Election 2022 — AMWA Medical Student Division

Thank you for taking the time to review the following excellent candidates for AMWA student leadership. Please review the candidate profiles below before proceeding to the ballot page for voting. Bullet points under each candidate’s name provide a brief introduction to the candidates by answering the following questions:

What is your primary goal for AMWA if you are elected?
What is one aspect of your background or qualifications you wish to highlight?

Contact president-elect@amwa-student.org with any election questions or concerns.

Positions

President-Elect

Julia Burns

My goal is to continue to build a foundation, in efforts to empower our growth both personally and professionally.
As seen in previous AMWA work, I love and excel in my ability to support others in their growth and success.

Biosketch:

Julia Burns, MS (she/her/hers) is a DO student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a major in Biology and minor in Sociology, where upon graduation received the Community Award at Honor’s Convocation. Following undergraduate college, she worked at SomaLogic, Inc in Boulder, CO studying the applicability proteomics in healthcare and then attended PCOM to earn her MS in Biomedical Sciences. She served as President of the AMWA PCOM Branch for two years, before becoming the Region 3 Director. During her branch presidency, she co-founded Girl Talk, which created sustainable monthly workshops to support young girls Philadelphia, talking about women’s health, empowerment, and community. Due to this as well as other AMWA programs, the AMWA PCOM Branch received the club of the year award. She also received the PCOM 2020 President’s Leadership in Diversity Award. Serving as AMWA Region 3 Director, she was able to continue her passion to collaborate, support, and empower her communities. She also enjoys baking, whether it’s a quick brownie mix or, her recent accomplishment, cinnamon rolls (which have had received raving reviews from fellow stressed out medical students).

Ashley Anderson

Scholarships for URiM students, student parent mentorship, policy change to support family planning
Leading group AMWA meetings, establishing grant funding, organizing large events.

Biosketch:

Ashley Anderson is a 4th year MD/PhD student at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), studying circulating tumor cell biology and the mechanisms by which circulating tumor-immune hybrid cells contribute to metastatic disease in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. She obtained her B.S in biology from the University of Portland with a focus in neuroscience and spent several years in the research realm before applying to medical school. Ashley has served as the treasurer for the OHSU AMWA branch from 2019-2021, and as the conference planning lead from 2021-2022. Ashley loves working with children and has a deep appreciation for mentoring aspiring young physicians & scientists. She volunteers her time as a mentor for children undergoing chemotherapy at the Children’s Cancer Association, and as an undergraduate mentor for both AMWA and the American Physician Scientists Association. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending her free time with her husband, daughter, and friends outside in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, gardening, and exploring the amazing food & coffee scene Portland has to offer.

Christie Taylor

Increase 1) video outreach 2) male involvement in AMWA and 3) career support for women with families
Experience with policy, service, and advocacy

Biosketch:

Christie Taylor is an MD student at the Medical College of Georgia. She graduated top of her class in both high school and college, and received Congressional Recognition for her academic and service achievements.

Christie believes disseminating messages is essential to propagating change. Before starting medical school, Christie took a gap year to intern at the White House as a presidential speechwriter. Christie also enjoys helping write advocacy papers and spreading awareness on important health issues.

Christie has faced a lot of opposition and challenges in her path to medicine due to her gender, faith, and age. However, by refusing to give up on herself and her purpose, she overcame and succeeded. Having mentored over 100 girls, Christie empowers other girls to achieve their best and rise above obstacles. She also serves people in other arenas, such as leading campus discussions on sexual health, delivering resources to the homeless, and providing medical screenings to children in local schools.

In her free time, Christie loves Just Dance competitions and playing with her roommate’s beagle named Bagel. She also enjoys giving comedy/musical performances to people who are sick or shut in.

Secretary

Shirin Ferdosian

I am a former AMWA board member hoping to gain leadership experiences and join female advocacy programs
I was 19 when I left my family and my country behind, moved to Turkey, and came to the USA as a refugee.

Biosketch:

I was born and raised in Iran. I was 19 when I had to leave my family and my country behind, move to Turkey, and come to the USA as a refugee. I have built a new life, live and interact with people from all walks of life along my way which taught me cultural diversity in depth. I am bilingual and fluent in both Farsi and English and capable of reading Arabic which helps me interact with more diverse people who I wish to serve. I am now a 3rd year medical student at OHSU on my way to approach my childhood dream of becoming a female physician!

Hasiat O Madamidola

Timely succinct delivery of crucial information to our membership body to help us run efficiently
I am organized and meticulous in note taking and I strive to be timely and respectful in my communication.

Biosketch:

Hello everyone, my name is Hasiat Madamidola. I am originally from Nigeria but have lived in the metro Atlanta area since I was about 2 years of age. I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2016 at Georgia College and State University (GO BOBCATS!). I gained acceptance into Ross University SOM, now located on the island of Barbados, and am now in the clinical sciences portion of my training. I have been a member of executive boards as the secretary in the past as well as in varying other capacities. Outside of medicine, I am an avid singer, reader, and foodie. I also love to travel, though that has been on pause for a while now.

Awards Chair

Maria Perez

My primary goal is to establish a scholarship for minority and underrepresented students in medicine.
I have served as Global Health Chair, Treasurer, Region 5 Director and this last year as Awards Chair.

I have been a part of AMWA since 2015 when I first co-founded an AMWA branch at my undergraduate university. Since then, I have also been involved in AMWA National leadership both at the premedical and medical student levels. This organization has supported me and enhanced my education, network, and given me a lifetime of opportunities. I hope to continue being a part of AMWA in order to help more women excel in the field of medicine, increase diversity in medicine, and help medical students have more opportunities to break into. This last year, I was Awards Chair and I was able to engage with students both at the national and international level helping students receive scholarships. I am confident that my previous experiences have given me a solid foundation to serve in this chair capacity for another year. As Awards Chair this upcoming year I am determined to work together with AMWA to be able to bring more scholarships for minority and underrepresented students in medicine. My greatest honor is to be able to help other students the same way that the women in medicine before me have helped me.

Biosketch:

Maria is a third-year medical student at St. George’s University School of Medicine. She graduated with a B.S. in Health Science from California Baptist University. While at California Baptist University, she served as the founding president of the American Medical Women’s Association – CBU Chapter in 2015; and was also an ambassador for the College of Health Science. During her time at CBU she also engaged in several global health initiatives which led her to China, Peru, and Mexico, where she got to work on various health-related projects. Maria has also been a part of various research projects regarding minority populations in medicine and is a published first-author. Maria’s passions include advocating for women’s health, working to minimize health disparities, and increase diversity in medicine. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and reading. As a first-generation college student and the first in her family to pursue medicine, she is eager to learn and to be able to work with women, as well as minority populations both locally and globally.

Brynne Rozell

I will ensure the awards application process is streamlined, organized, fair, and up-to-date.
As a chair member of my local AMSA chapter, I was able to lead committees and apply methods of effectively organizing large amounts of information.

“For what is done or learned by one class of women becomes, by virtue of their common womanhood, the property of all women.” Elizabeth Blackwell. AMWA has created a legacy by recognizing women doctors of the past who have pioneered the way for women doctors today. I share the goal of AMWA: “the unwavering commitment to make a difference for women, be they physicians or patients.” I am humbled and thankful for their sacrifices. If I am chosen to serve as the Awards Chair it will be my honor to do my part to help provide opportunities for growth and achievement for female physicians. Utilizing my background of SEO and website knowledge, I will make sure all award information is current. I will endeavor to raise awareness about the awards and to run the awards selection process efficiently. My team and I will explore opportunities to create new awards. We are all busy medical professionals and it is my desire to make the process of applying for awards expeditious and to broaden the scope of application for these amazing opportunities. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to seeing you all at the Annual Meeting this year!

Biosketch:

A third year medical student, Brynne Rozell has consistently embraced a commitment for caring for the underserved, volunteerism and leadership. Serving as the Student Osteopathic Medical Association Vice President during the term 2020-2021, she was elected to advance community service events and create an empowering environment for students to serve others. In addition, Ms. Rozell was selected as a University Ambassador from 2019-2021, where she helped interview prospective students. She also assembled a committee panel to answer questions and for networking opportunities. While serving as Midwestern University’s House Representative in 2020-2021, Brynne coordinated with faculty to hold events and encourage academic excellence through assembling study groups and events. Ms. Rozell was deeply moved by volunteering in a clinic for the underserved. Finding this time rewarding and productive, she measured vitals, ferried out referrals and assisted physicians with minor procedures. This culminated her dedication to volunteerism evidenced by her Presidential Gold Service Award which had prepared her for service. In professional service, Brynne created the first telemarketing division for Phoenix Neurology and Sleep Medicine from 2019-2019. She hopes to mentor future women physicians to pursue their dream by coaching and direct communication.

