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.
________________________________________
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
________________________________________
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
If you cannot see the below videos and you are an MSDC member, please log-in. Not an MSDC member? Learn how to join!
Women in Medicine Events
Hosted by the Women in Medicine Section
See the VIDEO RECORDING
Entrepreneurship and business-building is not a topic that physicians learn in medical
school, which can be to their own misfortune. Doctors have strong insight into the needs of patients and are best qualified to solve the challenges of modern medicine and hurdles of healthcare delivery. Entrepreneurship is well-suited to physician problem-solvers and can be rewarding, starting with a simple side gig or an idea you discussed in the physicians lounge. Stepping out on one's own can be daunting (even more so in a pandemic) but done wisely it can help you achieve new satisfaction and success, plus independence and financial security to outlast periods of uncertainty. Learn what it takes to turn an idea into reality, launch a business, and make time and space to build new opportunity. This discussion will be tailored to your needs and interests using a short questionnaire during registration.
PRESENTER
Dr. Saya Nagori is the Founding Physician for SimpleHealth.com, a telemedicine company that has grown from a team of 3 people to now a team of over 50 and has had over 1 million users across the country. She teaches physicians and institutions how to develop successful digital health models, practically employ these into existing healthcare practices, and strategies for sustainability and success across various healthcare initiatives. Her most recent project is in women's health, working with a group of physician experts on evidence-based information. Physicians interested in being involved with FemHealthProject.com can contact Dr. Nagori directly. Dr. Nagori also has her own private ophthalmology practice VisionMD in College Park, MD and is a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist. You may contact Dr. Nagori at saya@simplehealth.com.
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)