Authors: Meghan Etsey, Vashti Price, Dr. Teresa Lazar – on behalf of AMWA Gender Equity Task Force
“Our Voices, Our Future” is a podcast by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association that explores the challenges, stories, and successes of those working to advance gender equity in medicine. Through candid conversations with changemakers, advocates, and leaders, each episode dives into issues like pay gaps, leadership disparities, and inclusive workplace culture. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and empowered to take action. Full episode listening links are available below the transcription.
Meghan: Welcome to Our Voices Our Future, the podcast where we amplify the voices driving change in equity within medicine and beyond. Brought to you by the Gender Equity Task Force, a committee of the American Medical Women’s Association. We’re here to challenge norms, break barriers, and ignite conversations that matter.
Meghan: I’m Meghan Etsey, and in each episode, I will bring you candid discussions with leaders, change makers, and advocates, working to create a more inclusive and just world. No more silence, no more waiting. It’s time to get Our Voices, Our Future. Today, we are welcoming Dr. Teresa Lazar. She’s an OB-GYN in New York at North Shore University Hospital, Hofstra Northwell in Manhasset. She is an assistant professor in the department of OBGYN and clerkship director at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Politics from New York University and continued to study medicine at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, New York. Recently, she completed her Master of Education in the Health Professions at Hofstra University. She’s currently a part of our Gender Equity Task Force and is passionate about leadership, mentorship, communication, and the advancement of women in medicine. Welcome, Dr. Lazar. We are so happy to have you.
Dr. Lazar: Thank you so much, Meghan. It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for including me.
Meghan: So, to start us off, can you tell us how mentorship has played a role in helping women overcome gender-based barriers in medicine? Currently, women make up more than 50% of the graduating medical students. However, a significant number stopped practicing medicine or working part-time within six years of starting their careers. Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, the AAMC, the State of Women in Academic Medicine in 2023-2024. The data show that 34% of women are division chiefs, 25% are department chairs, 27% are medical school deans, and 42% of women are associate professors. This data reflects an improvement over the past decade, which is wonderful, but it’s significantly less than 50% of the graduates. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. There are two articles in academic medicine: Dr. Mary Shen, “Impact of Mentoring on Academic Career Success for Women in Medicine,” and Dr. Neha Purkey “Advancing Women Physicians in Academic Medicine”. Both articles demonstrate the impact of mentorship in supporting women in medicine. It’s been shown to increase career satisfaction, support academic promotion, salary equity, and increase scholarship and research, and it’s important for women in medicine. So I do think it makes a difference.
Meghan: Wow. Those numbers are crazy to me. Even though this is us progressing, right? So we’re still in the 20 to 40% of representation in these levels. It’s very interesting to hear all those percentages together in one sentence. Thank you for pulling that information out for us. That’s very intriguing to hear about. What type of advice would you give to women in medicine who are struggling to find a mentor?
Dr. Lazar: I would ask for mentorship from different mentors, not just one. I used to think you needed one mentor, but that’s not the case. There are so many dimensions to a career. I suggest asking individuals within and outside your institution to be your mentors. Ask individuals you perceive as role models, skilled in a particular area you want to develop. They’ll value your work, see your potential, and elevate your career. While preparing for this podcast, I came across the AMWA Mentorship Committee, which would be a wonderful resource to get started. I also suggest attending conferences within your specialty. I also recommend reaching out for allyship, which can be impactful and lead to sponsorship opportunities within your career. No matter what point in your career you’re currently in. Whether you’re in your early career or mid-career, there are skills you can develop. Networking and negotiation skills are also very important and can be developed at any point. I graduated from medical school, and as I thought this was my goal, I’m set. I wanted to establish myself in practice, and I focused on that. It was very rewarding, but I realized there was so much more to a career that needed development. I went for my Master’s in Education about five years ago. That was very transformative and enlightening, and there were a lot of mentorship opportunities with that as well. At any point, it’s worth investing in mentorship, but the earlier the start, the better.
Meghan: We talk about imposter syndrome so much, and it also comes with this. When we’re training to be doctors, we feel that sense of imposter syndrome. Asking Oh my gosh, they’re a doctor, can I ask them to be a mentor? Will they want to? It’s important to have the mindset that they have gone through the same stages you’re going through. They know what it feels like to be in your position. I was out of the world at the AMWA conference this past weekend, and I was not sure how many successful doctors would speak to me and give me that support. We are often afraid just to initiate that conversation, but as soon as we do, it can feel so freeing to realize that they want to be there for us.
