OPENING THE CONVERSATION

Dr. Shikha Jain is a triple board-certified hematologist and oncologist, and a tenured Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where she cares deeply for oncology patients, and leads initiatives in communication strategies and digital innovation in oncology at the University of Illinois Cancer Center.

There is definitive data showing that when women physicians are taking care of patients, outcomes are excellent. Their patients are less likely to be readmitted, and their surgical results are overwhelmingly positive. Men make outstanding doctors and colleagues. Women are also exceptional and keeping them out is a disservice.

In the spirit of better outcomes for all, Dr. Jain founded the Women in Medicine nonprofit and the CEO and founder of the Women in Medicine Summit, initiatives dedicated to advancing the impact of women in healthcare through leadership, advocacy, and professional development. Her leadership has propelled the summit into a pivotal event that addresses the challenges and celebrates the achievements of women in medicine.

“Barriers have existed for women in medicine since the first woman entered the healthcare workforce. The focus of this summit is to identify barriers women in medicine face and create action plans that can be executed at both the local and national level. During the two-day summit, faculty facilitate breakout sessions and presentations given by diverse speakers from various specialties and institutions.”

Women and men attend, colleagues spending time learning from one another and building better institutions when they return to their home hospitals and medical operations. The days are filled with engaging keynote addresses, informative plenary sessions, interactive breakout sessions, and enriching networking experiences. Dr. Jain launched the Summit in 2019 while on staff at Northwestern. “There was so much energy and inertia, with 450 people attending and excited to bring ideas back to their practices, I knew there was more to do,” Dr. Jain says.

The 2020 Summit was held virtually. Even through screens, it was obvious that attendees were responding to the information, and it was important to keep going. “I could sense we needed more and conferred with others on what to do.” Dr. Jain says, adding, “As we headed into planning for 2021, we added programming for early career physicians and administrators, we added tracks for those in their mid-career years, we added sessions for men because they are important in this mission. We have to be allies to one another.”

The movement continues to gain momentum. With a research center, speakers bureau, and advocacy initiatives, Dr. Jain and her team keep elevating. To celebrate the continued progress of physicians and administrators, the 2024 Summit will include the first Women in Medicine Awards Gala.

Dr. Jain looks forward to applauding her colleagues. “The men and women who attend are working together to change the system and do things better for the next generation. We’re exploring where the gaps are and identifying problems. When all doctors are supported, the whole world benefits from great innovations. We are all a team.”

To learn more about the Women in Medicine Summit and purchase tickets to the Awards Gala, visit, womeninmedicine.org.