Doximity is pleased to introduce the 2023-2024 Women in Medicine Advisory Board. These five women will help shape our Women in Medicine newsletter each month, sharing stories and ideas to create a community for women physicians on Doximity. Each of these physicians bring a unique perspective and experience to the Board, and all have been influenced by amazing women in and outside of medicine. In the spirit of women supporting women, Doximity asked them to share which women inspired them to become the leaders they are today.
Dr. Michele Griffith, Internal Medicine
One of the women who was most influential and impactful early on in my medical career, while completing clinical rotations as a third- and fourth-year student at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, was Dr. Barbara J. Justice. She introduced me to and embodied [the idea of] the activist physician. As a leader in the Harlem, New York community, she was passionate about addressing health care inequities and social determinants of health. I believe physicians must be outspoken and at the forefront of positive change in health care delivery, and she helped to shape that view. As a surgical oncologist, forensic and clinical psychiatrist, and NIH HIV researcher, she demonstrated that we, as women, are capable of succeeding and accomplishing many things, as long as we fully embrace our being and walk into that power.
Dr. Barbara Lazio, Neurosurgery
There were few female role models as I was getting started in neurosurgery. My mentors were men who believed I had something to contribute to the field no matter my gender, and for that I am grateful. While I cannot name one woman who helped me develop as a neurosurgeon, I would not be where I am today without the small village of women in the field who came before me, paving the way. The founding members of Women in Neurosurgery chose to encourage other women to join their ranks rather than climbing the ladder and pulling it up after themselves. These women continue to be an inspiration, fighting for equity in hiring, compensation, opportunities, and workplace policies.
Dr. Sonia Ramamoorthy, Colorectal Surgery
The woman who profoundly influenced my path in medicine is my mother, Daulat Ramamoorthy. Although not a physician herself, she is an extraordinarily courageous and brilliant individual who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 16. She was sent from India by her mother to work as a nanny for her older brother, ultimately supporting herself through college, where she would eventually meet my father. While pursuing her Masters in Biochemistry, she became pregnant and made the selfless decision to put her career on hold to raise our family. Throughout my life, I've had the unique privilege as her daughter to observe and absorb much of her life experience. This includes navigating the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom, overcoming racial prejudice and ethnic bias, and adapting to Western culture while upholding the core values deeply embedded in her own culture and religion. Reflecting on her life, I am continually amazed by her strength and resilience. My mother has consistently been my champion, a limitless source of inspiration, and undoubtedly the most kind, empathetic human being I have ever known. As she approaches her 90th birthday this year, I am thrilled to celebrate her enduring impact on my life and career.
Dr. Rosy Thachil, Cardiology
There are so many women in medicine who have paved the way for women physicians today. A discussion of this topic would be remiss without mentioning Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in America to receive a medical degree. Despite great gender discrimination, she persevered and graduated at the top of her class. She bravely challenged societal norms, became a lifelong advocate for women physicians, and opened the door for thousands of physicians behind her. Another woman in medicine I admire is Dr. Linda Brodsky, an internationally renowned and award winning pediatric otolaryngologist. Not only was she a trailblazer in her chosen field, but also dedicated herself to advocating for gender equality and mentoring women physicians.
Dr. Archana Shrestha, Emergency Medicine
My strongest influence on choosing medicine was my own mother. Not only was she the first doctor in her family, but against great odds, she immigrated to the U.S. from India in the 1970s and built a thriving solo family medicine practice in the Chicago suburbs. As a little girl, I recall her taking me to round on patients in the hospital. And as a teenager, I would go to the clinic with my mom on Saturdays and answer the phone and room patients in order to help out. Even though it was the 80s and 90s, and women doctors were certainly in the minority, she took on leadership roles at the hospital and within other physician organizations. At the same time, I saw her struggling with gender inequity within medicine and also with integrating her career with family life. Her influence led me not only to become a doctor, but also to become a physician life coach. She inspired me to empower women in medicine to end the pattern of constant self-sacrifice and prioritize their own well-being.
Who has influenced your career? Share a note of gratitude for a remarkable mentor, friend, family member, or any other woman who has inspired you to be a great physician.
Illustration by April Brust