Dr. Lazar: Megan, I’m glad you had a positive experience, and I did as well. You know, mentorship can be informal or formal mentorship. I experienced a lot of informal mentorship at the conference, and I plan to follow up and formalize some mentorship. As you said, the women physicians at these conferences are open to helping you, and you should tap in and establish a relationship of mentorship.
Meghan: So, on the other side, what advice would you give to a woman in medicine, thinking about becoming a mentor?
Dr. Lazar: I’ve been fortunate to mentor residents and junior faculty for many years. It’s a reciprocal relationship. It’s worth your time and energy. It’s inspiring, you learn as well. You share your life experiences and work experiences, and it’s a relationship that you can develop over the years, or it could be shorter. It does foster a sense of belonging. You don’t need specific training for it, but you do. It is a skill development; you gain that skill the more you mentor. I’m sure there’s mentorship training or coaching training. There are programs that look interesting to participate in, but it’s worth it.
Meghan: I think that as you grow, and even for me, like mentoring pre-med students, as you grow into your profession and career, you’re like, oh wow, now it’s time for me to do that for somebody else.
Dr. Lazar: Yeah, we are a community. That’s why mentorship is so powerful. It’s that relationship that everyone benefits from.
Meghan: There are so many benefits to mentorship. If you have any additional token advice to leave our audience with, what would that be?
Dr. Lazar: I recommend a growth mindset with your career and your mentorship. Mindset is the key. Taking that first step. So if you’re thinking about it, just do it.
Meghan: Thank you so much, Dr. Lazar. It’s been great having you on our podcast.
Dr. Lazar: Thank you, Megan. I also want to thank Dr. Joanna Georgakas and the Gender Equity Task Force for supporting this podcast series, which I consider a valuable resource for mentorship and reflects the important work of women in medicine. So thank you very much, Megan.
Meghan: So that’s a wrap on this episode of Our Voices Our Future. We hope today’s conversation inspired, challenged, and reminded you of the power of raising your voice. The fight for equity doesn’t stop here. Join us in the movement. Subscribe wherever you get your podcast. If you love this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Until next time, stay bold, stay vocal, and keep the conversation going. This is Our Voices, Our Future.
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About the Authors
Meghan Etsey, MS3
Meghan Etsey is a third year medical student from St. George’s University. She has a Bachelors of Arts in Biology and a Bachelors of Arts in Nutrition and Dietetics from Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio. She served as the President of the St. George’s University’s Women in Medicine chapter in St. George, Grenada where she expanded relationships with the community and worked towards educating women and helping the youth. She is also a member of the Gender Equity Task Force and Sex and Gender Health Collaborative Committees within the American Medical Women’s Association. When she is not pursuing medicine, you can find her with her friends and family on different road trips and adventures exploring the world.
Vashti Price is a third-year medical student at St. George’s University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master’s in Biological Sciences from Alcorn State University, and a Master’s in Health Sciences from Meharry Medical College. With a strong passion for public health and health equity, Vashti has dedicated much of her time to volunteering with underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness and children in need. Her commitment to service continues through her involvement with the American Medical Women’s Association, where she serves on the Gender Equity Task Force and the Sex & Gender Health Collaborative Committees. Vashti is particularly interested in the intersection of medicine, public health, and community outreach. Outside her academic and clinical pursuits, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending festivals, exploring new cities, and winding down with a good Netflix series.
Teresa Lazar, MD MSEd is the clerkship director of the Advanced Clinical Experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell (ZSOM). She obtained her medical degree and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology from the State University of New York Health Science Center in Brooklyn and graduated with a Master of Science in Education degree in health professions from Hofstra University. Dr. Lazar was recognized with the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award and is a member of the Academy of Medical Educators and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society at the ZSOM. Currently, a member of the American Medical Women’s Association Gender Equity Task Force and the Education Committee. Dr. Lazar is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, areas of clinical interest include general obstetrical care, gynecologic care and pelvic ultrasounds. Additionally, she is passionate about medical education, faculty development, communication, and leadership. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.