Rachel Blaisdell

To increase the knowledge and accessibility of funding options for women to advance their careers.
I’d like to highlight my professionalism, ability to meet deadlines, and passion for mentoring, evidenced by my previous work experience.

My involvement in AMWA has been the highlight of my medical career thus far, I value the friendships I’ve built and the new skills I’ve learned through local events. My hope is that everyone in medicine, regardless of gender, will recognize the work AMWA is putting in to improve healthcare and advocate for change.

If elected as the Awards Chair, I’d like to increase the knowledge and accessibility of financial support for women in medicine. I’m honored to share that our AMWA branch has been awarded the Heller Outstanding Branch Award again for the year of 2021-2022 and I acknowledge how useful this financial assistance is in allowing our branch to continue to educate and empower our members. I’d like to help support other women with their goals in a similar fashion. As an active AMWA member, I’m confident I would be a great fit for this role. Previously, I served as the Social and Networking Committee Chair at my school. I helped revamp a fundraiser to be held remotely during the pandemic, raising $500+ for a local women’s agency. This year I was elected as Treasurer for our branch and continue to lead the Social and Networking Committee.

Biosketch:

Rachel Blaisdell is currently a second-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, MI. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. Post-graduation she worked full-time in biomedical research, where she served as a mentor for undergraduate students pursuing research. She then transitioned to a position researching personalized treatment options for patients with cancer based on their genetic profile, where she decided to go back to school to get her MD. She is passionate about supporting women in STEM and has been actively involved in her local AMWA branch, serving as the Social and Networking Committee Chair as well as the branch Treasurer. She also serves as the Vice President for her local branch of the Association of Women’s Surgeons and is a Lead Peer Tutor with the Academic Success Team. While not studying, Rachel loves cuddling with her kitten, scrolling through #medtok, and creating new ice cream sundae combos at a local shop.

Meg Mori

To amplify our mission of excellence by making resources as accessible and beneficial as possible
In leading teams, I have learned to seek out & value input that can broaden our collective thinking

I have been lucky to have been involved in my school’s AMWA chapter since first year as a member and mentorship chair, and am so inspired by the individuals I have met. AMWA provides an amazing opportunity to support future generations of female physicians and allows for personal and professional engagement.

My goals as a part of AMWA are to increase focus on diversity and elevate voices that may not have always been heard. I think the Awards Chair is a unique opportunity to seek out candidates for scholarships in a way that provides maximum benefit to the individual while also strengthening our organization.

I have had many opportunities that would help me perform this role to the best of my ability, notably in building and leading teams. I have continued to develop organizational and time management skills which would be important in maintaining our timeline. My vision for this position is to assemble a committee that functions effectively and encourages brainstorming ways to make this process as fair and inclusive as possible. As a previous recipient of an AMWA membership fee waiver, I understand how instrumental awards can be to accessing opportunities and truly take this responsibility to heart.

Biosketch:

Hi everyone! My name is Meg Mori and I am a third-year medical student at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. I am originally from Toronto, Canada and grew up in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I went to Brown University for my undergraduate and Master’s degrees and took a gap year working as a preschool teacher in my hometown. I am still deciding on a specialty, but throughout medical school have found an interest in medical education, mentorship and learning more about the challenges facing our current healthcare system.

Bridget Smith

To create an application review system that gives fair and objective consideration to applications
Experience with reviewing award applications on the BA Women’s Alliance Awards Committee

My motivation to become more involved with AMWA can best be understood by something a female surgeon I was rotating with once told me. She said “we need to take care of each other”. Her statement struck me as so simple, yet so impactful. I thought to myself, “of course we need to support other female physicians”, yet that isn’t always what happens. The journey to becoming a physician can be isolating and we forget that there are so many empowered women around us because we are so focused on the next step in our career. I would like to use my time with AMWA to help remind our community of this and foster support within it. Specifically, I would like to work as the Awards Chair because I know that there are individuals who could use the monetary support. Awards have made a positive impact on my career journey and I am passionate about bringing my skills to this position to increase awareness about these awards. I am confident that the strong organizational skills that I developed while working as the volunteer coordinator in a medical school club will allow me to excel in this position. My ultimate goal while working as Awards Chair is to increase award application numbers and ensure a streamlined selection process.

Biosketch:

Bridget Smith is a third year medical student at Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine who has a strong commitment to education and mentoring. She graduated from University of Mount Union in 2017 with a BS in Exercise Science and a minor in psychology. While an undergraduate, she worked within the community to help educate individuals on the importance of exercise by working one-on-one with seniors who were interested in pursuing a more active lifestyle. After graduation, Bridget pursued her Masters in Biomedical Professions at Lincoln Memorial University. Her volunteer activities shifted from working with seniors to helping run a program that allowed local masters and medical students to tutor elementary school children after school. Bridget’s love of teaching children continued to flourish and prompted her to become a City Year Americorps member working in an underserved elementary school after finishing her masters degree. Currently, Bridget is a tutor for 2nd year medical students at her medical school when she is not rotating at the hospital. On her off time, Bridget loves to spend time with her dog and read her latest Book of the Month Club pick.

Programming Chair

Brooke Hartenstein

Advance women in medicine through education, advocacy, professional development, and networking programs.
Working with the current Programming Chair, I learned how to recruit AMWA speakers, facilitate national zooms, and utilize AMWA’s social media to promote programs.

As the first woman in my family to pursue medicine, I feel extremely proud and honored to be where I am today. With that pride comes a sense of duty to help raise the voices of other women in my field. AMWA’s mission of advancing women in medicine, advocating for equity and ensuring excellence in health care is as important as ever. I truly believe in this mission and hope to help work towards these goals through undertaking an active leadership position on a national level. I specifically hope to serve as the next Programming Chair. Within this role, I would support AMWA’s current programs and initiatives while developing additional educational, professional development, service outreach, and networking opportunities for medical students. I believe my previous experience in medical student organizations and the firsthand experience I’ve gained working with the current Programming Chair have equipped me with the organizational skills and knowledge that I need to succeed in this position. If elected, I would be not only excited but incredibly dedicated in my commitment to the position and our amazing community of women. Thank you for your consideration!

Biosketch:

Brooke Hartenstein is a second-year medical student at the Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine. Over the last two years, she has worked with AMWA both locally and nationally to support advocacy and education initiatives. Noting a lack of women’s health education within medical school, she developed and launched AMWA’s national Chronic Disease Advocacy Series in November of 2021. The series highlights conditions that disproportionately affect women while exploring how treatment differences, implicit bias, and gender roles impact women’s health. She serves on the Gender Equity Task Force and works with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to support gender equity research and initiatives.

During her first year of medical school, Brooke served as the President of Interprofessional Allies and the Student Interest Group in Neurology. Within these roles, she started a large interdisciplinary mentoring program for undergraduate and graduate students and coordinated virtual zoom events with physicians nationwide on health and professional development topics such as stroke in women, neurological complications in COVID-19, and becoming a competitive residency candidate.

Brooke is extremely passionate about women’s health and gender equity. She hopes to continue supporting and advancing these areas in medicine as part of AMWA’s Medical Student Division Leadership.

Keerthi Pittala

To strengthen existing and foster new connections within the AMWA community.
While teaching I learned to be flexible, to address students’ needs, and adapt to adverse situations.

As Programming Chair, I hope to develop a program connecting students with physicians and other students through directed, interactive virtual experiences centered around mentorship or shared interests in order to foster a sense of community despite the distance we must maintain.

Going into my time working with the Indiana State Medical Association, I found myself unfamiliar with health policy but grew to enjoy learning about the life cycle of a resolution proposed by medical students or physicians. I spent my time researching the development of policies, tracking revisions, rejections, and eventual acceptances to better understand how a policy was shaped to accomplish its intended goal. Working with underserved communities, I tended to see the outcome of similar resolutions that funded educational initiatives or community centers so it was a novel experience to be at the other end. I hope to apply what I learned about the process of health policy implementation to research specific students’ needs, develop programming, and adapt these initiatives to best fit the AMWA community.

