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. If you would like to be added to the WIMS email list, please contact faculty.affairs@med.wmich.edu.
WIMS Events
- Upcoming Events
WIMS Lunch & Learn
Friday, September 24, 2021, Noon-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus Classroom 211 or Microsoft Teams | Join the MeetingTopic: Making Space
I've been pondering this recent JAMA article, specifically the quotation, "Academia rewards those who can make hardship invisible, who can be productive amid and despite crisis." During this Lunch & Learn, we will create a space to discuss dealing with everyday life, emotions, hardships, and even unexpected tragedies as well as discuss ways that we can support each other. All are welcome.
WIMS: A Day in the Life
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, TBL 2The Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) group at WMed is hosting a panel of women physicians, medical scientists, and educators who will discuss what an average day in their life is like. Students will learn about a variety of career paths, what they entail, specific challenges women in medicine and science face, and the importance of mentorship throughout one's career. All are welcome (not just women). Learners will have an opportunity to meet a variety of professionals from primary care, OBGYN, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, research, and academic medicine, among others.
Learning objectives:
- Describe a variety of career paths in medicine and science for future physicians, how to get there, and what a typical day in these careers is like.
- Discuss professional and personal challenges for female physicians and scientists.
- Discuss the importance of mentorship and networking for a successful career in medicine or science.
AWMA@WMed Presents "Cleaning the Sticky Floor and Shattering the Glass Ceiling"
Presenter: Shikha Jain, MD, FACP
Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 5:30-7:30pm
Click Here to Register
Via Microsoft Teams | Join the Meeting - Past Events
WIMS A Day in the Life: Covid-19
Wednesday, June 10, 2020, 12:00-12:50 p.m.
Via Microsoft TeamsWIMS Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, December 13, 2019, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, TBL 1WIMS A Day in the Life
Monday, October 7, 2019, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 111WIMS Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, September 4, 2019, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Classroom 111WIMS: A Day in the Life
Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 5:30-7:00 PM
Via Microsoft TeamsWIMS Lunch and Learn
Friday, October 23, 2020, Noon-1:00 PM
Via Microsoft TeamsVirtual CME Event on Human Trafficking
Friday, October 23, 2020, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Via Microsoft TeamsWIMS Lunch and Learn
Friday, December 4, 2020, Noon-1:00 PMWomen's History Month
March is Women’s History Month! WIMS and the Medical Library invite you to recognize an inspiring woman in your life by writing her name on our Inspiration Boards located on the first and second floors of the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus during the month of March.WIMS Lunch and Learn
Friday, March 5, 2021, Noon-1:00 PM
Via Microsoft Teams
Topic: Women Working Towards Academic Promotion: A Discussion on Strategies for SuccessWMed AMWA, WIMS, Office of Diversity and Inclusiveness Presents: Understanding Gender Bias Today and Solutions to Address it
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | 12:00 1:00 p.m.
Virtual EventWIMS Lunch and Learn
Friday, May 7, 2021, Noon-1:00 PM
Via Microsoft TeamsAAMC Presents "Creating a Healing & Growing Space: A candid conversation between women of color and white women in the academy"
Thursday, July 15, 2021, 11:30am
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus, Room 326
Via Microsoft Teams