theofficialmadisoncentofanti • TikTok: Maddy21e You can also reach out to Madison via email: kr140513@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E18
August 14 · 33 min
Physician Assistant and Career Reinvention Advocate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Chelsea Heffner, a board-certified Physician Assistant with over a decade of clinical experience who has navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated surgical specialty and successfully transitioned into building an autonomy-driven career in medical aesthetics. During this episode we talk about her journey through orthopedics, the pressures of authority perception and productivity expectations, and how burnout and motherhood reshaped her career path. Chelsea shares how she redefined success, built a values-driven practice, and now focuses on ethical aesthetic medicine, patient education, and long-term sustainability in healthcare careers. To learn more about Chelsea’s work in evidence-based skincare, medical aesthetics, and her mission to bring clarity and integrity to the field, follow her on social media: Instagram: @chelseatheskinpa TikTok: @chelseatheskinpa You can also reach out to Chelsea Heffner via email: hello@chelseatheskinpa.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E17
August 7 · 23 min
Doctor and Doctor and Translator of Sleep Science
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we are joined by Dr. Saema Tahir, a quadruple board-certified physician in Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Internal Medicine based in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Tahir shares her journey through rigorous medical training and how she came to specialize in sleep and critical care, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked health needs of high-functioning women. During this episode we talk about the intersection of sleep health and chronic disease, especially among high-achieving women balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities. Dr. Tahir discusses common sleep disorders she sees in clinical practice, the biological and psychosocial factors that make sleep disruption particularly impactful for women, and how inadequate sleep can affect cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health over time. She also explains how pulmonary and critical care medicine intersect with sleep health, and how experiences in high-acuity settings have shaped her broader approach to patient care. We also explore the concept of “just being tired” versus clinically significant sleep disorders, including warning signs clinicians and patients should recognize when sleep patterns begin to affect overall health and functioning. Finally, Dr. Tahir offers practical, evidence-based advice for high-performing women in medicine and other demanding fields on how to prioritize sleep, protect long-term health, and sustain well-being in high-pressure environments. To learn more about Dr. Saema Tahir her work, you can visit: Instagram: @dr.saema_tahir TikTok: Dr.saematahir Website: www.drsaematahirmd.com You can also reach out to Dr. Saema Tahir via email: DrST@DrSaemaTahirMD.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E16
July 24 · 18 min
Founder and Environmental Health Innovator
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Alexandra Destler, Founder and CEO of MySafetyNEST, an evidence-based platform dedicated to advancing environmental health literacy, prevention, and health equity by helping individuals and clinicians reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the home. Her work focuses on translating complex environmental health science into accessible, actionable tools that can be integrated into clinical care and used by families to improve long-term health outcomes. During this episode we talk about her journey into environmental health and what inspired her to create MySafetyNEST, as well as the importance of environmental exposures in shaping women’s health and chronic disease risk. We discuss common household exposures clinicians should be aware of, and how these factors disproportionately impact women and contribute to health inequities. Alexandra also explains how MySafetyNEST supports both clinicians and patients in turning environmental health science into practical prevention strategies, the barriers clinicians face when trying to incorporate environmental health into everyday practice, and her advice for individuals and healthcare professionals who want to begin reducing toxic exposures in meaningful and sustainable ways. To learn more about Alexandra and her work, you can visit www.mysafetynest.com You can also reach out to Alexandra via email: alexandra@mysafetynest.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E14
July 10 · 23 min
Student Doctor and Kriti
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Kriti Saxena, a second-year medical student in the United States with a background in Neuroscience from New York University, who also shares her journey into medicine through social media by offering honest, relatable insights into medical school, lifestyle, and the pre-med experience. During this episode we talk about her path into medicine and the experiences that first inspired her to pursue this field, as well as the role resilience has played throughout her journey. We discuss her preparation for the MCAT and how persistence shaped her approach during one of the most challenging stages of the pre-med path. Kriti also reflects on her time working as an ophthalmic technician and what that role taught her about perseverance and pursuing opportunities in healthcare. Finally, we explore how she continues to advocate for herself in medical school, the common lessons she has learned across each stage of her training, and her advice for students who may be struggling with setbacks or uncertainty about belonging in medicine. To learn more about Kriti and her work, you can visit her social media: @krititomd You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E13
July 3 · 26 min
Doctor and Self Preservation Advocate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Laura Vater, a medical oncologist, writer, assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and Director of Compassionate Medical Education at the Hippocratic Collective, to explore how writing can serve as both reflection and advocacy within medicine. During this episode we talk about how storytelling can be used as a powerful tool to address mental health stigma in the medical field, the process of finding one’s voice as a clinician-writer, and the ways Dr. Vater balances evidence-based medicine with personal narrative. We also discuss the response from the broader medical community to open conversations about humanism and mental health, and what advice she offers to trainees and clinicians who want to use writing as a form of advocacy but may feel hesitant to speak up. To learn more about Dr. Laura Vater and her work, you can visit her website: Lauravater.com You can also reach out to Dr. Laura Vater via email: doclauravater@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E12
