Women in Medicine
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
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
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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Women in Medicine Events
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Howard Medical Student Networking EventOctober 21, 2025 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Howard University College of MedicineMSDC and Howard's medical school AMA chapter are partnering to hold a casual networking reception. -
Autumn DC Council Visit DayOctober 8, 2025 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
John A. Wilson Building or onlineJoin our autumn Council visit day to speak with the Council about important, current policy issues impacting local medicine. -
Welcome Back to DC: Fall Medical Student and Early Career Physician ReceptionAugust 26, 2025 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Mr. Smith's of GeorgetownJoin our annual event to help get ready for a new academic year. -
MSDC Physician Dinner and SocialJune 24, 2025 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
La FermeJoin your fellow physicians for networking and strategic financial conversation over a well-regarded French dinner. Bring your significant other! -
Physicians Visit the DC Council DayMay 7, 2025 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
John A. Wilson Building or onlineJoin the DC physician and medical student community in meeting with DC Council members. Join us in-person or on Zoom.
Co-Chairs
Ida Bergstrom, MD
Marwah Tareen, MD
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)
