Women in Neurology: Lessons Learned and Lessons Still Learning

Background: The authors presented a symposium at the 2015 annual CMSC meeting entitled “Developing Tools on How Women in Neurology Can Thrive: Can Women Have it All?” It was widely accepted with excitement from a multidisciplinary audience. The authors wish to continue educating women clinicians about programs that support women and to identify factors that provide unique opportunities for women in medicine. In addition, the authors acknowledge significant challenges with managing responsibilities and burnout. The Women’s Professional Staff Association (WPSA) advocates the development, advancement, and well-being of the women appointed to Cleveland Clinic’s professional staff. WPSA continues to be a collective voice advocating the needs of women in medicine and encourages active participation and remaining engaged in challenges and change.  

Objectives: The goal is to teach lessons learned through the Cleveland Clinic WPSA and to review the pitfalls and management of burnout to CMSC colleagues.

Methods: The authors will describe the recent efforts of the WPSA program at Cleveland Clinic to create and maintain a viable and engaged group of women clinicians. Several valuable lessons have been gleaned from WPSA that reflect the mission statement and will be reviewed. The development of a business plan with a vision, mission, and goals is paramount in creating a successful program model that advocates the recruitment and retention of the women staff. Social media will be discussed as an economically efficient channel in which to share information. The authors will also review the unique needs of women in healthcare and provide ideas on how to seek out regional programs to enhance networking and local support. Burnout is a highly relevant topic that is often ignored due to its growing stigma. The authors will also address this subject in an open format, allowing audience participation in developing strategies to minimize negative stress in a healthy and mindful approach.

Results: Data collection is ongoing, for which authors will review up-to-date results at the time of the symposium.

Conclusions: Lessons show that as the WPSA grows in numbers and locations, the focus should be on the personal touch, education and support to reach and engage members. By also providing pertinent information on how to combat burnout, the authors wish to provide a comprehensive review of how women in neurology can thrive. The authors plan to participate in a second symposium in 2017.