Biosketch:

Keerthi Pittala is a second-year student at Marian University in Indianapolis and studied Neuroscience and Studio Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, she taught 5th grade math in Chicago, completed her Master’s at Boston University with a thesis focused on anti-malarial resistance, and worked in drug development and pharmacokinetic data analysis. She is passionate about child health and equality in access to healthcare as well as medical education and hopes that skills from her diverse background will come in handy while pursuing Child Neurology and continuing her service to underserved communities in the future.

Keerthi currently serves as the president of the Neuroscience, Neurology, and Neurosurgery club and treasurer of the Medical Humanities Club. Over the summer, she worked with the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) to research resolutions due for review while writing policy briefs for newly proposed resolutions. Through her experience, she discovered a newfound interest in the legislative side of medicine and hopes to continue learning about the progression of a health policy to implementation.

In her free time, Keerthi creates art, tests out recipes, is trying to get back into dancing, and takes pictures of her dog.

Philanthropy/Fundraising Chair

Sarah Peterson

To strengthen the medical profession during a difficult time by supporting women in service to others
My ability to find the silver lining in a situation while utilizing leadership skills to create a successful, productive & inclusive culture

AMWA’s more than a group of women, it’s a community and a safe space. For the first time in history, we’ve closed the gender gap in medical school, but we still have work to do! Now more than ever, we need to empower women and foster an environment of women supporting women! As the first in my family to enter medicine, I wouldn’t be here without the support and guidance of mentors who instilled confidence in me that I didn’t know I had.

Moving forward, I’d like to help fulfill AMWA’s mission of promoting advocacy initiatives, expanding opportunities for student involvement, and highlight leadership opportunities that foster growth and confidence in women entering healthcare to empower them to be the best providers possible!

My passion for women’s advocacy coupled with my optimism and experience leading multiple teams will allow me to add to the positive culture AMWA has created of a cohesive community supporting women.

If selected as Philanthropy/Fundraising Chair, I’d like to provide opportunities to lift each other up through service projects that promote inclusivity while highlighting our shared goal of a healthier world. AMWA welcomed me with open arms and it’s my turn to return the gift!

Biosketch:

Sarah Peterson is a 2nd year medical student at Washington State University. She received a B.S. in Biology from Gonzaga University, completed her M.Sc. in Applied Anatomy from Case Western Reserve University and obtained her Masters in Public Health. She is passionate about minimizing barriers and advocating for women’s health. She currently serves as co-president of the AMWA-WSU Chapter, helping develop and launch her school’s first women’s mentoring program. She also serves on Medical Student Council where she has advocated for gender equity within the curriculum and re-evaluation of the current pregnancy policy. She promoted clinics for low-income populations and fought for legislative efforts supporting equal access healthcare for women and children. She currently serves on two grants, one breaking stigma surrounding opioid use disorder and another promoting student involvement in advocacy efforts.

She’s also currently president of several other interest groups and founded WSU’s OB/Gyn student interest group through The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is working on research in women’s health, neuroscience, and oncology. She hopes to utilize her MPH by participating in global medicine. As the first in her family to pursue medicine, she is excited to join and learn from a community of women.

Monali Shah

My goal is to organize two merchandise-focused fundraisers and develop a national menstrual hygiene kit project.
The last 2 years, I have organized multiple fundraisers and service projects through my medical school AMWA chapter, and as Region 4 Director.

As the former AMWA Founder and President and of my medical school, I organized a sweatshirt drive to collect funds for our new organization and developed a menstrual hygiene project that allowed us to raise money to place tampons and pads in every female and gender-neutral bathroom on campus. I was excited to take my efforts to a regional level the following year as the Region 4 Director for the southeast. I organized a fundraiser allowing students from GA, FL, SC, and NC to purchase “COVID Vaccinated” pins for their white coats to facilitate the conversation about vaccines with their patients. I also developed an AMWA embroidered Columbia Jacket fundraiser for our Region 4 Conference. My goal is to unite all chapters at a national level through a nation-wide service project focused on helping our respective local communities. From leadership positions within AMWA at a medical school level to a regional level, I have always been passionate about this organization and seeing it grow, and I hope to further my efforts as Philanthropy Chair. Moving forward, I am excited for the opportunity to share my service project and fundraising ideas to make an impact on the national level.

Biosketch:

Monali is a rising fourth-year medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Moultrie, GA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. During her time at Georgia Tech, she served multiple leadership positions including Chair of the Student Advisory Board, Chair of Service for the Women in Science & Technology, and Director of Engineering World Health. She also completed a Minor in French Language Studies. Following graduation, she worked as an engineer at Medtronic and Smith & Nephew, with a focus on Clinical Affairs and medical device innovation. At PCOM, she served as the founder and President of AMWA, followed by the role of Region 4 Director. She is also involved with research with Emory St. Joseph’s Surgical Oncology Department. Her passions include healthcare innovation and technology, advocacy for women in medicine, and medical student wellness. In her free time, she loves to nap, spend time outdoors, and play with puppies! She is always happy to respond to any questions/concerns/recommendations and can be reached through email (region4@amwa-student.org).

Grace Kaur Ahuja

To make advocacy more accessible for aspiring actors of change in reproductive and women’s health.
My background in medical ethics has taught me a lot about the dismantling of bias and disparities.

When I was introduced to AMWA as a premedical and early medical student, I was excited to join my local chapter as a way to connect with likeminded future health care providers and contribute to the dream of achieving gender equality in health care. Female representation in medicine has always been an important cause to me and I’ve been lucky to have found strong female mentors along the way. In my experiences as a gender minority in my fields of interest, namely in neuro-oncological research, I’ve seen the ways in which having those important, open discussions can change the culture of a group. This is why AMWA is such a special organization to me, because it creates a space for women to support each other and push each other forward. As the potential philanthropy chair, I would like to make AMWA even more accessible to young medical professionals like me. I hope to create opportunities where AMWA members can make affective change through advocacy and philanthropy to bolster their local community and promote women’s wellness. This has always been a personal goal of mine and I hope to bring that passion for service to AMWA’s leadership as well.

Biosketch:

Grace Ahuja is a first year DO student at Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. Originally from the Bay Area in California, Grace is eager to contribute to the future of health care in her home state. She received her Bachelors degrees in Cognitive Science and Medical Anthropology and her Masters degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities from Case Western Reserve University. Her Master’s thesis, which highlighted the bioethical merits for including transgender patients in the recipient pool for uterus transplants, laid the foundation for her interest in reproductive health care and reproductive justice.

Grace also has a rich background in lab research, having worked at the Cleveland Clinic in a neuro-oncology lab throughout college and during her gap year before medical school. She is passionate about promoting female representation in male dominated fields and served as a mentor through the Women in STEM Association at CWRU where she guided female and female presenting high school and college students into the sciences. In her free time, Grace loves reading, writing, and giving back to her community by volunteering at her local Gurudwara and at the monthly community free clinic in Pomona!

Aashna Mehta

Aim to expand my initiative to include volunteering opportunities for medical students on our website.
Philanthropy and fundraising chair for the past year

I served as your philanthropy and fundraising chair for the past year, and I absolutely loved it. Since my term began during the midst of the pandemic, I worked with the president-elect to create a link on our website with possible online volunteering opportunities for medical students. As philanthropy chair, I wanted to emphasize the importance of giving back so I decided to partner with the physician division’s national auction to auction off items from minority women-led businesses. All proceeds will be donated to Days for Girls, an organization that works to provide menstrual products globally. Furthermore, I am working with a team of highly motivated AMWA officers to create a set of scholarships for underrepresented women in medicine. Through an online donation challenge, we aim to raise enough to ease the journey of a medical student. Giving back has always been a central part of my identity, and AMWA has been one of the best ways for me to do so. I have been involved in AMWA ever since my freshman year of undergraduate, back in 2015. I hope you will allow me to continue working as your fundraising and philanthropy chair for the next year!

Biosketch:

Aashna is a second year medical student at Western University – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS in Public Health and received departmental honors for completing a thesis on the use of navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) to map the motor cortex in pediatric patients with epilepsy. During her year off, she worked as a special education paraeducator and volunteered at the local children’s hospital. Throughout her experiences, she became very passionate about advocating for women’s reproductive rights, especially those who come from communities where it is difficult to access adequate healthcare. She also loves the idea of mentorship, and values her relationships with mentors and mentees greatly. Giving back to her community is very important to her, so she volunteered at her school’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic and served as the high school Physician track Coordinator Pipeline to Health Career Ladders Program. As a future OBGYN or pediatrician she hopes to be able to provide care to all, regardless of any socioeconomic barriers they may face. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the local Southern California area, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her close friends and family!