June 26 · 41 min
Doctor and Language Advocate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Rodrigues Armijo, a Latina physician-scientist and educator dedicated to advancing health equity through culturally responsive care, expanded language access, and healthcare workforce development. During this episode, we discuss the importance of language access in healthcare and its impact on quality and safety of care. We explore the current state of language access in the U.S., the gaps that remain, and what high-quality interpretation services should look like beyond simply having an interpreter available. We also talk about the role of culturally competent care and how medical education and health systems can better prepare physicians to care for patients with limited English proficiency. To learn more about Dr. Rodrigues Arijo you can visit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prirarmijo/ You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
- Transcript
S3 · E11
June 19 · 25 min
Doctor and Leadership Renewer
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Denee Choice, a physician executive and leadership strategist who empowers women to step into leadership with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Through her work integrating neuroscience, leadership identity, and executive presence, she helps women make aligned decisions and lead with intention. During this episode, we talk about the internal identity shifts required for women to rise in leadership, the deeper realities behind imposter syndrome, and why high-achieving women may hesitate to step into visible roles. We also explore how traditionally valued strengths like collaboration can become barriers, the systemic challenges women face in healthcare leadership, and practical strategies to build executive presence without compromising authenticity. Dr. Choice also shares powerful insights for medical students and early-career physicians on accelerating their leadership journey and redefining what leadership can look like for women in medicine. To learn more about Dr. Choice and her work, you can visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneeChoice Website: https://choiceleadershipconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deneechoice/ You can also reach out to Dr. Choice via email: denee@choiceleadershipconsulting.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
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S3 · E10
June 12 · 29 min
Student Doctor and First Generation Trailblazer
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Vanessa Ibimina Batubo, a medical student at St. George’s University and founder of FirstGenMedJourney, as she shares her journey as a first-generation student and her passion for advancing health equity for women across diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. During this episode, we talk about her path into medicine, the challenges and opportunities of being a first-generation medical student, her research and advocacy in women’s health equity, the creation and impact of her online community supporting first-generation students, and how her gap year experiences are shaping her perspective on patient care and her future as a physician. You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
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S3 · E9
June 5 · 18 min
Doctor and Compensation Reformer
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Amy Gottlieb, an academic general internist, executive leader, and nationally recognized expert on advancing fair pay and professional opportunity in medicine. As the author of Closing the Gender Pay Gap in Medicine: A Roadmap for Healthcare Organizations and the Women Physicians Who Work for Them and Founder of Grays West Advisors, Dr. Gottlieb has helped shape national strategies to close compensation gaps and build equitable advancement pathways across academic medicine. During this episode we talk about Dr. Gottlieb’s journey into compensation equity work, the workplace practices that unintentionally influence pay and career growth, and the structural reforms organizations must adopt to achieve sustainable equity. We explore common challenges leaders face when negotiating compensation, the systems that either widen or close pay gaps, and actionable strategies individuals and institutions can implement to promote transparency, fairness, and long-term professional opportunity. To learn more about Dr. Gottlieb and her work, you can visit: website: https://www.grayswestadvisorsllc.com/ book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-51031-2 You can also reach out to Dr. Amy Gottlieb via email: gottlieb.md@grayswestadvisorsllc.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
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S3 · E8
May 29 · 29 min
Doctor and More
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Claire Oduwo, a psychiatrist and content creator, who reminds us of the importance of maintaining a sense of identity outside of medicine during training and into practice. During this episode, we talk about the importance, both personally and professionally, of maintaining a sense of identity outside of medicine. We discuss the pressures that trainees and practicing physicians face, which can keep many of us from discovering who we are outside of medicine and from fully being ourselves. We also touch on some of the unique pressures women in medicine may face that can make it harder to be and show who we are. To learn more about Dr. Oduwo, you can find her on social media: Instagram: @drclaireomd TikTok: @drclaireo You can also reach out to Dr. Oduwo via email: drclaireo@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
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S3 · E7
May 22 · 41 min
Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Self-Advocate
In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Briana Calcagno-Davi, a pediatric neuropsychologist based in New York, who reminds us of the importance of self-advocacy and building a professional identity among colleagues. During this episode, we discuss Dr. Bri’s transition from training into clinical practice, the challenges she has faced as a woman in the clinical setting, and the non-clinical skills that have helped her navigate her career in clinical psychology. To learn more about Dr. Bri, you can find her on social media: Instagram: @dr.bcd_neuropsych TikTok: @bri.c.d You can also reach out to Dr. Bri via email: BCalcagnoDav@northwell.edu You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!
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