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Women in Medicine

WOMEN IN MEDICINE SECTION

The number of women in medicine is steadily rising and in 2019, more women than men enrolled in medical school. MSDC's Women in Medicine Section is physician-led and is dedicated to addressing the needs of women in medicine. The Section is open to all members.


Purpose

The Women in Medicine (WIM) Section serves as MSDC's dedicated forum for advancing the leadership, professional development, and advocacy interests of women physicians in the District of Columbia. Section members act as champions for women in medicine, actively promoting networking, mentorship, and policy engagement across all career stages — from medical students through seasoned practitioners.

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Goals

  • Increase the number and influence of women physicians in leadership roles within MSDC and the greater DC medical community
  • Provide a consistent forum for networking, mentoring, and leadership development for women physicians, residents, and medical students
  • Advance MSDC advocacy on women's health and women in medicine policy issues
  • Address emerging professional issues affecting women physicians, including work-life balance and equity in practice
  • Expand MSDC's reach and relevance among women physicians across all specialties and practice settings

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Responsibilities

Leadership & Membership Development

  • Identify and encourage women physicians to pursue leadership roles within MSDC and the broader DC medical community
  • Support recruitment and retention of women physician members across all career stages
  • Serve as visible ambassadors for MSDC's value within their professional networks

Advocacy & Policy

  • Provide guidance on women's health and women in medicine policy priorities before the DC Council and relevant agencies
  • Identify emerging trends and professional issues affecting women physicians and bring recommendations to MSDC leadership
  • Represent the interests of women physicians in MSDC's broader advocacy agenda

Programming & Networking

  • Develop and recommend programming including networking events, mentorship initiatives, and speaker engagements that serve the Section's purpose
  • Support section-driven events that foster peer connection across specialties and career stages
  • Provide input on event formats, topics, and structures that resonate with women physicians and trainees
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Membership Composition

  • All women MSDC members are automatically members of the WIM Section
  • The Section leadership shall include 1 physician chair, 2 physician members, 1 resident/fellow member, and 1 medical student member
  • Diverse representation across specialties, practice settings, and career stages is strongly encouraged
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Feedback

The WIM Section leadership reports to the MSDC Board of Directors as needed. An annual report shall be submitted to the Board for inclusion in the MSDC Annual Report.


 

Member's Only WIM Content

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MSDC WIM collage

Women in Medicine Events

 


Co-Chairs
Ida Bergstrom, MD
Marwah Tareen, MD

 

MSDC's Current Women Physician Leaders
Dr. Susanne Bathgate (Immediate Past President)
Dr. Kirstiaan Nevin (At-Large Board Member)  
Dr. J. Desiree Pineda (Board Chair)
Dr. Ida Bergstrom (At-Large Board Member)