Women in Medicine and Science Welcome Governor Katie Hobbs to Their Annual Networking Event

Celebrating the impact that women are making in medicine and science and supporting their growth as leaders was the focus of the 6^th Annual Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) Fall Networking Event.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs addressed the challenges that women face as leaders as she encouraged the attendees to be catalysts for equity.    

“Women have always been at the forefront of change in Arizona,” Hobbs said. “I'm inspired by the work you are doing through the Women in Medicine and Science program, in order to uplift each other and address the discrepancies in your field.”

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s WIMS group champions the incredible women faculty, staff and students who are advancing medicine and access to care across the communities of Arizona.

“But we need to do more to bring women into leadership positions — intentional mentorship, giving women a seat at the table, encouraging them to be active participants in the overall operations of a team, taking their opinions seriously, empowering them to execute plans, trusting them to oversee departments, ensuring that we’re seeking a wide array of perspectives, and recognizing and uplifting their accomplishments and contributions,” Hobbs said.

A comprehensive study published in 2021 in The American Journal of the Medical Sciences showed significant disparities remain for women entering the health professions. These include marked differences in salary, the lack of ascension to leadership roles, as well as the frequency of being subjected to harassment or predatory behaviors.

Taben Hale, PhD, a professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and the director of WIMS, shared the progress that has been made toward parity since the group’s inception. “When WIMS started in 2017, we had no women at the rank of full professor with tenure. Today, 27% of tenured full professors at the College of Medicine – Phoenix are women,” she said

At that time, the college did not have any women who were permanent department chairs either. Now, women comprise 20% of the department chair roles. Dr. Hale stated that there is still work to be done, but WIMS is excited for the future. “As our college enters this next growth phase under Dean Wondisford, we will continue to partner with our leadership to identify ways toward continuing to narrow this gender gap,” she said.

Governor Hobbs, who was born and raised in Arizona, has led an exemplary career of public service. After graduating from college, she worked as a social worker aiding homeless youth. She later helped run one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country, the Sojourner Center. It was that spirit for giving back that inspired her to run for office — a track she has held with distinction.

Beginning in 2010, Governor Hobbs served in the Arizona State Legislature for four terms, including two as Senate Minority Leader. She was then elected Secretary of State in 2018. In 2022, she was elected the fifth woman — and fifth Arizona native — to lead the state of Arizona.

Governor Hobbs’ journey is aspirational, and Dr. Hale noted how motivating it was to have her in attendance. “She [Governor Hobbs] is an inspirational leader, who shared with us how to lead through adversity and the importance of bringing together diverse groups with differing opinions to advance important initiatives,” she said. “I appreciated how candid she was when sharing the unique challenges that women leaders face and the importance of keeping focus on the mission. Her participation in this event shows the impact and the reach that our WIMS group continues to build.”

WIMS’ mission is to advocate for and mentor women within academic medicine as they navigate their careers. Offering such support is vital to truly spark change in the industry.

“The point of the event is about finding new connections, reconnecting with others that you have connected with before, building authentic relationships and, ultimately, having a good time as we foster community here at the College of Medicine – Phoenix,” said Francisco Lucio, JD, senior associate dean of the college’s Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion.

Several first-year medical students praised WIMS’ efforts to make the college a more equitable place and shared their enthusiasm for the Governor’s advice. “I'm one of the first people in my family to go into medicine, so it is really nice to have connections and understand how to get to where I want to be in a way that isn't trial and error,” said Terese Kulangara.

Kelly Walter built on that sentiment. “It is cool that there are events like this — where we're able to meet physicians, researchers from all different phases in their career — because in undergrad, I had no opportunities like this,” she said.

Chynna Nguyen — who was just elected vice president of the Medical Student Government — was stirred by the Governor’s words. “It inspires me to follow her footsteps and lead by example,” she said.

At the conclusion of her remarks, Governor Hobbs invited the attendees to continue building toward their shared goals stating, “I look forward to working with you all to create an Arizona that reflects the strong women who live and work here.”