AWAM Updates News

Three Faculty Selected to Attend AAMC Early Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar

WashU participants: (L-R) Abby Sung, Infectious Diseases; Jenna Putzel, General Pediatrics; Naoka Murakami, Transplant Nephrology; Namrata Patel, IM/Peds; Stephanie Kim, Interventional Radiology

The Department of Medicine is proud to announce that three faculty were selected to receive funding to attend the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Early Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar in February 2025. This prestigious and highly competitive program is designed to foster leadership growth among women in academic medicine, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to advance into senior faculty and administrative roles.

Recognizing their leadership potential and outstanding contributions to medical education, research, and clinical care, The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Office of Faculty Promotions & Career Development at Washington University provided funding to support their participation. This investment highlights the institution’s commitment to promoting gender equity and career advancement for women in academic medicine.

The AAMC seminar offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on leadership skill-building, strategic career planning, and cultivating meaningful professional networks. Through interactive workshops, mentorship opportunities, and peer collaboration, participants gain valuable insights and tools to navigate their career trajectories effectively. Their selection underscores their exceptional achievements and dedication to advancing both their respective fields and the broader mission of academic medicine. We congratulate them on this well-earned opportunity and look forward to the impact of their leadership development on our institution and beyond.

Sung

“The AAMC Early Career Women’s Seminar is an excellent seminar for women seeking advancement at an academic medical center. This conference allowed for networking with people in other specialties so we could compare experiences and delved into practical issues such as strategies to make yourself heard and how to begin to understand medical school financial statements. The participants of this seminar were upfront about their experiences at various academic medical institutions which was both validating and enlightening.”

Abby Sung, MD
Murakami

“Attending the Early Career Women Leadership Workshop was an inspiring experience. Connecting with like-minded colleagues striving for leadership and career growth reinforced the power of networking and mentorship. I left with renewed purpose, practical strategies, and a strong support network, feeling more confident in pursuing leadership opportunities”

Naoka Murakami, MD, PhD
Patel

“I really appreciated being able to reflect upon my career goals and personal goals in a space with so many amazing women faculty, all in the early stages of their careers. I was fascinated by the data presented about gender equity and learned it is important to be more intentional about the language that we use to describe ourselves. Had a wonderful experience! Thanks for the opportunity to grow and connect!”

Namrata Patel, MD

The Department of Medicine supports the additional expenses for faculty to attend.