Advocacy Chair

Emily Dale-Johnson

My main goal is to make advocacy a part of our everyday routine and encounters as future physicians.
My experience with the homeless and addicted population face-to-face on the streets of my home city.

I would like to be involved in AMWA because the organization has a diverse group of members that will have a future impact on all corners of medicine. I believe that the most important moments of advocacy are those done in everyday patient conversations and we are all capable of advocating for our future patients, regardless of the speciality we decide to pursue. I hope to harness our passion for healthcare to educate our members on key issues internally and thus empower us to enact change in our communities externally. I am qualified for this position because I have over a decade of experience of advocacy in addiction and homelessness healthcare and want to translate this into other areas the AMWA general body is passionate about. If I were elected, my first act would be to survey the membership to determine what current issues are most important to us as an organization and then build a year of programming and communication to support those goals.

Biosketch:

Emily Dale-Johnson (she/her) is a 3rd year MD student at St. George’s University and is completing her clinical rotations in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a BSc in genetics and immunology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where she was a varsity athlete in women’s rowing.

Emily is passionate about the unique struggles of women and mothers in the opioid crisis and has spent over 10 years volunteering in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, a neighbourhood with an overwhelming concentration of individuals struggling with homelessness and substance use issues. She also volunteered at an in-patient centre for pregnant patients struggling with opioid addiction. At SGUSOM, she was the VP of Education for the Women in Medicine club and hosted various educational seminars and panels on issues such as sexual assault, fertility challenges in physicians, pharmaceutical disparities between genders, and transgender obstetric and gynecologic care. Prior to attending medical school, Emily worked at STEMCELL Technologies as a hematology education specialist, focusing on clinical applications of umbilical cord blood and harvested bone marrow samples.

Christina Motilall

Encourage and recruit more AMWA leaders/members to utilize their platform as medical professionals and community liaisons.
Being born, bred and belonging to the same underserved communities that you advocate resources for.

Being a medical student is tremendously difficult. Being an advocate and volunteer is tiring and draining. But marrying both entities and trying to balance the time and effort requires passion and guidance. We all go into this field with the mission to help another in some way.

I choose to be involved in AMWA because of my love and enthusiasm for advocacy and medicine.

I want to utilize my passion for advocacy to encourage more AMWA members to tap into that same yearning to help others. Either by creating and or joining on-going activism programs that will empower and educate women and youth globally. There is a great amount of advocacy programs and projects under the AMWA and AWHS umbrella that are not known and easily accessible to AMWA members. I plan to bring more attention to these ongoing campaigns by working directly with regional directors, social media chairs and branch executive boards. I will be spearheading social media advertisements, mentions in branch newsletters, organizing virtual workshops to educate AMWA branches and members of the many advocacy programs available, how they can get involved and how to utilize their platform as medical students and advocates.

Biosketch:

Christina Motilall is an MD candidate at the American University of Antigua COM. She received her BA from CUNY Queens College in Pre-Professional Anthropology with a concentration in Infectious Diseases.

She was the Founding President of American Medical Women’s Association at the AUA branch in which she was able to fundraise for and adopt a local shelter home for abandoned and abused girls in Antigua, on behalf of the AMWA branch to provide groceries and household essentials.

She currently sits on the Community Grants committee for American Women Hospital Services as well the Civil Engagement Committee for South Queens Women’s March (a local non-profit organization in Queens, NY founded to combat gender-based violence and promote community wellness and disaster relief).

Her work with various partnering organizations has allowed her to interact with a diverse group of people/populations to empower and endorse programs and projects in areas of youth development, civil engagement, advocacy and education.

In her most current position with South Queens Women’s March, she has been part of an on-going Covid-relief campaign, serving in local pop-up pantries in various communities of South Queens deeply affected by food insecurity, as well as the promotion of voter education and local redistricting operations.

Shirin Ferdosian

I am a former AMWA board member hoping to gain leadership experiences and join female advocacy programs
I was 19 when I left my family and my country behind, moved to Turkey, and came to the USA as a refugee.

I was born and raised in Iran, where I was considered a religious and sexual minority. I moved to the United States to overcome those challenges, but I remained a minority as being a female of color dealing with microaggressions and racial comments. I have lived in diverse cultures which taught me cultural diversity in depth. I am bilingual and fluent in both Farsi and English and capable of reading Arabic which helps me interact with more diverse people who I wish to serve. I have overcome many obstacles in my life which not only helped me grow stronger but also taught me how to maintain a balance to pass through language and racial challenges and reach my goal while managing my family life. I am a former AMWA board member hoping to be back to not only gain more leadership experiences but also to join female advocacy programs on “emotional abuse”, which I believe is not yet very known to many females especially those from Middle Eastern societies, like myself. I am still trying my best to overcome these challenges and trying to expand my knowledge and strength to build a community where we can learn about this topic and help each other to overcome obstacles.

Biosketch:

Amy Morrison

Collaboration with physician- and other student-leaders to find our best fit in advocacy.
From field hockey to healthcare, I’m always a team player!

AMWA physicians continue to prove they can succeed in the “Boy’s Clubs” of medicine and surgery, and they do so while opening doors for those in the next generation. Lifting up others, particularly those underrepresented (or, more accurately, systematically excluded) in medicine, is what makes this organization special. As Advocacy Chair, I would love the opportunity to work with my fellow AMWA members on causes close to my heart and yours, such as reproductive justice, health equity, and addiction medicine. So many of us are working in our separate silos, and I believe through communication and collaboration, we can join forces to contribute to AMWA’s advocacy initiatives. At a time when so many residents and attendings are facing burnout due to poor working conditions and health outcomes from COVID, it is even more important that we, as medical students, step up and fight for healthcare workers’ fair treatment and our patients’ health justice. As a current MPH student and former student government president, who has successfully advocated for trauma-informed care curriculum changes as well as revoking police privileges for tactical training on our campus, I believe my education and experience will help strengthen medical students’ presence in AWMA’s advocacy programming.

Biosketch:

Amy Morrison (she/her) is a third-year student at Touro University – California, currently completing both her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine and Masters in Public Health. She graduated from Cornell University with a major in American Studies and worked as a medical assistant for two years prior to starting her dual degree program. As a member of AMWA, in addition to White Coats for Black Lives, Medical Students for Choice and her school’s OB/GYN interest group, she is a passionate advocate for reproductive justice, particularly as it relates to the intersections of race, class, disability, sexuality, and gender. She enjoys giving back to her communities at vaccine clinics and through mentorship and teaching. Her diverse clinical and research interests currently include adolescent medicine, women’s health (particularly family planning), addiction medicine, LGBTQ+ health, dermatology, and health literacy. In her elusive free time, she enjoys playing field hockey, watching sports and reality tv, and spending time with her rescue dog, Bailey.

Marta Telatin

Foster an acceptive, supportive, and trusting environment among AMWA members across this nation.
I have learned through experience the multifaceted definition of leadership and embody it.

Life as a fully virtual first year medical student was difficult and isolating, nonetheless, the AMWA chapter at my school made me feel welcomed and supported immediately. I found solace in the ability to connect and meet other AMWA members who shared similar beliefs, goals, and interest as my own. I want to continue my involvement with AMWA to further foster the positive environment AMWA generates on a national level. My goal for AMWA is to further share and shape the vision of AMWA as a safe-haven for all its members in each stage of their medical careers. Furthermore, I hope to be a part of AMWA’s vital mission to advocate for the health and well-being of women nationally. If elected as Advocacy Chair, I plan to foster internal programs centered at assisting physicians and students in managing burn out and other mental health issues. In addition to, continuing to advocate and teach women across America about reproductive health.

Biosketch:

Marta Telatin is a second year DO student at Nova Southeastern University’s KPCOM. She received a bachelor’s from Monmouth University in Molecular Cell Biology with a minor in Italian Studies. Marta is a first-generation Italian immigrant who moved to her hometown of Doylestown, Pa when she was 7 years old. She serves as the secretary of her local AMWA chapter, as well as holding the positions as Executive Peer Mentor, Health Profession Division Ambassador, and Nutrishark’s treasurer. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with Mental Health America’s Listen to the Children program at her local elementary school along with helping women in need through various community outreach programs organized by her AMWA chapter. Marta’s dream is to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, allowing her to continue her passion to serve and advocate for women’s health in all stages of life. She also conducts research with a focus on the neuropharmacology of alcohol and stimulant use among adolescents. Aside from school, Marta is a devoted dog mom to her 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Stella, and enjoys traveling back to her hometown of Treviso, Italy to visit her nonna and zia.

