Women physicians continue to drive change across the house of medicine while navigating the realities of career advancement and caregiving. Yet despite representing more than half of medical school graduates, women remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles across academic medicine, health systems and professional societies.^1,2 This gap reflects persistent challenges, including imbalances in promotion, access to mentorship and sponsorship, compensation equity, institutional culture, and caregiving expectations.^1,3 Addressing these barriers requires intentional investment in the advancement and visibility of women physicians across career stages.

To respond to this need, APA is launching its Women’s Leadership Institute, a new initiative focused on strengthening leadership development and expanding pathways for advancement for women in medicine. As part of this effort, APA will host its inaugural Women in Medicine Leadership Convening, taking place Oct. 8-9. The Institute is grounded in direct feedback from APA members.During a listening session at last year’s annual meeting led by Marketa M. Wills, members identified a clear need for more defined leadership pathways, greater visibility in leadership roles and continuedfocus on pay equity and career navigation.

The convening will bring women physicians together for a focused leadership experience centered on voice, influence and advancement. The program features a keynote address, leadership-focused sessions and a signature session on using personal stories as a tool for leadership, paired with a TED-style coaching lab. Attendees will gain practical tools, meaningful connections and strategies they can apply immediately in their professional roles. As the first convening under the Women’s Leadership Institute, this event represents a broader commitment to building a more inclusive and representative leadership pipeline. The Institute is designed to support sustained mentorship, sponsorship and leadership development over time, extending beyond a single event to create a lasting impact across the field.

Registration is now open. Join us Oct. 8-9 and be part of a growing community of women physicians.

References

1. Richter KP, Clark L, Wick J, et al. Women physicians and promotion in academic medicine. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(22):2148-2157.
2. Clark L, Shergina E, Machado N, et al. Race and ethnicity, gender, and promotion of physicians in academic medicine. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2446018. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.46018
3. Jena AB, Olenski AR, Blumenthal DM. Sex differences in physician salary in US public medical schools. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(9):1294-1304. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.3284