WMed celebrates the contributions of women in medicine and science, and we strive to continuously promote the inclusion of women in academic medicine and science. WMed boasts two organizations to promote the development of women in medicine and science: the group for Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA).
The Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) group at WMed is modeled after the AAMC Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS). WIMS is focused on promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in medicine and science. To accomplish this, WIMS sponsors professional development events that promote mentorship, networking, and career advancement among the female faculty, residents, and medical students at WMed. In addition, WIMS engages in community outreach to foster a love of math, science, and medicine in young girls in the Kalamazoo area.
WIMS meets several times throughout the year and new members are welcome at all events. For more information on WIMS events, or to become a member of the WIMS Steering Committee, please contact Drs. Kirsten Porter-Stransky or Melinda Abernethy.
American Medical Women's Association
The medical school’s student chapter of AMWA brings together women physicians and medical students with a focus on promoting education and training on mental and physical health issues while also encouraging women to study and practice medicine, and ensuring them equal opportunity to do so. Additionally, students work to further AMWA objectives and support medical relief services.
AMWA is the oldest multispecialty organization dedicated to advancing women in medicine and improving women’s health. The organization empowers women to lead in improving health for all within a model that reflects the unique perspective of women. It functions at the local, national, and international level to advance women in medicine and improve women’s health, through developing leadership, advocacy, education, expertise, mentoring, and strategic alliances.
For more information, please contact Drs. Lisa Miller or Jan Werbinski.
AMWA for Medical Students Years 1 and 2
The AMWA chapter at WMed includes a faculty mentorship program and first- and second-year students in AMWA work with a faculty advisor to promote networking, mentoring, community health events, fundraising, support and women's health issues.
AMWA for Medical Students Years 3 and 4
During their third and fourth years of medical school, students are encouraged to meet at least quarterly with their mentors. To help with the meetings, a luncheon for mentors and mentees is planned three to four times per year. Students also elect one delegate and four alternates to represent the medical school at AMWA meetings and events. The medical school supports the cost of the delegate and alternative delegate membership in AMWA, and the cost of the delegate (or alternate delegate) representing the medical school at one national AMWA meeting each year.
WIMS Events
2019-2020 Academic Year
WIMS Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, September 4, 2019, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 111
WIMS A Day in the Life
Monday, October 6, 2019, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 111
AMWA Events
2018-2019 Academic Year
Mentor Breakfast
Tuesday, October 10, 2018, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus Auditorium
Mentor/Mentee Lunch
Monday, October 16, 2018, Noon-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 111
Mentor Breakfast
Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 110
Guest Presenter: Karen Horneffer-Ginter, PhD
Mentor/Mentee Lunch
Monday, March 11, 2019, Noon-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus Auditorium
Mentor Breakfast
Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus Auditorium
Guest Presenter: Dr. Heidi Joshi
Mentor/Mentee Lunch
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 111