Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, dean of the School of Medicine, welcomed faculty members and their families to the Women in Medicine and Science Promotion Reception on Nov. 15 in the Partridge Atrium of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. The faculty and their families gathered to celebrate the promotion of eight women faculty members to the rank of professor and 19 women faculty members to the rank of associate professor. Vickers lauded the accomplishments of the women present and recognized the importance of their work.
Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion, also addressed the attendees, their colleagues and their families. “In achieving your personal professional goals, you are helping create an organizational climate that fosters the growth of other women,” said Fouad. She referenced Nobel Laureate Gertrude Belle Elion, who helped develop drugs to treat many major diseases, including cancer, malaria and AIDS. Fouad quoted Elion saying, “Don’t be afraid of hard work. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Don’t let others discourage you to tell you that you can’t do it. In my day I was told women don’t go into chemistry. I saw no reason why we couldn’t.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Women in Medicine and Science Promotion Reception has witnessed significant growth in the professional pipeline of women faculty in the School of Medicine. Sponsored by the SOM Office for Diversity and Inclusion, this yearly event offers the opportunity to celebrate women making crucial strides in their fields – from clinical achievements, to teaching and mentoring, to innovative research and exceptional service.
Following light refreshments, each woman promoted to the rank of professor was introduced by her department chair, who also highlighted her professional accomplishments. Women promoted to the rank of associate professor were named and recognized. All attendees were awarded a personalized certificate.
The women faculty promoted to the rank of professor were: Andrea Cherrington, M.D., MPH; Catherine Fuller, Ph.D.; Vera Hauptfeld, Ph.D.; Suzanne Lapi, Ph.D.; Kristen Riley, M.D.; Isabel Virella-Lowell, M.D.; Susan Walley, M.D.; and Marjorie Lee White, M.D.
The women faculty promoted to the rank of associate professor were: Courtney Anerin, M.D.; Anju Bansal, Ph.D.; Allison Black, M.D.; Wendy Cantrell, CRNP, DNP; Candice Dye, M.D.; Ana Galtarossa Xavier, M.D.; Kelly Godby, M.D.; Michelle Gray, Ph.D.; Anita Hjelmeland, Ph.D.; Racquel Innis-Shelton, M.D.; Amy Knight, Ph.D.; Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee, Ph.D.; Shika Mehta, M.D.; Lauren Nassetta, M.D.; Dianelle Powell, M.D.; Mary Scott, M.D.; Janaina Souza, M.D.; Linda Thompson, M.D.; and Ashley Wright, M.D.