By Jackie E. (Class of 2025, CU Denver)
In the medical profession, women have historically faced numerous challenges, from gender bias to not being empowered by coworkers. Despite these hurdles, many women have thrived and made significant contributions to the field. In this post, I interview three inspiring women physicians who share their experiences, insights, and advice on navigating and succeeding in a male-dominated profession. I also include personal insights as a future physician and a current Biology student with aspirations to join this impactful field.
Meet our Interviewees
Dr. Priya Patel - Cardiologist
Dr. Priya Patel is a highly respected cardiologist who completed her medical degree at Harvard Medical School and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She specializes in interventional cardiology and has published numerous research papers on heart disease prevention and treatment.
Dr. Sarah Khan - Neurosurgeon
Dr. Khan is one of the few female neurosurgeons in the country. She earned her medical degree from Stanford University and completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Khan is known for her minimally invasive brain surgery expertise and has been a vocal advocate for women in surgery.
Dr. Veronica Alaniz - Pediatrics & Adolescent Ob-GYN
Dr. Alaniz is a trailblazing OB-GYN who graduated from the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Denver Health in OB-GYN. Dr. Alaniz focuses on helping young women in their reproductive and women's health. She is actively involved in mentoring young female surgeons.
Jackie Echavarria - Future MD, 3rd year Biology Student
Jackie Echavarria- I'm currently an undergrad majoring in Biology.In hopes of becoming a Cardiothoracic surgeon or a neonatal specialist. I was inspired by early experiences like being an MC2 intern at Denver Health and working as an EMT at Children’s Hospital Colorado. I am determined to make a significant impact in the healthcare field.
Interview Q&A
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how did you choose your specialty?
Dr. Priya Patel: “I was always fascinated by the heart and how it works. My grandmother had heart disease, and seeing her struggle made me want to help others with similar conditions. I also had many experiences with cardiology when volunteering in hospitals and shadowing. Something about this field made something spark in me and it was all I dreamed about. The impact on heart health is also an important topic for me, helping people heal their hearts and live longer is the goal I work towards.”
Dr. Sarah Khan: “Neurosurgery combines my passion for intricate work and my desire to make a significant impact on patients' lives. The brain's complexities and mysteries have always intrigued me. Neurosurgery is a precise, clean profession. There’s a huge opportunity to do research and better medicine and impact people's lives in a big way.”
Dr. Veronica Alaniz: “My decision to pursue a career in OB-GYN is driven by a combination of personal experiences, a passion for women's health, and a desire for a dynamic and impactful medical career. As I continue my journey toward becoming a physician, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Through this specialty, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and contribute to the advancement of healthcare for all.”
Jackie Echavarria: “My passion for medicine started during my paid high school internship with MC2. The amount of time I spent in the OR shadowing incredible cardiac surgeons just reinforced my interest. The rush and the vibe of the OR I knew it was where I belonged. The more I learned about the human body in my college course, the more fascinated I became. Volunteering at a local hospital solidified my decision, as I saw firsthand the profound impact healthcare professionals can have on people's lives. I want to be a role model for young girls of color like me. I want to be a success story.”
What challenges have you faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how have you overcome them?
Dr. Priya Patel: “One of the biggest challenges is being taken seriously. I had to prove my competence repeatedly. Over time, my work spoke for itself, and I earned the respect of my colleagues. Being looked down on simply for my gender, my opinions were discarded or not even addressed. It's difficult and I experienced it throughout medical school and residency. What keeps me level-headed is remembering that I am qualified to do this career, I went to medical school and did well. Remembering also why I wanted to become a physician, grounding myself has always succeeded in giving me confidence.”
Dr. Sarah Khan: “Balancing work and family life has been tough. I've learned to prioritize and set boundaries. Not being able to spend time with family and being shamed for saying I wanted to spend time with my family. As women, we are seen as the homemakers and when you work at a demanding job like the medical field, people will judge you for “deciding” to leave your family for a job. There is no sympathy if you say you miss your family or for taking maternity leave which causes women to take “breaks” from medical school or their residency program. What helped me through this challenge is having a supportive partner and a strong network is the most important thing.”
Dr. Veronica Alaniz: “Gender bias is real. I've been underestimated and overlooked for opportunities. This not only happens with coworkers but with patients too. Women often have to make it known they are the doctor, we are often confused as nurses or social workers. I have also struggled with coworkers questioning whether I'm becoming emotionally involved or if I am just simply interested in being a great physician. As a woman in this field, you cannot be both. I’ve learned to fight back by being assertive and demonstrating my skills consistently. Trusting in my skills and my intelligence helped me get to where I am today.”
Jackie Echavarria: “As a student, I’ve noticed subtle biases in the classroom and during internships. Often I feel as though my opinion is not taken seriously in group discussions. Also, the number of times I get asked “Don't you want kids?” When I tell people I want to become a surgeon. Doctors can be involved with mothers and they can also not want children. It's always hard navigating the negativity when expressing wanting to pursue medicine. I've found it helpful to build a strong support system of mentors and peers who encourage and guide me. It's also important to stay focused on my goals and not be discouraged by setbacks.”
Can you share any personal stories of overcoming a significant barrier or achieving a milestone in your career as a female doctor?
Dr. Priya Patel: “Early in my career, I faced skepticism from colleagues who doubted my ability to perform complex surgeries due to my gender. However, I remained determined and focused on honing my skills. Through perseverance and dedication, I successfully performed a groundbreaking procedure, earning the respect of my peers and paving the way for other women in the field. This milestone not only validated my capabilities but also inspired me to continue breaking down barriers in medicine.”