Jessica King

Educational programs once a month with a theme-create an online space where students can collaborate
Medical School Co-Chair AMWA Infertility Task Force-organized a talk to educate students on infertility

My message for AMWA members is to not be afraid to put themselves out there to collaborate and speak up about what they are passionate about- no matter your level of training!

The beauty of being a part of this organization is the positive change we can make through being a community that allows for such a deep professional and personal connection. I truly am so impressed and inspired every time I leave an AMWA event and that is because of all of the amazing members in AMWA. It’s a privilege to be a part of such an amazing group of women and being able to help support each other while influencing others.

Biosketch:

Jessica King is a second- year medical student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). She is currently Treasurer of the ACOOG club, a member of the Student Admissions Leadership Team and the Grand Rounds Committee. Prior to attending WVSOM, she received her master’s degree in Biology from Adelphi University in Long Island, NY where she is originally from.

She is passionate about Women’s Health as she served as Medical School Co-Chair from AMWA’s Infertility Task Force allowing her to organize a panel to educate Medical Students about their fertility. She has been an advocate at RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day since June 2021 where she met with congress representatives regarding infertility legislation. During her gap years she shadowed in Thailand and the Dominican Republic where she saw health disparities in women’s health and that inspired her current research project on maternal obesity in sheep. She is passionate about inspiring others in medicine as she is a first-generation medical student. Her hobbies include yoga, baking, reading and blogging. Connect with her at @jessmedjourney on Instagram.

Brie Howerton

This year, I want to prioritize easy access to advocacy opportunities that support AMWA’s values.
My best qualification is my success advocating directly with Congress members in my prior roles.

I have found incredible mentors through AMWA and have an immense desire to give that opportunity back to others. AMWA has exposed me to advocacy issues I was unaware of and started a fire within to fight for legislative change and formulate policies that benefit physicians and patients, and prioritize policies that advocate for viable solutions to healthcare gaps, gender inequalities, and working with various stakeholders to develop collaborative efforts towards uplifting AMWA’s mission and goals. My hope is to spread that fire to other members and expand the understanding that policy does not have to be political. I want AMWA’s relationships with other organizations to flourish in the setting of growing our political presence. I have served in other legislative advocacy positions across local, state, and national arenas and am confident I will take those experiences and elevate AMWA’s initiatives like wellness and women’s health to new heights. Quarterly newsletters on relevant policy updates and an advocacy toolkit for all AMWA members are important to me in this role. I would like to implement “act now” emails members can forward to their congress members when health/mission-related bills are proposed to encourage easy access advocacy.

Biosketch:

Brie Howerton is a third year medical student passionate about making women’s voices heard in new ways everyday. She has extensive leadership experiences in giving a voice to the voiceless through national student government and creating sustainable solutions to ongoing problems in her school’s SGA. She has advocated for the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, organized PPE drives, and most importantly, established a multidisciplinary multi-institutional mental health taskforce in the midst of the pandemic. Brie saw a need and filled it when her student body was experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout, and created a new culture of kindness campaign with kind “take one leave one” notes, celebrating World Kind Day, and prioritizing self care through seminars and collaboration with faculty and administration. Serving in her state legislative organizations, advocating and designing workshops for her student body, and partnering with her administration to create long term solutions culminated in her being awarded the Student DO of the Year for her school. Continuing to develop and cultivate relationships between various organizations, Brie co-hosted this year’s National Osteopathic Student Government Caucus to host over 300 students despite being virtual to solidify the student voice for the AOA House of Delegates.

Christie Taylor

1) plug students into advocacy projects 2) advocate for female residents 3) promote AMWA initiatives
Experience with policy, service, and advocacy

If I would have listened to the people in my small, Appalachian town, I would not have gone to college, especially not to pursue a career in medicine. I am the only person I know from my hometown who succeeded in making it to medical school. I want to be a part of AMWA’s advocacy initiatives to empower women in medicine.

I’ve had extensive experience working with communities and their needs on a local and national level. I led several projects to reach young, aspiring scientists in the community. I also worked with legislators to implement additions to two state bills to advocate for students who faced discrimination for seeking higher academic enrichment through dual enrollment. Further, I served as a White House Speechwriting Intern, where I frequently worked to bring light to issues affecting Americans.

In my role, I will give 110% to helping aspiring women in medicine across the US. I will plug them into initiatives, advocate for women who face obstacles/discrimination in residency, and promote advocacy initiatives sponsored by AMWA.

Biosketch:

In her free time, Christie loves Just Dance competitions and playing with her roommate’s beagle named Bagel. She also enjoys giving comedy/musical performances to people who are sick or shut in.

Recruitment Chair

Kailey Kowalski

I want to empower other women, provide a support system and additional opportunities in medicine.
For three years after college I worked as a lab manager in Boston; I developed various communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.

As a woman in medicine, I often feel disregarded which is why being a member of AMWA, an organization that focuses on empowering women is so important to me. Being able to support one another through medical school is one of the best gifts we can give each other. As we all know medicine is a difficult field, but it is especially hard for women, as we always have to work harder and be tougher in order to succeed. I hope to help other women feel like they belong and to offer them the chance to grow and progress as future physicians. In my elected role as recruitment chair, I will make women in medical schools aware of all the additional resources and opportunities AMWA provides. I believe that I would succeed in this role because of my leadership and communication expertise that come with managing a lab for years and acting on the leadership board for multiple clubs in medical school. I want to make sure that all women in medicine know about AMWA and all it can give them.

Biosketch:

My name is Kailey Kowalski, I am originally from Albany, New York. I continued my undergraduate education at Boston College where I majored in Biology. Following graduation, I remained in Boston and served as a Senior Research Assistant and Lab Manager for three years at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. During that time, I conducted breast cancer research, assisting on many projects that will significantly advance treatment and improve the lives of patients. I had always dreamed of going to medical school and two years ago I was finally accepted at Kansas City University. During my time in medical school, I have grown both academically, as well as personally. I actively try to volunteer in the community, do scientific research, lead multiple clubs and act as a student ambassador in order to help students who were in the same position as myself just two years ago. Each day I work on being the most confident version of myself and I know that over the course of the next two years, I will only continue to advance as future physician and person.

Lekha Yesantharao

Recruit women into AMWA’s inclusive space where we can advocate for & amplify our voices in medicine
As co-Pres. of Hopkins’ AMWA, I recruited members & hosted events sparking collaboration/discussion

Having studied engineering in undergrad and having led Columbia’s Tau Beta Pi (TBP) Engineering Honor Society chapter, I know first-hand the challenges of being a woman and leader in a male-dominated field. As the aspiring AMWA Recruitment chair, I want to help create and perpetuate a supportive network that women in medical schools around the nation are aware of and are excited to actively participate in. I have ample experience with similar ventures; as the current co-President of the Hopkins AMWA chapter, I organized events such as a panel about sexism on the wards, allowing female residents and physicians to share experiences, tips, and tricks with female medical students preparing to enter the wards; these events were also utilized as platforms to increase membership and representation in AMWA. I have also used this past year to advertise and recruit members for our AMWA chapter. I want to use similar strategies to increase AMWA national membership; I will work with other chairpersons to incorporate recruitment into all AMWA events, such as regional conferences (perhaps creating a Q&A session for schools in the region that do not have an AMWA chapter but are interested in starting one) and fundraising events. I thus want to be involved in AMWA because it is incredibly important to create an inclusive space for women to connect with each other, grow both personally and professionally, and advocate for and amplify our voices in medicine.

Biosketch:

Lekha is a second-year medical student from Houston, Texas studying at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She received a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University in May 2020, where she conducted research in systems biology and neuronal disorders, sang on an Indian-American fusion a cappella team, and became an expert at navigating the surprisingly sparse Taco Bell locations around New York City. In medical school, Lekha has sought to continue pursuing her passion for the intersection of engineering and medicine, working on surgical ergonomics and virtual audiometry. She has also conducted research around wellness within the otolaryngology department and representation of women and minorities at conferences as she explores her interests within medicine. She is a member of AMWA’s national Gender Equity Task Force, co-President of the Johns Hopkins AMWA chapter, and a leader of the Association of Women Surgeon’s chapter. Outside of medical school, Lekha loves singing, eating Taco Bell, and watercolor painting.

