The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Nicole L. Plenty, MD, an ob-gyn and a maternal-fetal medicine physician at Community Health Network in Indianapolis. She is also an alternate delegate for the AMA Women Physicians Section.
AMA member since: 2008.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Initially, I thought I wanted to be an attorney. However, when my cousin passed away from complications of pregnancy, this heightened my interest in medicine and research.
How I move medicine: By advocating for policies related to improvement in women’s health issues and working daily to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity.
Career highlights: I was recently selected by the Indianapolis Business Journal as one of its Forty under 40 awardees. This was exciting and surprising—to be in the city for such a short time and have my efforts recognized.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: You can do it! The journey is long, but it’s worth it. Nothing gives me more joy than figuring out complex medical cases and caring for patients. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love every day.
How I give back to the community: By being a voice for women through my leadership position on the AMA Women Physicians Section, through participating in lobby days, and by participating on state and national policy-related committees.
Aspect of my work that means the most: Being the person able to navigate a high-risk patient through a difficult pregnancy—whether it is due to a maternal condition or fetal anomaly—means the most to me. They become like family to me.
My hope for the future of medicine: That women are allowed to have a voice in their care, with less government restriction and more compassion for unique medical situations.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
