Top female gastroenterologists offered advice on leadership and work-life integration to those following in their footsteps during the AGA Southeast Women in GI Regional Workshop, hosted by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Amid a trend of declining interest among women in joining the ranks of gastroenterologists, experts in emotional and financial health rounded out the presentations that drew about 35 GI fellows and early- and mid-career doctors from the Southeast.
“Workshops like these are meant to support and empower women in the space of gastroenterology,” said Oriana Damas, MD, an associate professor of medicine and director of translational studies for the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at the Miller School, as well as co-course director for the workshop. “I wish as a fellow I had the opportunity to attend workshops like these. It’s an opportunity to talk about issues that affect women and how we can grow together and build a collaborative community for all of us.”
Learning to lead
In her keynote address, AGA president and director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at the Miller School Maria Abreu, MD, addressed the challenges of rising through the ranks as a woman.
Her journey to the head of AGA began during her fellowship, when she joined a research committee and was the self-described rabble-rouser of the group.
“People were okay with me calling out what could be done better,” she said.
Flash forward to present day and she continues to use her voice as president of the organization.
“As women and individuals, we define our vision for the future,” Dr. Abreu said. “We are here today to not only get to what we imagine for ourselves in leadership but to improve our shared vision.”
Reimagining leadership
The vision of a leader for many, Dr. Abreu pointed out, is a tall, broad-shouldered man with a baritone voice wearing a navy blazer and white shirt.
“He is very confident, which is probably inversely proportional to what he knows,” she said. “Does this mean I’m less of a leader because I’m wearing a pink sequin top?”
Sharing a research paper showing that the number of women entering gastroenterology is not as high as in other fields, Dr. Abreu said, “This doesn’t make me happy. The paper hypothesizes that there aren’t enough mentors or role models to make the field welcoming to women.”
As gastroenterology organizations release white papers on guidelines for family leave and equal pay, AGA remains extremely committed to women, boasting a large number in leadership positions and a gender equity framework complete with a roadmap, Dr. Abreu said.
Dr. Abreu’s biggest piece of advice?
“You do you,” she said. “Some people try to not be themselves, and how long can that last? I’m always thinking about my faults, but the most important thing is to focus on your strengths, and it turns out we have so many more strengths than weaknesses.”
Dr. Abreu also emphasized the importance of self-care.
“Put your own mask on and then help others around you,” she said. “If you are run ragged, how can you be great?”
The speakers who followed her delved deeper into how one becomes a leader. Leadership is a learned skill that should be part of any growth plan, said Ann Brown, MD, executive coach and vice dean for faculty emerita at Duke University School of Medicine. Doctors, she said, must become comfortable with difficult conversations and familiarize themselves with gender dynamics at work.
Dr. Aline Charabaty, MD, associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and founder of the X forum @MondayNightIBD, agreed.
“As women, there are a lot of feminine qualities we can bring to the leadership table,” Dr. Charabaty said. “It’s OK to be vulnerable and empathetic – bring that healthy female energy! – but also bring your masculine energy and be assertive and resilient.”
Recognizing your value
Learn to say no, said Jami Kinnucan, MD, senior associate consultant in the section of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
“Women have a disease to please, but it’s impossible to do everything well,” she said.
And when it comes to negotiating, be confident and remember salary is only part of the package.
“There is always an opportunity for things like a signing bonus, repayment of student loans, what clinical time looks like,” Dr. Kinnucan said. “Know your value. Women are more likely to underestimate their worth.”
Caring for yourself
With nearly half of all physicians reporting burnout last year, self-care was a hot topic. A psychologist highlighted its importance and a financial planner discussed the benefits of nurturing financial health early on, while doctors gave concrete examples on how to achieve work-life balance.
“We are often our own worst critic,” Dr. Damas said. “Be compassionate with yourself, and that prevents burnout.”
Morgan Sendzischew Shane, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Miller School and director of the UHealth Comprehensive Women’s Health Alliance, offered advice on how to make every minute count amid a flurry of work and family obligations.
“Clarify what matters, track tasks systemically, invest in timesavers and celebrate your success,” Dr. Shane said.
Work smarter, not harder, by figuring out what can be outsourced. Break large tasks into smaller chunks. Use apps to track productivity. Designate time for specific tasks.
As a mom to two kids younger than 10, Dr. Shane suggests setting boundaries for clinical work with set office hours for communication.
“One day your kids are going to buckle themselves into their car seats,” she said. “You have to work toward those long-term goals. Say yes to things that will open up more opportunities and recognize the moment you’re in won’t be your permanent situation.”
“Stop overbooking family time,” she added. “My son’s basketball schedule is now on my work schedule. That time is valuable, and you need time for yourself.”
It’s also important, Dr. Shane said, to reflect and readjust as needed.
“We won’t get it right every time,” she said. “Every day is a new opportunity, so review regularly and when things are not working for you, reevaluate.”
Choosing a path: Academic or private practice
Joanne Wilson, MD, professor emeritus at Duke University School of Medicine, advised those interested in academia to keep their CV updated and request annual reviews in case a course correction is needed. Those on tenure track, she said, should keep abreast of the schedule and request an extension for life events like family care leave.
Going into private practice, meantime, offers tremendous opportunity for women, said Colleen Schmitt, MD, who recently retired as a gastroenterologist at Galen Medical Group in Tennessee. After normalizing her own quiet leadership style as equally as effective as the more dynamic leaders in the room, Dr. Schmitt highlighted four strategies for success: build the trust of the team you work with, learn how to give and receive feedback, prioritize patient well-being and make small changes effectively.
“Say yes more than you think you would because sometimes it will open a window or a door that you never would have imagined in your wildest dreams that could lead to very strange opportunities,” she said. “Say no when it really matters, not because you feel like you’re underqualified.”
Soaking it in
First-year Miller School fellow and new mom Keri-Ann Buchanan-Peart, MD, has struggled to achieve work-life integration.
“As a new mom it’s a lot to balance, and it’s great to meet people in this space and hear their experiences and learn from them,” she said.
Stephanie Ioannou, MD, a third-year fellow at the University of Miami who will be staying on as faculty after her training, also was grateful for the workshop.
“As a fellow, we don’t get a ton of guidance on leadership,” she said. “There are a lot of nationally renowned women in GI here and I want to learn from them. When it comes to our future careers in GI, whether in academic medicine or private practice, we’ve been able to hear from experts in the field how to place our values in the forefront and sell ourselves.”
As these young leaders digest all they’ve learned from the trailblazers before them, one thing is clear: the women in GI are united to ensure a bright future of equality and balance.