Dr. Sarah Khan: “As a female doctor, I encountered resistance when vying for leadership positions within my department. Despite facing institutional barriers, I persisted in advocating for myself and proving my leadership abilities through exemplary patient care and research contributions. Eventually, my efforts paid off when I was appointed as the head of the department, becoming the first woman to hold that position. This achievement was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming gender barriers in medicine.”
Dr. Veronica Alaniz: “During my residency, I encountered bias and skepticism from male colleagues during patient consultations, with some patients expressing a preference for male doctors. Determined to overcome these challenges, I focused on building strong patient relationships and delivering exceptional care. Over time, my dedication and expertise spoke for themselves, earning me recognition as a trusted and respected physician in the community. This journey taught me the value of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity, ultimately reaffirming my passion for medicine and commitment to advocating for gender equality in healthcare.”
Have you noticed any changes in the medical industry’s attitude towards female doctors throughout your career?
Dr. Priya Patel: “As a cardiologist, I've witnessed significant shifts in the medical industry's attitude towards female doctors throughout my career. Initially, there was a prevalent misconception that cardiology was a male-dominated field, leading to gender biases and limited opportunities for women. However, in recent years, there has been a notable increase in female representation in cardiology, with more women pursuing advanced training and assuming leadership roles. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the unique contributions that female cardiologists bring to patient care and research, marking a positive evolution towards greater gender equality in the specialty.”
Dr. Sarah Khan: “Having navigated the challenging terrain of neurosurgery as a woman, I've observed gradual but significant changes in the medical industry's perception of female doctors. In the past, neurosurgery was often viewed as an exclusive domain dominated by men, resulting in barriers and biases against women entering the field. However, over time, there has been a notable paradigm shift, with increasing recognition of the capabilities and contributions of female neurosurgeons. This transformation is evident in the growing number of women pursuing neurosurgical training and assuming leadership positions, signaling a positive trajectory towards greater inclusivity and gender equity in neurosurgery.”
Dr. Veronica Alaniz: “As an obstetrician-gynecologist, I've experienced firsthand the evolving attitudes towards female doctors within the medical industry. Historically, obstetrics and gynecology were fields primarily associated with women, yet leadership positions and academic recognition often eluded female practitioners. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards acknowledging the expertise and leadership potential of women in obstetrics and gynecology. This change is reflected in the increasing representation of female OBGYNs in academic institutions, professional organizations, and clinical leadership roles. While challenges persist, the trajectory is undeniably towards greater recognition and respect for female doctors in the field.”
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the medical field?
Dr. Priya Patel: “As a cardiologist, my advice to young women aspiring to enter the medical field is to embrace their passion for medicine wholeheartedly and never doubt their capabilities. Pursue excellence in academics and clinical experience, but also prioritize self-care and balance to avoid burnout. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself in male-dominated environments. Remember that your unique perspective as a woman brings invaluable insights to patient care and research. Stay resilient, stay focused, and never underestimate the impact you can make in the world of cardiology.”
Dr. Sarah Khan: “As a neurosurgeon, my advice to young women entering the medical field is to cultivate resilience, determination, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Neurosurgery can be challenging, but don't let stereotypes or biases deter you from pursuing your passion. Seek out mentors who believe in your potential and can guide your journey. Embrace opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork, as these experiences will enrich your practice and broaden your perspective. Remember that diversity in neurosurgery strengthens our profession and improves patient care. Trust in your abilities, stay focused on your goals, and never lose sight of the profound impact you can have as a female neurosurgeon.”
Dr. Veronica Alaniz: “As an obstetrician-gynecologist, my advice to young women embarking on a medical career is to cultivate compassion, empathy, and a commitment to women's health. Embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of OB GYN, knowing that your expertise will make a difference in the lives of countless patients. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of women's healthcare. Advocate for yourself and your patients, and never underestimate the power of your voice in advocating for gender equity in medicine. Remember that each patient encounter is an opportunity to empower and uplift women. Stay true to your passion, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and never doubt the impact you can make as a female OBGYN.”
Jackie Echavarria: “As an undergraduate biology student aspiring to enter the medical field, my advice to fellow young women is to seize every opportunity for growth, learning, and exploration. Take advantage of internships, research experiences, and volunteer opportunities to gain first hand exposure to various medical specialties. Cultivate a strong academic foundation in the sciences while also honing your communication and interpersonal skills. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the path to medical school. Remember that resilience and perseverance are key qualities in this journey, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Embrace your passion for helping others and never lose sight of the profound impact you can make as a future healthcare professional.”
Concluding Thoughts
First I want to thank these amazing, accomplished women for taking the time to meet with me and being vulnerable.
These three remarkable women physicians have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for future generations like myself. Their stories of perseverance, dedication, and success are a testament to the progress being made in breaking down gender barriers in medicine. Aspiring young women can draw inspiration from their journeys and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. I am truly honored to have been able to speak and listen to these powerful women. I am inspired and in awe of all of their accomplishments.
Jackie was one of Access Opportunity's Student Ambassadors throughout the 2023-24 school year. She worked on many different projects this year, but this essay represents her final work as an ambassador. To learn more about her, please visit her other blog post. We wish you luck in your senior year at CU Denver, Jackie!
Comments