Women in Medicine

The Women Physicians Section (WPS) seeks to influence and contribute to AMA policy and program development on issues of importance to women in medicine, and to increase the number and influence of women physicians in leadership roles. 

All women AMA members are automatically members of the WPS. Other AMA members who are interested in women’s issues may join WPS by completing a brief membership application.

Become a WPS associate

WPS associates are appointed by their state or specialty medical societies to serve as liaisons between WPS and their appointing organizations. This network of leaders is instrumental in implementing WPS activities at the local level and advancing women in leadership positions. Learn more and apply to be an WPS associate.

Leveraging policy and advocacy to support equity, diversity and inclusion (March 2024)

This fireside chat explored diversity, equity and inclusion and its connection to policy and advocacy efforts, with a deeper dive on issues impacting physicians and patients. This important discussion featured Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH, AMA chief health equity officer and senior vice president; Emily Cleveland Manchanda, MD, MPH, AMA director, social justice education and implementation; Neha Sachdev, MD, MS, FAAFP, AMA director, clinical engagement and equitable care; and Neelum Aggarwal, MD, American Medical Women’s Association chief diversity officer. 

• Access the recording.

Women Physician Leaders and Balance (Sept. 2023)

Many women physicians report work-life integration as a significant concern that may influence their career choices. The conflict between professional and personal responsibilities has been associated with increasing burnout odds significantly. Angela Chaudhari, MD; Jill Jin, MD; Roxana Mehran, MD; Elisa Choi, MD; and Siri Holton, MD, discussed ways to support women in medicine as they face challenges in aligning their career goals with personal responsibilities.

• Access the recording.
• Read “How women physicians can find balance in—and out of—the workplace.”

Pathway to Leadership: Using Your Story to Influence and Inspire (March 2023)

Telling our story creates an opportunity to influence, teach, inspire, and unite others. During this webinar, Ngozi Ezike, MD; Tiffany Leung, MD; Emelia Benjamin, MD; and Anna Yap, MD, shared their experiences as leaders and how they helped others along their professional journey.

• Access the recording.

Gender diversity in leadership (Sept. 2022)

Addressing gender disparities in medicine requires a multifaceted approach. Specialty societies offer advocacy, mentorship, and education opportunities and resources that could enhance career advancement. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD; Iffath Abbasi Hoskins, MD, FACOG; Darilyn V. Moyer, MD, FACP; and Susan Thompson Hingle, MD, discussed pathways to leadership and shared insights on the role of organized medicine in facilitating gender equity.

• Access the recording.
• Watch “Becoming a leader in medicine with Sandra Fryhofer, MD.”
• Listen to our podcast “Promoting gender diversity in leadership within medicine with Sandra Fryhofer, MD.”

Fostering Well-being through Connection and Communication (March 2022)

Presenters Charlene M. Dewey, MD, MEd, MACP, and Kemia M. Sarraf, MD, MPH, along with moderator Nicole Plenty, MD, MPH, MS, explored ways to encourage physician well-being, improve empathy and mitigate trauma through connection and communication.

• Access the recording.
• Read "In stressful times for women doctors, self-care can go a long way."

Advancing Gender Equity through Medical Education, Leadership Development and Medical Practice (Sept. 2021)

Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAP, senior vice president of education, American Academy of Family Physicians, discussed ways that medical education, leadership development and medical practice can help promote gender equity in medicine.

• Access the recording.
• Read “4 ways women physicians can better control career trajectory.” 

The Intersection of Voting and Health (March 2021)

The Honorable Donna M. Christensen, MD, presenter, and Megan Srinivas, MD, MPH, moderator, explored the connection between voting and health–and its influence on population health, socioeconomic influences and health policy.

• Access the recording.
• Watch “Donna Christensen, MD, on the intersection of voting and health.”

Women Physicians Leading During Crisis (Sept. 2020)

Renée Crichlow, MD, shared insights on the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic discrimination and gender inequity and the ramifications for women in medicine.

• Access the recording.
• Read “Leading in crisis: 3 keys women physicians should know about.”
• Download the Q&A summary (PDF).

Unique Challenges Facing Women Physicians During COVID-19 (Sept. 2020)

This webinar, co-sponsored by the WPS, the Organized Medical Staff Section and the American Medical Women’s Association, addresses the various professional challenges that women physicians have dealt with since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Access the recording.
• Read “Ways to tackle challenges facing women physicians in pandemic.”

Supporting women in medicine

Visit the AMA Ed Hub to earn CME credits while increasing your awareness of the challenges currently faced by women physicians and health professionals, as well as how the medical profession can better support women’s success and well-being.

Advancing gender equity in medicine

The AMA recognizes that gender inequity in medicine is a complex issue that requires a multilayered approach. Learn more about the AMA’s work to advance gender equity in medicine.