September is the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Women in Medicine Month, and the AMA Women Physicians Section (WPS) honors physicians who have offered their time, wisdom, and support to advance women with careers in medicine. The AMA recognizes that gender inequity in medicine is a complex issue that dates back to 1849 when Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to be granted an MD degree.
In celebration of Women in Medicine Month, we sat down with the female MD’s from Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado to talk about their path to medicine, whether opportunities for women have increased or not, and words of advice for young women looking thinking about a career in medicine.
Q: According to the AMA While only 37% of active MD’s are female in 2022, nearly 47% of residents and fellows were female suggesting that the gender gap is closing, do you agree?
Dr. Althea O’Shaughnessy: Yes, we have come a long way since I was a fellowship in the early 1980’s in New York City. At that time, I was one of only two women in the OB/GYN program and attitudes were very different. So, yes, we have come a long way but still have a way to go.
Dr. Aimee Ferrandino: We need more female mentorship to help close the gender gap. My class advisor in medical school inspired me. She did it all. Physician, admirative leader, and a mother too. I’ve had so many women mentors; I feel lucky to have had that experience and often find myself trying to pay it forward – especially with the young residents and fellows that I encounter on a day-to-day basis.
Dr. Jasmine Chiang: My goodness there are so many, but my fellowship director Kelly Pagidas at Tufts rises to the top of my list. She had a family, balanced a very successful career, and delivered great care to her patients. She taught me the good stuff that’s not in the textbook! But I have to say, my female colleagues here at Conceptions inspire and support me every day. These are my peeps! (laughs).
Dr. Malgorzata E. Skaznik-Wikiel: Yes! I wish all of us were able to spend more time together! Patients don’t see how often we collaborate as physicians here at Conceptions.
Q: Do patients have different expectations of care from a male or female physician?
Dr. Malgorzata E. Skaznik-Wikiel: Hard to say. 100% of patients want empathy and compassion from their providers – which are not bound by gender. Every patient has a different personality and communication style. We have four different female providers at Conceptions along with two male providers, so patients can find the right fit as far as selecting a provider.
Dr. Aimee Ferrandino: One thing I must mention, many patients really appreciate the relatability of a female provider. I had a miscarriage; I’ve been there and know what that feels like. So, when you’re able to share a similar experience with your patient it helps. It seems to me that experience matters more than gender when it comes to delivering great patient care.
Dr. Jasmine Chiang: We have a very diverse practice as far as male and female providers and that is good for us and our patients trying to get pregnant. Patients are looking for different things in their provider, especially communication. Back in the day, medicine was very authoritative which is an approach that some patients still want. However, other patients want a more collaborative experience and shared decision making and we’re open to that.
Dr. Althea O’Shaughnessy: Sometimes, I do feel a little more pressure as a female provider to make sure my communication with patients is more balanced. Time is the biggest resource that any patient has when facing a diagnosis of infertility. My inclination is to be more direct and transparent and get my patients to success as quickly as possible which for some patients is not what they expect from a female provider.
Q: Is work-life balance as a female physician possible?
Dr. Aimee Ferrandino: In our society, women are still the primary caregivers outside of the office. We have a long way to go to go, especially around scheduling and flexibility.
Dr. Malgorzata E. Skaznik-Wikiel: I feel a little guilty sometimes. My patients are so important to me, that I find myself sacrificing family time for patients often. Sometimes family activity is interrupted with a patient issue. I’m stretched thin on many days. Luckily, my family and my patients recognize that I wear many hats as a women’s physician.
Q: What would say to a young female thinking about entering medicine?
Dr. Althea O’Shaughnessy: Seek out a mentor. That wasn’t easy to do in 1983 now we have a lot of ways to connect with people and peers who can help you make the right decisions about your career and balance it with having a family. If I had more mentorship, I think I could have smoothed out some of the rough roads I had to travel.
Dr. Aimee Ferrandino: If you’re a female thinking about going into medicine, make egg-freeing a part of your plan. Medicine is hard, to be honest, and time-consuming.
Dr. Malgorzata E. Skaznik-Wikiel: I have a lot of college-age and high school students in my neighborhood who have come by to talk to me about a potential career in medicine. I’m honest with them and tell them be prepared to work hard and be “on call” always. That’s the job, period. Also, it’s okay to change careers in medicine. I started in gynecologic oncology but felt it was a bad decision before too long. I moved into reproductive endocrinology, and it was the perfect fit for me.
Dr. Jasmine Chiang: When you go into medicine, you’re very young. At 22 I was running a labor and delivery floor team. If I could go back, I would tell myself to make a list of goals, what do you want, and ask what will make you happy? Start with the end in mind. I do have to say, no matter what I would tell my younger self, make sure you work someplace with great people. The quality of the people you work with is most important. I’m thankful to work with these wonderful ladies here at Conceptions!
Are you a young female thinking about a career in medicine and want to connect with a Conceptions provider to ask a few questions, email erical@conceptionsrepro.com for follow-up.
About Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado
For over 20 years, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado has been a pillar of success and hope for patients across Colorado and around the world with clinical outcomes that meet or exceed US benchmarks. Whether you live in Cherry Creek, Lone Tree, and Littleton, or you’re visiting us from Colorado Springs, Los Angeles, or Chicago, our team of experts has deep roots in the Colorado community and is dedicated to a safe and successful experience. Visit Conceptions today to learn more.