Shauna Wassmus

If I were elected my goal would be to expand the network of women in medicine supporting each other.
As the president of the Club Figure Skating Team, I lead new skater recruitment efforts to ensure longevity and success of the team.

As a lifelong Girl Scout, many of my role models have been incredible women and it has largely been their support and guidance that gave me the power to pursue my dreams in medicine. Support has a way of encouraging others to be the best version of themselves which is why it is important to me to be involved in AMWA. AMWA provides the space for women to support each other and be successful in the challenging field of medicine. After serving as the president of my student branch of AMWA, I have been inspired to become more involved as well as encourage others to be involved in AMWA. If I were elected as recruitment chair, I would work to identify medical schools that do not yet have student branches and connect with students at the school that are interested in starting a branch of AMWA. I would then guide these students to help get their group started. It would be an honor to help expand opportunities for women in medicine.

Biosketch:

I am a second-year medical student at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton PA. I received my undergraduate degree in biology from Boston College and a masters in biomedical sciences from Tufts University School of Medicine. At GCSOM I served as the president of our student branch of AMWA where I organized round table events for students to participate in candid conversations with women in medicine, and girls in science workshops that encourage middle school girls to consider a future in STEM. As a lifelong girl scout, I am passionate about the effects of positive female role models and mentors and serve as a mentor to medical and premedical students both locally in Pennsylvania and from Boston College. I was a competitive synchronized skater growing up and in college and have been able to give back to a sport that taught me so much through teaching both children and adults the fundamentals and love of figure skating. In my free time I like to spend time outside running or hiking, baking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Global Health Chair

Alexis Strahan

Improved access to global health resources, mentorship, and education for fellows and AMWA members
Being an Anne C. Carter fellow with an upcoming research year focused on global health medicine

As a current AMWA Global Health fellow, I had the privilege to see in action the role of the global health chair and the impact of AMWA on global health education. Commitment to this program is important for students interested in exploring global health interests. The fellowship makes engagement accessible through funding and encourages responsible, ethical involvement through mentorship and discussion. AMWA has done an excellent job at creating a space for women in medicine to uplift current/future physicians, explore shared experiences, and engage in valuable opportunities to advance women in medicine. As a first-generation female physician, the influence of AMWA has been monumental in my growth.

My experience of being a senior global health fellow uniquely prepares me for this role, as the primary role of the global health chair is the management of this program. Additionally, I am completing a research year focused on global health during this term and have engaged in multiple international medical experiences in a student and nurse practitioner role. My goal is to build on the work of the past chairs by expanding mentorship aspect of the program, create accessible resources for fellows & expand digital global health resources for all AMWA members.

Biosketch:

Alexis Strahan is a 3rd year medical student at Mercer University School of Medicine. She graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University with a degree in Kinesiology. She then completed a masters in nursing science from Vanderbilt University, becoming a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She utilized her skills serving the uninsured and underinsured both at her local federally qualified health center and internationally alongside NGOs in the southwestern and eastern provinces of Uganda. She is passionate about well-rounded, patient-centered care with an emphasis on preventative medicine and sustainable global health initiatives.

She returned to complete medical school at MUSM where she is pursuing a career dedicated to bringing medical care to those with limited access. She is the Distinction in Service to the Community representative, the president of the Student Ambassador program, co-founder of the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research and Service, and vice president of the ethics interest group. She wishes to investigate more into improvements in systems, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases commonly affecting medically underserved populations, particularly infectious and neglected tropical skin diseases. Alexis will be completing a research fellowship in global health dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2022 – 2023.

Talia Beglarian

I aim to form new partnerships with global health programs, providing more opportunities for members.
I have experience in national AMWA leadership, previously premedical Conference Chair and Treasurer.

Over the years, AMWA has given me the wonderful opportunity to connect with women in medicine around the world, fostering a community through mentorship. I want to contribute to this community that has encouraged me over the years, and ensure that the organization can continue to thrive for future generations of women in the field of medicine.

I joined AMWA as an undergraduate student in my first year, and was later elected as Conference Chair of the premedical division. This position required dedication and teamwork in order to host the 2019 MWIA Centennial Conference, an event set to include 1200 delegates and representatives from over 50 countries across the world. In the following term I served as Treasurer for the premedical division, managing budgetary concerns on a national level.

With these experiences under my belt, my goal for AMWA as the Global Health Chair would be to partner with more organizations dedicated to global health and raise awareness of health disparities across the world, particularly for women in developing countries. By maintaining the existing Global Health Fellowships AMWA has to offer and adding upon them to present new opportunities for members, I hope to contribute to AMWA’s amazing impact!

Biosketch:

Talia is a first-year medical student at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a major in Molecular and Cell Biology: Immunology and a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. She has been an active AMWA member since joining the UC Berkeley branch during her first year of college. Since then, she has participated in local and national AMWA leadership as an undergraduate student. During her time at UCB she also participated in a service trip to Peru alongside other students and physicians providing healthcare access to underserved communities abroad. This experience was one of many that made her realize her passion for community and global health. She is currently involved in community projects such as Steps to Specs, a nonprofit program at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center set up to provide glasses to those in need at no cost. In her free time, Talia enjoys hiking in the beautiful Los Angeles trails, and finding great restaurants in the city. Her passion for medicine is shared with AMWA members, and she is grateful to be a part of the community.

Laura Goldman

Goal to expand access to global healthcare via networking. Example: volunteering in Israel
Member of Physicians for Human Rights in Israel, treat uninsured with a dedicated Women’s Clinic.

My goal aims to provide opportunities for women in medical school through global networking. Israeli physicians and students provide healthcare to uninsured women in clinics such as South Tel Aviv and the West Bank. It would be a unique opportunity for US and IMG medical students to connect and collaborate together, especially as future physicians who plan on practicing in the same country together one day. I am originally from Long Island, New York, and earned my B.S. and M.S. degrees from Stony Brook University. In 2017, I moved to Haifa to study medicine at Technion Israel Instiute of Technology. Throughout my years I have faced challenges, as I know many, many of us do. In the middle of first year, 5 months after moving abroad to study medicine, my Dad passed away from multiple myeloma. During this time, I took a break from studies and became active in the field of neuromodulation research. Prior, I was involved in a study assessing maternal-fetal outcomes from chorioamnioitis. My medical school, Technion, has world-renowned research in many fields, and I think it would be a great opportunity for us to collaborate and network through those interested in research as well. Thank you.

Biosketch:

Laura Goldman is third-year medical student attending the Technion American Medical School in Haifa. She is originally from Long Island, New York, where she earned her Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology at Stony Brook University. She has an interest in Family Medicine, particularly in the women’s health track. Her clinical research was investigating peripatum maternal-fetal outcomes from chorioamniotis. Laura also has a strong interest in Neurology. She has several publications on development and optimization of neuromodulation therapies for a multitude of diseases. She mentors first-year students in scheduling, planning and adjusting to life in Haifa, especially if new to the country. Lastly, she values advocacy in healthcare equity. As a member of Physicians for Human Rights, she plans on volunteering in the West Bank on weekends to provide care for Palestinians who have limited or no access to healthcare.

Sarah Seng

I want to support the advancement and empowerment of women and children in underserved communities.
I used information collected during needs assessment to undertake two water pump projects and raised $3000 to install two water pumps in separate villages.

I want to support the advancement and empowerment of women in medicine. My goals and hopes for AMWA are to expand our international efforts in underserved communities with sustainable programs. I want to contribute my international and domestic experience and skills to making a difference in sustainable projects with independent clinics. Overseeing the Global Health fellowships would allow me the opportunity to assist students in working on such projects in my elected role. I have eight years of work experience in underserved communities internationally and domestically. I have seen the impact of socio-economic barriers on health disparities and implemented behavioral interventions. Working in the Peace Corps has given me the tools to create structure where there is none and to blaze the trail on your own based on my own initial assessments of the needs of the village. My experience at Bronxworks further taught me patience and compassion goes a long way. Understanding where someone comes from and behave the way they do gives insight into helping them. This world view perspective has given me insights into the lives and behavioral thinking of underserved populations. Whether it was in Cameroon or the Bronx, the need for health care is universal.

