About this ebook
An Evolution of Empowerment urges readers from all backgrounds to recognize the pressing need for change and growth in addressing healthcare gender inequities. Studies consistently demonstrate that a diverse workforce improves healthcare outcomes, yet we still struggle to bridge the gender gap within the medical field. Despite the availability of data, finding practical solutions to close this gap remains an ongoing challenge. The collective dialogue surrounding gender disparities in medicine has gained momentum, and it is no longer taboo to share personal stories or advocate for change. This anthology explores concepts that continue to perpetuate inequities in medicine such as the leaky pipeline, structural misogyny, gaslighting, bullying, sexism, and racism. A call to action and a source of inspiration, An Evolution of Empowerment is a must-read for anyone interested in the fields of medicine and science, gender equity, and social justice—including women, male allies, and gender non-binary friends and colleagues.
About the author
Dr. Shikha Jain is a tenured associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She holds multiple leadership positions that contribute to the advancement of equitable and sustainable medicine and the simplification of complex challenges in healthcare communication. As the Director of Communications Strategies in Medicine and the Associate Director of Oncology Communication and Digital Innovation at the University of Illinois Cancer Center, Dr. Jain plays a pivotal role in enhancing the dissemination of vital medical information. Driven by a commitment to action, advocacy, and amplification, Dr. Jain is the CEO and Co-Founder of IMPACT, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that actively promotes positive change in healthcare. Her dedication and contributions have been widely recognized. She was honored as one of Medscape's 25 Rising Stars in Medicine in 2020 and one of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Emerging Leaders in 2019. Solidifying her status as a distinguished figure in the field of oncology, she received the Rising Star award by LEAD Oncology in 2019.
Dr. Jain actively participates in numerous influential medical organizations, such as the prestigious AOA society, and she serves on the Committee on Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information on Biological Threats. Appointed by the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS S&T) and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), she serves on the Working Group on Engaging the Scientific Community in Countering Scientific Mis- and Disinformation.
Recognized for her insightful perspectives and expertise, Dr. Jain contributes to several esteemed publications, including CNN, USA Today, Scientific American, The Hill, US News, and Doximity. Her impactful work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. Dr. Jain's dedication to sharing knowledge extends to her role as the host of the podcast Oncology Overdrive, where she engages with experts and thought leaders in the field of oncology.
With a commitment to advancing medical research, Dr. Jain has contributed to prestigious journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, PNAS, and JAMA. Her clinical practice as an oncologist reflects her patient-centric approach, emphasizing education, personalized care, and outreach. To stay connected with Dr. Shikha Jain, you can follow her on Twitter (@ShikhaJainMD) and Instagram (@ShikhaJainMD). For more information about her work, please visit her website at www.shikhajainmd.com, as well as the websites for the Women in Medicine Summit® (www.womeninmedicinesummit.
Dr. Avital O'Glasser is an associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She holds dual appointments in the Division of Hospital Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at OHSU. Driven by her commitment to interdisciplinary patient-centered care and the comprehensive practice of perioperative medicine, she serves as the Medical Director of OHSU's Preoperative Medicine Clinic.
Dr. O'Glasser is a fervent advocate for exploring the intersection of medicine and novel, or non-traditional, scholarship. She dedicates her efforts to understanding how social media, particularly Twitter, can effectively contribute to the field of medicine and foster collaboration and knowledge dissemination among healthcare professionals. In her pursuit of promoting gender equity and other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Dr. O'Glasser strives to create a more inclusive environment that recognizes the diverse and impactful forms of non-traditional scholarly contributions, such as digital scholarship. Embracing the digital landscape, Dr. O'Glasser serves as the honorary chief of perioperative medicine for The Curbsiders, a popular internal medicine podcast. This platform allows her to further her dedication to fostering innovative approaches in medical education and knowledge dissemination.
Through her multifaceted endeavors, Dr. Avital O'Glasser continues to make significant contributions to the medical community as she inspires and empowers fellow healthcare professionals to embrace new avenues of impact and strive for a more equitable and inclusive future in medicine. Her energies and efforts have been honored with institutional, regional, and national awards including the American College of Physician's Walter McDonald Early Career Physician award. To stay connected with Dr. Avital O'Glasser, you can follow her on Twitter (@aoglasser).
