Women in Medicine and Science Group Hosts 3rd Annual Spring Dinner

On May 28, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Women in Medicine and Science group hosted its annual Spring Dinner, virtually. This year’s theme was “Leadership, Equity and Resilience,” and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego served as the keynote speaker.

Although the meeting was hosted via Zoom due to the pandemic, more than 110 individuals were still able to virtually attend the event.

The event began with networking and interactive polls, featuring questions like: What do you think is the most important trait for an effective leader? What is your favorite method to promote equity? What effective strategies help you maintain resilience?

These were followed by welcoming remarks from Guy Reed, MD, MS, dean of the College of Medicine – Phoenix, and Amelia Gallitano, MD, PhD — director of the Women in Medicine and Science — who introduced the keynote speaker, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“It’s wonderful to be with a group of accomplished women in Phoenix. One of my personal points of pride is that we are the largest city in the United States governed by a majority of women,” said Mayor Gallego.

Mayor Gallego also spoke about her experience as a woman in politics and the importance of the biomedical sciences during a pandemic.

She encouraged attendees to look at the innovation that has emerged as a result of COVID-19 as an inspiring look to the future.

The evening wrapped up with small group discussions about the qualifications of what makes a more effective leader and examples of advocating for other women.

The Women in Medicine and Science Executive Committee organized the annual professional development event to foster encouragement and new skills for College of Medicine – Phoenix faculty, staff and students.