Biosketch:

After graduating from Dartmouth in June 2011, I volunteered to serve in the Peace Corps from Sept 2011 – Dec 2013 in Cameroon. While completing my pre-requisites as a full-time student in a post-baccalaureate program at Fordham University from Aug 2014 – May 2016, I worked full-time for a nonprofit called BronxWorks as an HIV Program Specialist from Feb 2014 – May 2016 alongside a physician with HIV and/or Hepatitis C homeless at-risk patients and then as a Community Health Literacy Program Coordinator from Oct 2016 – Sept 2018. I worked to reduce the number of people using the Emergency Room for non-emergency needs by connecting them to primary care physicians and social services. I then took a research assistant position with National Development and Research Institutes to work with HIV sero-discordant intravenous drug using couples and the rate of transmission while on pre-exposure prophylaxis from Sept 2018 – June 2019. I completed a Masters of Science at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine from July 2019-May 2020 and a Masters of Public Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health from Sept 2020 – April 2021 before the MD program at St. George’s University School of Medicine from April 2021 – Present.

Social Medial Chair

Karen Barcenas-Villarreal

Goal: highlight AWMA mission through social media, increase awareness of female future physicians
I ran UIWSOM’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, was part of AMWA’s social media team

It is important to me to be involved in AMWA because their mission resonates so deeply with me. As I continue in my medical education, I constantly notice that even though there is an increase in the number of female physicians, both in practice and in schooling, women physicians and students are still not seen as equal. This leads to added stresses that can ultimately result in discouragement and poorer health outcomes. Being part of AMWA allows me to play a role in advocating for the women around me, especially in a field that constantly continues to underestimate women.

My hopes and goals for AMWA is that we continue to share our journeys, and what we’ve learned along the way, to help lift each other in every aspect of our wellbeing. If elected to the Social Media Chair position, I hope to continue this advocacy through every outlet possible – whether it be posting about different female physicians and their journeys, tips on issues learned, and even increasing the number of students that aware of such issues and the different platforms that AMWA offers help deal with those.

Biosketch:

Karen Barcenas-Villarreal is a second year DO/MPH student at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine in San Antonio, TX. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology with a minor in chemistry. She has been involved in AMWA since her first year of medical school and served as the local chapter president this past year and served on the AMWA Student Social Media team. She has a passion for education in women’s health and hopes to one day pursue obstetrics and gynecology. Her hobbies include yoga, baking, and reading books about personal growth.

Jennifer Kim

I endeavor to provide unconditional support and continuous inspiration for all aspiring physicians.
I have found out to be a match for patients battling with blood cancer two times since I joined the registry 5 years ago.

My name is Jennifer Kim and I am honored to run for Social Media Chair. I have been involved in AMWA for 4 years and since then AMWA has become near and dear to my heart. When I was dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, numerous physicians and peers instilled a passion for healthcare and more pride in being a part of women in medicine. I hope to give back what I have received from AMWA to all my peers and colleagues by providing the platform of connection, recruitment, and education. I believed I am ready to take on this role due to my previous leadership experiences. I had the privilege of working as Region 1 Director of the National Premedical Division during the 2020-2021 term, and will be the president at my local school chapter this year. I am also currently working with the AMWA Student Social Media team. With my strong passion for women’s health and promoting women in healthcare, my goals will be working closely with other AMWA accounts, building strong relationships with local AMWA branches, highlighting the accomplishment of branches and medical students, as well as increasing follower numbers to deliver AMWA’s messages across the world.

Biosketch:

Jennifer Kim is a first-year medical student at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (UT-COMLS). She received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Minor in Biology with a pre-med concentration. Following graduation, she took gap years to explore the healthcare system in the US and other countries. This led her to work in various clinical settings, from private practice to free clinics to university hospitals and work with leprosy patients in Sorokdo National Hospital in South Korea. Since college, she has served as a campus ambassador of the Gift of Life, a non-profit bone marrow registry, to increase awareness of the registry through education and running drives that eventually found two life-saving matches. She will serve as the president of the UTCOMLS AMWA chapter in her second year of medical school. In her free time, she loves to try new cuisines and take pictures of nature.

Region 1 Director (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)

Ariana Nodoushani

To connect Region 1 chapters and establish collaboration among pre-med, med, and physician members
I was co-founder of one of the first pre-med chapters of AMWA in Region 1 at Northeastern University

The AMWA community and vision inspires me, which is why I co-founded a pre-medical AMWA chapter at Northeastern. It is important to me to be involved in an amazing organization where women can come together to learn, mentor, and empower each other to go after those big goals we have. I’ve met many women through AMWA that have inspired me to dream big and never settle. By continuing my involvement with AMWA, I can spread that mantra even further. My goal for AMWA is to promote awareness of what we do as an organization to both men and women to create a strong community that supports, advocates, and empowers women to achieve their goals. I bring a strong leadership background from my involvement in many organizations throughout college and medical school. I have extensive knowledge of AMWA’s vision, as demonstrated through my AMWA leadership commitments in both undergrad and medical school. In my elected role, I hope to bring together chapters more frequently to create a comfortable environment for our members to collaborate. I also hope to make it easier for members to connect with physicians who can provide critical insight into becoming a woman physician in an inequitable world.

Biosketch:

Ariana Nodoushani is a second-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine. She earned her BS at Northeastern University in Biology with a minor in Spanish. Throughout college, Ariana was involved extensively with cardiac radiology research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital as well as burn research at Shriners Hospitals for Children. She was also involved with many organizations including AMWA, Global Medical Brigades, and Science Club for Girls. Ariana was extremely passionate about her work in global health, having traveled to Panama and Nicaragua with Global Brigades to assist in their rural clinics. After graduating, Ariana followed her passion for global health and stayed at her research job at Mass General Hospital working on Typhoid and Cholera diagnostics. Her research shifted gears during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she was able to work on the development of COVID antibody testing, working many overtime hours to obtain quality data.

After starting medical school, Ariana continued to conduct research, now focusing on medical education and cardiothoracic surgery outcomes. She prides herself on her leadership potential as she co-leads many organizations including AMWA, Socially Responsible Surgery, Outreach Van Project, and Surgical Society.

Vineetha Mathew

To organize events fostering mentorship and promoting awareness of disparities in women’s health.
I have prior experience planning an AMWA conference, particularly in brainstorming talks, recruiting speakers, and working extensively in PR.

I believe I have the innovation, dedication, and leadership experience necessary to carry out this position. AMWA has a central goal of promoting women in STEM; from my own experiences in medicine, I realize the value of mentorship in achieving this goal, so as AMWA director I plan to organize networking events providing future female health professionals with opportunities to make connections in their fields. My research interests have focused on disparities in women’s cardiovascular health and maternal-fetal health as both fields are heavily understudied. I have hopes to use my position to promote events in spreading awareness regarding disparities in women’s health. In addition to the novel ideas I have for advancing the AMWA agenda, I have a demonstrated record of leadership and conference-planning experience. In addition to serving in several educational positions at TUSM and co-founding the TUSM Ultrasound Medicine Group, I served on the AMWA 2022 Conference committee where I actively planned, recruited speakers, and advertised the Region 1 Conference. Working closely with the previous Region 1 Director, I gained invaluable experience and insight into the responsibilities of this position, preparing me to both smoothly build upon our current endeavors and offer exciting new opportunities for members.

Biosketch:

Vineetha is a current M2 at the Tufts University School of Medicine. Originally from Philadelphia, she graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from Temple University before moving to Boston. Her clinical passions include improving cardiovascular outcomes for women and maternal-fetal health. She conducts basic science research at the Mother-Infant Research Institute at TUSM where she studies pathologic mechanisms of placentation during pregnancy. Studying the immense vascular changes that occur during pregnancy fostered her interest in women’s cardiovascular health, prompting her to get involved with the establishment of a comprehensive cardiovascular center for women through the Lahey cardiovascular department. In addition to her medical interests, she also has a love for teaching, mentorship, and improving educational opportunities for students. Her past involvements include head tutor at Let’s Get Ready, a non-profit organization providing SAT tutoring and college prep mentorship to high school students in underserved communities. In med school Vineetha continued this passion by teaching summer pre-matriculation courses for incoming medical students and co-founding the Ultrasound Medicine Group, which advocates for the inclusion of hands-on ultrasound education into the preclinical curriculum. Outside of her educational pursuits she enjoys playing board games with friends or exploring the local food scene in Boston.

Region 2 Director (NJ, NY)

Afeerah Ahmad

To enhance AMWA’s mission via mentorship and collaboration amongst medical and premedical branches.
Commitment to volunteerism through the AHEC scholars program and COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

My experience with AMWA began eight years ago where I served as Drexel University AMWA’s Treasurer, Vice President, and President. A distinct contribution of my presidency was the organization of a conference joining medical professionals and undergraduate students for mentorship in medical leadership and scholarship.

