by Barbara Edelheit, MD, Chair of AMWA Mentorship
I began my medical journey in Syracuse, NY, where I attended medical school. It was there that I had the honor of serving as the President of our student chapter of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA). This role not only allowed me to advocate for women in medicine but also earned me the AMWA Leadership and Service Award from both the Professional and Student branches—an achievement I will always treasure.
After medical school, I continued my training in Pediatrics, doing residency at Cornell Medical Center in New York City, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology at the Hospital for Special Surgery, also in New York. Along the way, mentorship became a cornerstone of my development as both a physician and a leader.
One of my earliest mentors was Dr. Ruth Hart, an emergency department physician who led one of my second-year courses in medical school. Despite our different specialties, Dr. Hart’s guidance was invaluable. She introduced me to AMWA and taught me that mentorship doesn’t have to come from someone in your exact field—its true value lies in its breadth. Dr. Hart also emphasized the importance of pursuing interests beyond medicine.
I vividly remember her taking our class to the theater, a gesture that reinforced her belief that the arts could cultivate the empathy and humanity we need as physicians.
My mentorship journey continued during my residency at Cornell, where I met Dr. Karen Onel, a pediatric rheumatologist who became a pivotal figure in my career. Dr. Onel’s expertise and compassionate bedside manner inspired me to pursue Pediatric Rheumatology. I was fortunate enough to train under her guidance during my fellowship, and it was during this time that my husband and I began our family, welcoming our first daughter and later two more.
Balancing the demands of a growing family and a thriving career was no small feat, but once again, mentorship played a vital role in helping me navigate these challenges. Throughout my career, mentorship has remained a constant source of strength and inspiration. As I progressed, I also found myself increasingly motivated to mentor others.
Five years ago, I founded and began leading a women’s group at my hospital. This platform has become a space for mentorship, support, and advocacy, allowing women in medicine to connect, share experiences, and lift one another up. Additionally, I serve as the faculty mentor or the University of Connecticut’s AMWA chapter, where I guide and inspire the next generation of female physicians. I’m also excited to be speaking at the upcoming Region 1 AMWA conference in Boston this month, a wonderful opportunity to continue giving back to the
community that has shaped me.
Through these roles and experiences, I’ve learned profound lessons that have been instrumental in my growth. One of the most important distinctions I’ve made is the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. While mentorship involves guidance, support, and personal development, sponsorship is about actively advocating for someone’s career. A sponsor helps you secure opportunities and ensures you have a seat at the table." Both are
essential to advancing in a challenging and competitive field like medicine.
Another lesson that has shaped my professional journey is the power of setting boundaries. As physicians, we are often offered a multitude of opportunities, many of which are not aligned with our passions or long-term goals. I’ve learned to be intentional about the commitments I take on, asking myself—What am I sacrificing if I say yes to this? Recognizing that women physicians are frequently expected to shoulder a disproportionate amount of unpaid and non promotable work has made me more strategic in managing my time and energy. It's essential to evaluate whether certain tasks align with my career trajectory or detract from the activities that will truly help me grow professionally.
AMWA has been an incredible resource in this regard, offering not just in mentorship, but providing a community where women in medicine can share insights and support one another. I’ve been particularly grateful for my experience with AMWA ELEVATE Certificate in Leadership, which has connected me with like-minded women who are passionate about advocating for women’s health. This shared commitment has been a powerful source of solidarity, helping us all navigate the challenges unique to women in medicine.
Reflecting on my career, I’m proud to have come full circle. This past year, I was deeply honored to receive the AMWA Exceptional Mentor Award for 2024-2025. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it comes from my mentees—those I have had the privilege of supporting and guiding along their own journeys. It’s a humbling reminder of the power of mentorship and how much I’ve gained from the relationships I’ve built throughout my career.
I was also deeply moved to receive the AMWA INSPIRE Award, which celebrates women in medicine who demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to changing the culture of our field. To be recognized for my efforts to support and empower others in this way is both a
profound honor and a call to continue the work.
The lessons I’ve learned over the years—about the importance of mentorship, the need for balance, and the value of self-advocacy—have shaped me into the physician, mentor, and advocate I am today. More than ever, I believe that by supporting one another, especially women in medicine; we can create a stronger, more inclusive, and compassionate healthcare system. As I continue on my own path, I’m committed to helping others navigate their journeys, just as I was guided by the mentors who shaped mine. Together, we can inspire and uplift each other, driving meaningful change both within our profession and beyond.
About the Author
Barbara Edelheit, M.D. is Division Head of Rheumatology at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Join the AMWA Mentorship Committee