Women physicians have long played a vital role in advancing the practice of medicine and the policies that shape it. Within the Texas Medical Association, that work finds a strong voice through its Women Physicians Section (WPS), celebrated this September for Women in Medicine Month.
The section’s purpose: to promote female physicians’ participation in TMA activities and influence association policy through access to and representation in the TMA House of Delegates.
It’s a goal that’s seen success, as many WPS members hold significant leadership roles. Arlington family physician Triwanna L. Fisher-Wikoff, MD, for example, currently serves on two TMA committees – while also navigating the responsibilities of being president of her local county medical society.
Dr. Fisher-Wikoff, WPS chair-elect, said her journey into organized medicine was “greatly inspired” by the hard work of fellow women physicians, many of whom she met through TMA.
“Women physicians don’t often have a platform of our own where we can network or address the unique set of challenges we face, separate to those our male counterparts experience,” she said.
“That’s what this section is, what it does best,” she said. “It’s a space for women in medicine to come together and work to better our profession as a unified voice.”
Established in 2019 to address underrepresentation of women within the association’s leadership and membership ranks, WPS serves to:
Provide an environment for networking, mentoring, and leadership development for women physicians and medical students, residents, and fellows;
WPS’ work has led, for example, to policy developments championing parental leave as well as education around sleep apnea. And legislative advocacy has included testimony essential to TMA’s efforts on bills related to reproductive health care access and maternal health.
The section’s efforts also serve as a reminder why so many of these women are “rising stars among TMA leadership,” said TMA past President David C. Fleeger, MD, who oversaw the formation of the Women Physicians Section during his 2019-20 tenure.
“It’s very important that women physicians are involved and represented in organized medicine, and in medical leadership,” the Austin colon and rectal surgeon said. “Their contributions make both our profession and TMA stronger.”
Beyond advocacy, the section has also been integral in building community. WPS has left a longstanding mark on the culture of TMA conferences and events by developing pathways to encourage women physicians’ attendance. For example, the section advocated for the addition of lactation rooms, available at events, courtesy of the Women Physicians Section and the Young Physician Section.
Plus, WPS holds educational sessions during luncheons at TMA conferences, including TexMed. These talks have explored topics like generational differences among medical leaders and maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Texas.
This year, WPS plans to hold a lunch talk, sponsored by the TMA Insurance Trust, during TMA’s Business of Medicine Conference on medical human resource issues. For the first time, the session will be immediately followed by breakout discussions, giving members a chance to dive deeper into the topics. Both the luncheon and breakout sessions will occur on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The Women Physicians Section will meet Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 am, with opportunities to network, hear section updates, explore opportunities to get involved in organized medicine, and discuss how to influence TMA policy. RSVP online.
The section also is working to expand its mentoring opportunities to continue to promote TMA leadership among women physicians, Dr. Fisher-Wikoff says.
“We will continue to trench forward as women in medicine, not only for the sake of our female peers but for all of our peers,” she said. “We know that disease and illnesses do not discriminate, and we’re here as women physicians to help treat all of mankind.”
All female TMA members are automatically enrolled in WPS, which is also open to men who opt in (member login required).
Alisa Pierce
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1469