Trailblazing women

Five female anesthesiologists share their journeys of personal development, communal support, and workplace diversity.


This is a group photo of the five speakers quoted in the article.
From left to right: Linda J. Mason, MD, FASA, Olutoyin Olutoye, MD, MSc, FASA, FAAP, Vidya Raman, MD, MBA, FASA, FAAP, Sapna R. Kudchadkar, MD, PhD, FCCM, and Allison Fernandez, MD, MBA

PN319 – Women of Impact: Pediatric Anesthesia
10:45-11:45 a.m. | Monday, October 21
Room 111AB

In the current medical landscape, less than one-third of female doctors become specialized in anesthesia. Of those, roughly one in five hold leadership positions, such as chairs or full professorships. This morning’s session, “Women of Impact: Pediatric Anesthesia,” will address this imbalance by analyzing potential causes, identifying barriers, and offering strategies for successful outcomes. The panel will include Linda J. Mason, MD, FASA, Olutoyin Olutoye, MD, MSc, FASA, FAAP, Vidya Raman, MD, MBA, FASA, FAAP, Sapna R. Kudchadkar, MD, PhD, FCCM, and Allison Fernandez, MD, MBA.

To begin, Linda J. Mason, MD, FASA, will share her experience and lessons learned as only the third woman to fill the role of ASA President (2018-2019; there have been two more since) and the first to be board certified in pediatric anesthesiology. The full panel acknowledges that there is much work to do in the field of anesthesiology to recruit, engage, support, and promote women and individuals of color. Historically, there has not been sufficient focus on this, which is a big reason why the number of female anesthesiologists in leadership positions has remained low compared to other specialties.

In her shoes

Dr. Mason, who is Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, doesn’t merely preach, she practices. Throughout her career, she has closely mentored, thoughtfully sponsored, or indirectly influenced countless women throughout the specialty.

“Having more women in these positions will give younger women more opportunities to have role models, mentors, and sponsors,” she said. “My experience with mentoring and sponsoring was mainly provided by male colleagues, who helped me tremendously by opening doors, positions, and the possibility of increased networking, but it is nice to see that more women are filling these roles.”

When Dr. Mason was in medical school, there were only 10 women out of the 120 students in her class. The distortion continues in part because of the sometimes antiquated nature of academia, medical professional standards, and societal stereotypes. Inherent and impossible gender pressures that women frequently succumb to also play a role, Dr. Olutoye said.

“Inappropriate feelings of inadequacy or a reluctance to step up to the plate unless they feel all preparatory steps are in place can be overcome by developing oneself,” said Dr. Olutoye, Anesthesiologist-in-Chief at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

For Dr. Raman, her medical career was nearly upended by the unspoken “mommy track.” While pregnant with twins, Dr. Raman had to secure a special waiver for board examinations or she would have automatically failed. Even now, well into her practice, she said she often feels behind in promotions or overlooked for leadership positions because she prioritizes her family.

The road(s) less taken

Balancing work and home life or professional, personal, and family obligations is burdensome. In line with the saying, “It takes a village,” the panel agrees that finding a support group of family, friends, and colleagues can help maintain a healthy equilibrium.

“There are different paths,” said Dr. Raman. “Paraphrasing Oprah: It is important to know where you want to end up. For example, do you want to be chair? Then you can develop a gap analysis and figure out what you need to do. Mentors and sponsors help, but it still depends on your work and effort. When you don’t have a goal in mind, you end up meandering and not necessarily getting where you want to go.”

The women will discuss why networking, mentoring, and sponsoring others are so important to professional development and career advancement. These aspects can help foster introductions and create opportunities, as well as serve as an important source of social and mental support. It can be difficult to begin connecting in this way, particularly at the beginning of one’s career. 

“Find the leaders you look up to and connect yourself closely to them – leaders who know how to engage with their teams, value women in leadership, and lead how you would want to lead,” said Dr. Kudchadkar, Anesthesiologist-in-Chief at Johns Hopkins Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center in Baltimore.

For women, from women

Several years ago, Dr. Fernandez, who is Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, began her own project with the help of mentors and sponsors, like Dr. Mason, titled “Women of Impact in Anesthesiology.” Today, the series has more than 70 video interviews with physicians who address topics ranging from work-life balance and gender/racial bias to imposter syndrome and burnout.

Dr. Raman said she credits the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program at Drexel University in Philadelphia for giving her the confidence, skills, and connections to develop and promote herself. The key is to find the resources, courses, and educational opportunities that are available and meaningful to you.

“Developing yourself is key, even when you do not see the leadership opportunity,” added Dr. Olutoye. “This way, when preparation meets opportunity, you will be ready.”

Being an advocate for oneself and others is critical, said Dr. Kudchadkar. It is not enough to wait for someone else to speak for you, promote you, or nominate you. Take action, she said.

“We must not just preach to the choir, but shout from the rooftops to effect change in our field and to continue to innovate and obtain the resources to do so,” said Dr. Kudchadkar.

A better place for everyone

In addition to the exciting challenges and rewarding efforts that came from her time at the helm of ASA, Dr. Mason said it is imperative for the entire field to have female representation at medical, academic, and industry institutions. A diverse workforce improves individual career growth and the health care system at large. It also makes doctors, practices, and hospitals more equipped to treat patients from diverse populations.

“More women in leadership positions also leads to subsequent diversity of thought in the workplace,” said Dr. Olutoye. “Diversity of thought is a driver of excellence.”

Perhaps most important, Dr. Mason said, is to enjoy what you do. If you’re not passionate about what you do and what you’re working toward, burnout will be around the corner.

 

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