To honor women and the remarkable work they do in medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine plans to host multiple events throughout September’s Women in Medicine Month.

Women in Medicine Month is an annual celebration dedicated to women in all areas of the profession.

Throughout the month, OUWB’s Center for Excellence in Medical Education (CEME) will host four events in conjunction with WIMM. 

"My goal really is to provide information on successful women in medicine and hopefully they will serve as a motivator for others. I also love to hear their stories and learn from their experiences," said Ann Voorheis-Sargent, Ph.D., director, CEME.

The American Medical Association (AMA) emphasizes the many reasons for the annual celebration and considers WIMM essential. First, the month highlights the new information and breakthroughs women have obtained through research. Women also provide innovative contributions and enhance the quality of care and treatment options for patients; continuing to enhance the structure of the field while fulfilling multiple roles.

The month also serves as a way to fight for women to have better representation in the field, equality in leadership roles, and simply the opportunity for women to have options to support and grow in different healthcare positions. Finally, WIMM supports and encourages women to create a system of equal opportunity and success for generations to come.  

The four OUWB events that are scheduled throughout September are listed below. RSVP here.

Inspired Women Lead Discussion Panel, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 110 O’Dowd Hall

Panelists Sara Arena P.T., M.S., Deana Hays, DNP, R.N., FNP-BC, Lori M. Mausi, M.D., FACOG, Lynda Misra, D.O., FACP, Robin Rivest, Ed.D., and Leigh Settlemoir, Ph.D., MBA, will explore and discuss their experiences as women in leadership roles. Each panelist continues to work and contribute their dedication to the following: Oakland University, OUWB, and Corewell Heath.

The panel will explore some of the controversial and lingering issues women face in medicine. The panel allows women in physical therapy, health sciences, nursing, and more to be inspired to grow by learning from the panelists about their endeavors, how they can navigate through specific challenges, and what influences them in their work.

Revolutionizing Precision Medicine with Generative AI from Medical Education to Patient Care, Sept. 12, 1 – 2:30 p.m., 110 O’Dowd Hall

Following the groundbreaking panel will be a session led by Florence (Flo) Doo, M.D., OUWB ’17.

Participants will learn about the different ways to apply generative AI during treatment planning and ensure accurate diagnostic measures. The session will also explore application ideas that align with medical curricula and clinical duties. Finally, participants will collaborate on the ethical aspects of AI and how it could influence future medical practices.

At the end of the session, the privacy and data issues will be discussed while opening the door to honest conversations about how generative AI could shift the medical workspace in numerous ways.

Documentary Screening with Q&A, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Online and 478 O’Dowd Hall

The third event will be presented by Khama Ennis M.D., MPH, with a screening of the documentary “Faces of Medicine,” which explores the lives and experiences of less than 2.8% of Black women who are physicians. The untold stories and voices heard will push for the truth of what careers look like for Black women in medicine and call to action for better representation in the field moving forward. Fractured Atlas is a nonprofit organization that captivated this

sponsored project to ensure future generations of Black women who choose careers as doctors never feel alone.

Following the screening, those attending are welcome to share their reactions and ask questions, with time to reflect on the documentary.

Keynote: A Focus on Leadership with Oakland University President Ora Pescovitz, Sept. 27, 9 – 10 a.m., O’Dowd Hall

The fourth and final event of Women in Medicine month is a leadership presentation by OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D. She plans to showcase and provide inspiration during an active keynote presentation that focuses on the journey in leadership.

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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