Library Hosts Career Mentoring Luncheon for Students Aspiring to Careers in Medicine

Celebrating women in the medical profession, several aspiring doctors and nurses attended the Changing the Face of Medicine Luncheon on June 23, 2010, held at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library of the Memphis Public Library system. Memphis hosted the national Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America’s Physicians exhibition this summer. (Read more about the Library's exhibit and programs.) The luncheon was planned as an outreach program in conjunction with the exhibit.

The event, which recognized pioneering women in medicine, allowed 47 female high school students an opportunity to team up with local legends in their desired professions.

“I learned that if you set your mind to it and make goals, you can be successful,” said Ridgeway High School sophomore, Marissa Gooden. “You don’t have to let your gender get in the way,” the hopeful anesthesiologist added.

Gender did get in the way for many women throughout the history of medicine, as displayed by the traveling exhibit. But some current medical professionals say gender struggles are a thing of the past.

“We don’t have to fight any more,” said Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Nancy Chase, regarding women’s historical struggles to practice medicine. “Now let’s take it forward.”

Empowered by the past, these students are moving forward by asking their mentors questions and getting answers.

Thirty-seven attendant mentors worked in all areas of the medical profession, ranging from pediatrics and gynecology to nursing and anesthesiology. Among them was keynote speaker Dr. Owen Phillips, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Regional Medical Center. Board-certified in medical genetics, gynecology and obstetrics, Dr. Phillips is also a professor at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.

In her presentation, Phillips told students, “We need doctors more than ever… Remember where you are. Remember why you came and where you’re going. We need women to step into leadership positions.”

Arlington High senior and future health care administrator Shahzaade Dobbins is responding to Phillips’ challenge by pursing a leadership role in the medical profession. Other students like future chemist Paige Jones (White Station High sophomore) and aspiring pediatrician Atlantis Hunt (White Station High junior) also drew inspiration from Dr. Phillip’s presentation. “It can be done!” Jones said, when asked what she learned.

With the help of mentors and inspiration from the Changing the Faces of Medicine Exhibit, learning for these young professionals has just begun.

“Medicine is fascinating, wonderful and dynamic,” said Dr. Chase. “You never stop learning in medicine – ever!”

“Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America’s Women Physicians” was developed by the Exhibition Program of the History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition has been made possible by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women’s Health. The American Medical Women’s Association provided additional support.

Locally, the exhibit was sponsored by Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women with supporting sponsors: Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, The Memphis Medical Foundation, and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Community partners were the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, The University of Memphis University Libraries, and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Libraries.