Connect

For two decades at UVA Health and UVA, the Committee on Women in Medicine and Science (COWIMS) has been on a mission — to promote and enable the representation, development, and contributions of all individuals. This Women’s History Month through Connect, get to know the organization’s leadership, roots, value, and in-person and virtual opportunities.

“We’re fortunate previous COWIMS leaders established a strong foundation and a thorough strategic plan,” says Chair Kathleen McManus, MD. “Along with the great COWIMS Steering Committee members, I’m focusing on enacting the strategic plan and increasing the footprint of COWIMS on Grounds.” 

As someone who experienced UVA as a medical trainee and public health student — and now as a UVA faculty member and UVA Health provider — Dr. McManus knows firsthand the difference support can make in a medical education and career.

Earning a BS from Dartmouth College and an MD from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, she came to Charlottesville to complete her Internal Medicine residency, a MS in Clinical Research, and an Infectious Diseases fellowship at UVA Health. Dr. McManus is a physician-scientist, advancing evidence-based health policy for HIV care and prevention, and serves as Medical Director of the UVA Health Ryan White HIV Clinic. She’s also an Assistant Professor in Infectious Diseases and International Health at UVA School of Medicine.

Origin Story

UVA School of Medicine and then-Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development Sharon Hostler, MD, launched COWIMS in 2004 — when the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development was established in the School of Medicine’s Dean’s Office. COWIMS has been managed by the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development ever since — aligning with Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) women-focused groups.

Currently, COWIMS is comprised of 25 Steering Committee members, including UVA School of Medicine faculty, students, and team members — but everyone is encouraged to sign up to receive information about COWIMS’ events and opportunities. And this spring, any faculty, staff, trainees, or students interested in joining the COWIMS Steering Committee can apply, with new members anticipated to be added in July 2024.

Belonging for All

Every member of our UVA Health team is essential to achieving our mission — and supporting team members involves making them feel welcomed and heard. COWIMS helps fill that role.

“Join to engage in learning, networking, and the community; share resources; build skills — and COWIMS events are really fun!” declares Ashley Ayers, Senior Director, Faculty Leadership Programs, UVA School of Medicine — a UVA alum who’s worked for School of Medicine for nearly two decades.

COWIMS subcommittees focus on advocacy, awards and professional development, data analytics, programming/events, and media.

'Passion and Grace'

COWIMS also touts the achievements of UVA Health and UVA women.

So far this year, COWIMS Woman of the Month has featured Tracey Hoke, MD, MSc, FAAP, Chief of Quality and Performance Improvement, for serving as a “champion” in healthcare quality and outcomes; Beth Epstein, PhD, FAAN, for her work in bioethics, especially in moral distress; and Kim Dowdell, MD, for advocating for patients’ well-being and leading ambulatory care response to access on medicine with “passion and grace.”

Advancing Gender Equity

On April 25, COWIMS is partnering with the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center to honor “100 Years of Women in Medicine and Science at UVA.”

“This is going to be a great opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the first woman graduate of the UVA School of Medicine and the recent achievement of having more than 100 women at the rank of full professor at UVA School of Medicine,” touts Dr. McManus. “We’ll reflect on how far the school has come in advancing gender equity and what COWIMS wants to achieve next.”

What Else Is Ahead?

On Friday, March 29, 2024, 1-2 p.m. at MR5 300, join Navigating Promotion and Tenure: A Panel Discussion with a Focus on Women in Medicine and Science. Dana Albon, MD; J. Carol Manning, PhD; Susan Pollart, MD, MS; and Jennie Knight, PhD, will shed light on unique challenges faced by women in academia, provide strategic advice on navigating the promotion and tenure process, and discuss effective ways to advocate for oneself. 

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m. in McKim Hall Classroom 1023, learn Strategies to Increase Your Publishing Success and Accelerate Your Next Promotion in Academic Medicine.

Julie Silver, MD — Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital — shares her six-step strategy toward progress.

And noon-1 p.m. at the Medical Education Building, 3rd floor Auditorium, in New Opportunities to Accelerate Gender Equity for Women in Medicine, Dr. Silver focuses on new research into strategically honing in on equity issues and elevating women and others who identify with underrepresented groups.

Tight schedule? Keep up remotely with COWIMS on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Questions about COWIMS or interested in partnering? Contact Ashley Ayers and Dr. McManus.