Join AMWA’s 2024 Advocacy Days
One of AMWA’s most important legacies has been the mentorship of the next generation of women physicians. Among our ranks are physicians who have spent a lifetime in AMWA, some from their premedical years. The AMWA community provides not only a safe and nurturing space, but room to grow as one advances in their career.
Our medical student and premedical leaders were an integral part of our recent advocacy day on the Hill as well as our interim board meeting. “I am so excited about how AMWA’s impact and influence continue to grow. I was inspired by the AMWA premed and medical students’ passion, poise, and commitment,” said AMWA President, Dr. Susan Hingle. “The future is bright for women physicians because of AMWA.”
Including our medical student and premedical leaders in legislative meetings ensured that their voices were heard.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to engage in lobbying on capitol hill with AMWA as a medical student,” said Emily Forester, AMWA Medical Student President. “I was honored to be a part of many important conversations with the staff of some of our nation’s leaders related to women’s health, maternal mortality, infertility, gender equity, gun violence, and obesity. It was also a really amazing experience to sit down with the White House’s Gender Policy Council and discuss information related to how we can spearhead important changes for women in healthcare, both for physicians as well as our female patients. As a medical student applying into OB/GYN residencies this year, I have a vested interest in many of the policies we were advocating for, so that I can hopefully serve my future patients to the best of my ability and through a full selection of interventions that they may need.”
Jennifer Uyere, AMWA Medical Student President-elect spoke of her experience:
“I am thrilled to share how exciting it was to speak with senators’ staff about issues that are deeply important to AMWA, such as reproductive rights, pay equity, gun violence, obesity, and cancer prevention. I felt truly honored to participate in these meetings and share my personal story as a non-traditional medical student and IMG. This experience was incredibly impactful for me as a medical student, and it has motivated me even more to continue this important work. I am so proud to be a member of such an amazing organization that not only advocates for these crucial issues but also supports its members in making a real difference.
Being among such impressive female physicians who are actively contributing to advocacy was both inspiring and humbling. I feel so privileged to be in the company of these remarkable women, and I loved the opportunity to connect. Creating these relationships has been invaluable, and I know they will last a lifetime.
Additionally, visiting Washington, D.C., for the first time has been a fascinating experience in itself. Being in the nation’s capital and seeing firsthand where important discussions take place was awe-inspiring and added another layer of excitement to an already incredible experience.”
Division Presidents and President-elects at the White House L-R: Jennifer Uyere, Sophia Hai, Dana Shuaibi, Emily Forrester
Medical Student Division President and President-elect on the EEOB White House Steps
In the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (White House)
Dana Shuaibi, AMWA Premedical Division President-Elect, echoed this same feeling. “As a premedical student, I was not expecting to have the opportunity to be a part of such impactful advocacy efforts in D.C.”. She also said, “AMWA is unique in that sense because at any stage of your career you can be a part of initiatives and opportunities that really lead to change, and that is the exact reason why I continue to stay involved with the organization and plan to for the entirety of my career.”
Sophia Hai, AMWA Premedical Division President reflected on the power of advocacy. “Getting the opportunity to be a part of these critical conversations and have a seat at the table of inspiring women truly reminded me why I’m so impassioned by healthcare and the advocacy milestones that still need to be achieved.” She also said, “It makes me proud to know that although premedical students are still early on in their career goals, they can still use their voice to contribute to change.”
On Capitol Hill Senate Office Building
On Capitol Hill
Waiting for the Underground Shuttle on Capitol Hill
Few organizations offer opportunities for students to work side by side with physicians and senior leaders in medicine. Yet every one of AMWA’s working groups has leadership roles for resident and student co-chairs. Some working groups have been led by our student leaders with physician advisors (Domestic Violence Prevention) and or founded by a physician in training (Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans – now celebrating its 10th anniversary year). Some of our physician chairs work passionately on AMWA initiatives that once benefitted them when they were students (Dr. Laura Helfman, American Women’s Hospitals Service), others are dedicated to paving the road for future women leaders in medicine (Dr. Katherine Sharkey and Dr. Barb Edelheit – Mentorship Committee)
Medical Student and Premed Leaders In the Senate Subway