On September 14, the UAB Chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) kicked off their fall schedule with a membership drive. From their position near the North Pavilion elevators, Lauren Walter, M.D., Marisa Marques, M.D., and other AMWA members passed out popcorn and fliers and invited faculty of the School of Medicine to sign up to be a part of the organization.

The UAB Chapter of AMWA meets once a month, usually during the lunch hour, to discuss issues critical to women in medicine and science within the School of Medicine. Open to both M.D.s and Ph.Ds, AMWA endeavors to bring critical and relevant topics to the forefront and help women develop strategies to maximize career and personal success.

For those who missed the membership drive on September 14, the next AMWA Meeting is scheduled for October 26 at 12:00 noon in West Pavilion D. Boxed lunches are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. On November 14, the regular monthly meeting will feature a special guest speaker: Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirkgraber of Indiana University, who will be delivering a presentation on negotiation skills.

Each AMWA meeting addresses topics important to women faculty. July’s meeting featured Dr. Lauren Nassetta, who spoke on the topic of burnout. Employing interactive digital features which allowed for immediate anonymous feedback, she queried attendees about the greatest sources of stress and suggested practical mechanisms for avoiding or combatting burnout. August’s session, presented by Dr. Erin Snyder, Dr. Erin Contratto, Dr. Leah Leisch, and Dr. Teri Bryan, dealt with strategies for cultivating leadership.

AMWA membership is open to both Ph.Ds and M.D.s within the school of medicine, and is also open to both men and women.