Student Organizations
Women in Medicine
History
Since 1978, the Women in Medicine Student Organization has served as a forum to discuss women’s health topics, increase awareness of the obstacles facing women in professional careers, and promote the advancement and achievement of women in all stages of medical education.
Representation
The Women in Medicine Student Organization has over 80 members. The organization is led by the traditional officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and also incorporates an M.D./Ph.D. representative, a delegate to the Medical Student Government, and two curriculum representatives. In addition, three students from the incoming medical class are elected in the fall to serve a four-year term as Women in Medicine class representatives.
Activities
To promote women’s health education, WIMSO presented a week-long lunch lecture series in October, 2006, entitled, “How to Treat a Woman [PDF].” Topics will include cultural barriers, new methods in contraception, and caring for the adolescent female. 2006 marks the third year of this series.
Other events:
“An Afternoon of Wine and Cheese [PDF]” – WIMSO members can interact with local physicians, scientists and advocates for women's advancement. This event provides a chance for students to find mentors and is a great opportunity for physicians to present their specialties to M1s and M2s. This will take place on December 10, 2006 and is open to WIMSO members and faculty and physicians supporting Women In Medicine.
“Young Women's Health Day” – A project with area high school students. This inaugural event, a collaboration between VCUHS, WIMSO, the VCU Health Science Schools, and community businesses, will take place on November 10, 2006 at Huguenot High School in Richmond. Presentations and booths will disperse information on health issues students face every day, as well as information about different health care opportunities.
Faculty Support
The faculty advisor for the Women in Medicine student organization is Michelle Whitehurst-Cook, M.D., Associate Dean of Admissions. Faculty advisors serve on the WISDM Faculty Organization as liaisons between the medical students and faculty. For more information on mentoring relationships, see our Mentorship Manual for Medical Students [PDF].
Contacts
For additional information regarding the Women in Medicine student organization, please contact any student representative:
- Aditi S. Hendi
WIMSO President, WIMS Representative, Class of 2012
E-mail: hendias@vcu.edu - Mai Grant
Treasurer, WIMS Representative, Class of 2012
E-mail: grantms@vcu.edu - Mahi Berhanemeskel
Vice President, Class of 2012
E-mail: berhanemesmg@vcu.edu - Sandra Burrer
Vice President, Class of 2012
E-mail: sburrer@verizon.net - Shira Goldstein
Secretary, Class of 2012
E-Mail: sg2169@gmail.com - Aceela Muqri
WIM Representatative, Class of 2012
E-mail: amuqri@gmail.com
- Sara Ivey
WIMSO President, Class of 2009
E-mail: iveyse@vcu.edu - Aditi Dhakar
WIMSO Vice President, Class of 2009 - Jo Seargent
WIMSO Vice President, Class of 2009
E-mail: seargentaj@vcu.edu - Melissa Lau
Treasurer, Class of 2009 - Jill Zackrisson
Secretary, Class of 2009 - Rebecca Habenicht
Center of Excellence, Class of 2009 Representative - Jillian McAdams
Center of Excellence, Class of 2010 Representative - Samareh Ghorbani
Medical Student Government, Representative, Class of 2010 - Julie Ziobro
M.D./Ph.D. Representative, Class of 2009 - Lauren Gregg
Curriculum Representative, Class of 2009 - Tiffany Kelly
Past WIMSO President/Class of 2008 WIM Representative
E-mail: kellytb@vcu.edu - Tiffany Beck
Past WIMSO Vice-President/Class of 2008 WIM Representative
E-mail: tizzy23@hotmail.com - Blaise Lovell
Past WIMSO Vice-President/Class of 2008 WIM Representative
E-mail: blaise@faussett.com