As the national AMWA Premedical Division’s social media chair, I managed the @Amwapremed social media accounts and collaborated with region directors to enhance networking and collaboration amongst members.

At Rowan SOM, I serve as the IDEA Council (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action) representative where I attend safe spaces addressing concerns relating to diverse groups in medicine. I have organized various panels, including one about women in medicine with former AMWA president Dr. Theresa M. Rohr-Kirchgraber, MD and Dr. Ahmara G. Ross, MD, PhD.

As Region 2 Director, I plan to improve collaboration and national AMWA involvement amongst AMWA branches in Region 2 and between regions with excellent communication and engagement on social media. Additionally, I believe my connections from previous AMWA involvement will enhance these interactions. I look forward to implementing the annual conference as Region 2 director, which will be focused on mentoring, advocating for and empowering women in medicine.

Biosketch:

Afeerah Ahmad is a second year medical student at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. She graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, there serving as the university’s AMWA Treasurer, Vice President, and President. As president, she helped organize a conference that facilitated mentorship of undergraduate students by medical professionals. Post graduation, Afeerah served as the social media chair of the National AMWA Premedical Division. Now as a medical student, Afeerah has experienced two more leadership positions within AMWA as the RowanSOM chapter’s first year representative and currently as the IDEA Council (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action) Representative. The highlight of her contributions at RowanSOM was organizing a Women in Medicine panel including former AMWA president Dr. Theresa M. Rohr-Kirchgraber, MD and Dr. Ahmara G. Ross, MD, PhD.

Additionally, Afeerah serves as the vice president of the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists (ACONP) at Rowan SOM and actively volunteers in the COVID-19 vaccination clinic. She is currently pursuing a research project investigating the rates of child physical abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Afeerah’s hobbies include kickboxing, singing, playing the clarinet, and spending time with her family, friends, and her black cat, Sassparilla.

Danielle Uibel

I hope to encourage idea sharing, connection, & collaboration within our region’s leadership.
I love connecting with people – from musical theater to student ambassador, it’s what I do best!

Hi Everyone! My name is Danielle and I’m the Founding President of the AMWA at TouroCOM Middletown, NY. Over this past year I’ve worked hard with my amazing team to build our chapter from the ground up. I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with my counterpart at our Harlem campus and see our collaboration grow into a strong and supportive friendship between us and our chapters. Working together made me excited and even more passionate about AWMA’s mission and I’d love to grow that passion and connection even further. Each chapter and it’s leadership bring new ideas and perspectives into AMWA and I’d love to help connect us all so that we can innovate, brainstorm, and lean on one another. I met so many brilliant AMWA members at the virtual conference last year who eagerly shared their advice and programs with me when I was starting a new chapter, and it showed me what it truly means to empower and lift up one another. It would truly be an honor to be selected as your Regional Director to help each one of us not only reach, but exceed our potential.

Biosketch:

Danielle is a second year medical student at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine NY. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College with a focus in Biology, Spanish, and Dance! She received her Masters in Public Health at the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health to pursue her passion of ensuring health as a human right. After discovering AMWA through her best friend, her passion for AMWA grew to the point that she knew she wanted to create a chapter at her own school to further empower future female physicians.

As President, she established a Women in Medicine Speaker Series to host locally and internationally recognized physicians like one of her favorites, Dr. Laura Vater, and launched a mentorship program with local undergraduate institutions. Her chapter also partners with a domestic violence safe house to empower women beyond the clinical setting. Believing teamwork is vital, her chapter works closely with their sister chapter in Harlem to host events like Speed Mentoring with Alumni Residents and Physicians.

Outside of medical school Danielle loves to try new recipes, take walks with her puppy Ellie, and enjoys a good Bath & Body works candle!

Region 4 Director (FL, GA, NC, SC)

Kristi Bears

Create a platform to connect regional branches for continuous collaboration and event sharing
Connected regional university free clinic leaders for a group with similar leadership design as AMWA

AMWA has been a guiding light for me as a first-generation student and the first to attend medical school in my family. The women of AMWA have not only led and empowered me but have provided me with the platform to empower those who have come after me, and I strongly believe in the importance of AMWA’s mission to continue to expand the ever-growing pipeline of female physicians.

As a pre-medical student, I co-founded and served as a Past President for the pre-medical branch at the University of Florida. During my year as President, I more than doubled branch membership and attendance at our annual Women Rising in Medicine Conference. I also served as a pre-medical division regional director, and I am currently involved in the AMWA premedical-medical mentorship program at my university.

If elected, I hope to create a platform for branches within the region to connect with one another throughout the year to increase collaboration and share information about upcoming meetings and events. This platform could also be utilized to create region specific initiatives, work on toolkits, and generate research projects.

Biosketch:

Kristi is a first-generation, third year medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She received her BS in Health Science from the University of Florida in 2019. Kristi is involved in the AMWA medical-premedical mentorship program and is conducting research on gender bias in house staff evaluations across procedural and non-procedural specialties. Apart from AMWA, Kristi is a member of her class Executive Board, previous Co-President of the Anesthesia Interest Group, previous Executive Director of Florida Clinics Collaborative, and a State of Florida Certified Domestic Violence Advocate. Her current specialty interests include anesthesia and general surgery. In her spare time, she enjoys doing yoga, drawing in her sketchbook, and playing with her three cats, Luschka, Chiari and Purkinje.

Sruthi Selvakumar

My goal is to amplify the voices of rising women physicians as they pursue a career in medicine.
The invaluable experiences and skills I gained while pursuing my career in research and leadership

My passion toward supporting and amplifying the voices of rising women physicians during their endeavors inspired me to get involved within my institution’s AMWA chapter. I had the honor of serving as Secretary and subsequently President of our chapter. As an AMWA leader, I have successfully hosted numerous panels with women in medicine, promoted networking opportunities for academics and mentorship, and organized events to raise awareness for women’s health. AMWA has repeatedly demonstrated the power that our voices can have if we stand together as a community, and my hope is that we continue providing this sense of support to rising women physicians in the coming years. As the regional director, I would serve as a pillar of support for other chapters as they continue to further the AMWA mission. I would also create an open platform where I can work with other dedicated individuals to serve as a reliable point of communication for women seeking support and advice in any way. By ensuring that the voices of individuals are heard, I can collaborate with other AMWA leaders to address any issues and implement changes that can further our goals of establishing inclusivity and equity of women in medicine.

Biosketch:

I am a third year medical student at Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. I have a background in biomedical engineering, but I ultimately chose to pursue a career as a physician due to my passion towards having a direct impact on patient care. I have a strong interest in academic medicine, which compelled me to pursue research experiences during medical school. By dedicating many hours and obtaining grants from organizations such as the HTRS and NIH, I have engaged in research in the fields of hematology, geriatrics, and surgery. My commitment to understanding and implementing the scientific process has allowed me to share my work with the scientific community through publications as well as oral and poster presentations at both regional and national-level conferences. Additionally, my interests in enhancing the student community within my institution and developing my skills as a physician-leader have inspired me to serve as a leader within student-based interest groups, the local AMWA chapter, the admissions team, and mentorship programs. I hope to continue working towards furthering my scholarly and leadership experiences as a medical student and beyond.

Election 2022 — AMWA Medical Student Division

Positions

President-Elect

Julia Burns

Ashley Anderson

Christie Taylor

Secretary

Shirin Ferdosian

Hasiat O Madamidola

Awards Chair

Maria Perez

Brynne Rozell

Rachel Blaisdell

Meg Mori

Bridget Smith

Programming Chair

Brooke Hartenstein

Keerthi Pittala

Philanthropy/Fundraising Chair

Sarah Peterson

Monali Shah

Grace Kaur Ahuja

Aashna Mehta

Advocacy Chair

Emily Dale-Johnson

Christina Motilall

Shirin Ferdosian

Amy Morrison

Marta Telatin

Jessica King

Brie Howerton

Christie Taylor

Recruitment Chair

Kailey Kowalski

Lekha Yesantharao

Shauna Wassmus

Global Health Chair

Alexis Strahan

Talia Beglarian

Laura Goldman

Sarah Seng

Social Medial Chair

Karen Barcenas-Villarreal

Jennifer Kim

Region 1 Director (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)

Ariana Nodoushani

Vineetha Mathew

Region 2 Director (NJ, NY)

Afeerah Ahmad

Danielle Uibel

Region 4 Director (FL, GA, NC, SC)

Kristi Bears

Sruthi Selvakumar

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