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Creating a climate for the academic advancement of women is a strategic priority for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development.
Mission
The WiMS group is an inclusive community of women and allies dedicated to supporting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in the fields of medicine and science. We advocate for equal opportunities, celebrate achievements, and work towards breaking down barriers in healthcare and scientific research.
Vision
Our vision is to create an environment where women in medicine and science are equally represented, empowered, and recognized for their contributions.
Mission
Our mission is to empower, support, and celebrate women in medicine and science. We are committed to advancing gender equality and promoting an inclusive culture that nurtures the academic, professional, and personal growth of women (faculty, trainees, and staff). We aim to provide a supportive network that facilitates mentorship, collaboration, and leadership opportunities. Through advocacy, education, and research, we want to address and overcome the barriers that women face in the fields of medicine and science. Our goal is to inspire and enable women to achieve their full potential, contributing to meaningful advancements in healthcare and scientific discovery.
Events
All are welcome! Membership not required!
The WiMS Book Club discussions are informal and intended to discuss the chosen book and pertinent issues, as well as to build connections.
As with all WiMS activities, this will be a safe and secure place for all discussions.
2026 Book Club Selections:
- February 25 鈥淭he Stolen Life of Colette Marceau鈥 by Kristen Harmel
- April 29 鈥淭he Let Them Theory鈥 by Mel Robbins
- June 24 鈥淭he Frozen River鈥 by Ariel Lawhon
- August 26 鈥淰alidation鈥 by Caroline Fleck
- October 28 鈥淗amnet鈥 by Maggie O鈥橣arrell
- December 16 鈥淭he Art of Gathering鈥 Priya Parker
5:00-7:00pm (Discussion starts at 5:30pm)
Caf茅 Stella 鈥 1907 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA
WiMS members receive a FREE copy of the book
Executive Committee
The Women in Medicine in Science Executive Committee guides activities and committee members are representative of different functional areas, including community faculty.
Members of the committee are selected by a process of self-nomination or nomination by peers. A call for new members of the committee is made when positions become vacant.
Representation of Women in Academic Medicine
Why Our Work is Important
- Women have constituted 58% of graduate students in doctoral programs since 1994, but in 2018 made up 40% of full-time basic science faculty.
- The overall proportion of full-time women faculty has continued to rise yet women make up a majority of faculty at instructor rank.
- The proportion of women from an underrepresented in medicine race or ethnicity was 12% in 2009 and 13% in 2018. The greatest proportion were at the rank of assistant professor.
- Among cohorts of both new assistant and associate professors starting in 2008 - 2009 a larger percent of men than women advanced after 7 years. The gap narrows when 10 year promotion trends are examined.
- Women make up 18% of all department chairs.
- Since 2009, the number of women deans increased by about one each year, on average.
The State of Women in Academic Medicine
The State of Women in Academic Medicine 2018-2019: Exploring Pathways to Equity found that full-time women faculty has risen to 41% since 2009, but women still make up only 18% of all department chairs.
