Submission ID 93997
| Poster Code | HR-P-52 |
|---|---|
| Title of Abstract | Empowering the next generation of women in medicine and science: lessons learned from the Canadian Association of Women Clinician Investigator Trainees |
| Abstract Submission | Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, women in the MD-PhD program at McGill University gathered via video call for mutual support. This call shed light on the importance of what went lacking during the pandemic: connection, spontaneous dialogue at our program's seminars, and support through the highs and lows of our lengthy studies. Our conversation also revealed shared questions and concerns regarding implications of the leaky pipeline for women in academic medicine and how we can contribute to forging a culture that is fully supportive and equitable for women at all career stages. The Canadian Association of Women Clinician Investigator Trainees (CAWCIT) was born out of these reflections. CAWCIT helps empower the next generation of women in medicine and science via a multi-pronged strategy that has proven transformative for our group: (1) battling imposter syndrome and nurturing a sense of belonging; (2) learning to set healthy boundaries; (3) implementing practical solutions through workshops on topics that have included medical education, writing and interview skills, and career planning; (4) celebrating the achievements of all group members as medical students, scientists, leaders, advocates, and more; (5) creating a space for discussion that welcomes diversity of perspectives and values community as foundational to our individual and collective success. We emphasize mentorship and regularly invite women physician-scientists to share their path and advice with our group and the larger medical student and research communities. For instance, we recently co-led the first Canadian Equity and Diversity Panel on Women's Careers in Neurology, Radiology, and Neurosurgery, featuring speakers from across the country, which was particularly well-received by our community. We hope that the success of our model for uplifting women physician-scientist trainees will inspire programs in North America and beyond to consider the power of peer support in building a brighter and more inclusive future for academic medicine. |
| Please indicate who nominated you | McGill University |
| What Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) institute is your research most closely aligned? | Gender and Health |
| What Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) pillar of health research does your research fall under? | Population health |
| PDF of abstract | No file |
| Presenter and Author(s) | Ella Sahlas Julia Luo Sarah Lépine Lashanda Skerritt Shriya Deshmukh Stephanie Totten Julia Luo |
