Top (L to R): Drs. Nicole Bentley, Melissa Chambers, Jianmei Leavenworth, Bottom (L to R): Beverly Walters, Kristen Riley and Elizabeth Liptrap
The Department of Neurosurgery would like to recognize the month of September as Women in Medicine Month.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created Women in Medicine Month to recognize the growing number of women in the profession. The month-long observance celebrates women in educator, scientist, leadership, and physician roles.
According to the National Institutes of Health, women represent only 12 percent of neurosurgeons in the United States. At the UAB Department of Neurosurgery, women make up 25 percent of the overall faculty and 21 percent of the clinical neurosurgeons. This is due to reaffirming efforts aimed to increase diversity within the university and the UAB Health System.
“Surgery in general, and neurosurgery in particular, have long been male-dominated specialties,” said James Markert, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair. “Commitment to diversity is a cornerstone of UAB, and we feel that our entire department, from faculty to trainees, as well as our patients, are well served by a diverse workforce.”
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Spotlight
Drs. Elizabeth Liptrap and Kristen Riley discuss life outside of work, what inspired them to become neurosurgeons, and their proudest accomplishment.
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Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D.
Life outside of work
I am originally from Maryland but moved here two years ago to work at UAB. I am so proud to be a part of the UAB Department of Neurosurgery and love living in Alabama. My husband works in real estate and the Air National Guard. We love spending time with our family, anything outdoors, country music and dogs. We are excited about our baby girl arriving in November.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I am still early in my career, but my favorite things are still preparing for and performing procedures, helping patients navigate through decisions about their care and working with residents/fellows.
What inspired you to become a neurosurgeon?
I initially chose to become a neurosurgeon because I enjoyed the complexity of cases and significant potential to contribute to the field, particularly in neuro-oncology and cerebrovascular surgery. My father was diagnosed with a GBM when I was a PGY-6 and going through that experience from a patient and patient’s family perspective increased my passion for and dedication to the field of Neurosurgery.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Any time a patient and/or family is happy with their care is the greatest reward for me.
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Kristen Riley, M.D.
Life outside of work
I am married with two boys (ages 16 and 20), and we have two dogs! I am a huge sports fan and enjoy attending sporting events. One of my bucket list items is to visit all MLB and NFL stadiums.
What inspired you to become a neurosurgeon?
I originally thought I would be an orthopaedic surgeon, but everything changed during my third year of medical school when I was exposed to neurosurgery. I was hooked!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Having a great team that provides quality compassionate care to our patients.
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Nicole Bentley, M.D.
Life outside of work
I am married with 2 kids (5 yo and 10-month old). We stay very busy! We love to cook together, be outdoors, and travel as much as COVID will allow.
What do you love most about your career?
I love that in my subspecialty of functional neurosurgery, we have the opportunity to make significant impacts on patients’ quality of life, helping them to gain more enjoyment in their day-to-day activities. I also love that the field of neuromodulation is growing as we learn more about how the brain works at a fundamental level.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family!
