Recognizing Women in Medicine Month
Celebrating Women in Medicine Month.
The University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is proud to celebrate women making an impact in medicine. The American Medical Association has coined September as Women in Medicine Month. This year’s theme is “Empowering HerStory,” emphasizing the importance of increasing the number of women in the medical profession and supporting those with aspirations to enter the field.
At the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, we are fortunate to have exceptional women physicians and medical researchers who advance medicine and inspire the next generation of women in this rewarding profession. On this campus, we also are dedicated to supporting our women faculty through initiatives like Women in Medicine and Science.
“During this month, we honor all women who serve their communities and neighbors as medical professionals,” said Linda Edwards, MD, Dean of the College of Medicine – Jacksonville. “From Elizabeth Blackwell, MD, the first woman to receive a U.S. medical degree, to the thousands that now walk the halls of medical facilities as doctors, the influence of women in medicine has made a lasting impact on our society and the world. As Dean, I am proud to stand alongside so many phenomenal women who are changing the face of medicine.”
Please join us as we celebrate all women in medicine along with a few of our very own faculty who are leaders in their fields.
Rana Alissa, MD
Dr. Alissa is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics. She served as the medical director of UF Health Jacksonville’s Newborn Nursery for five years and currently oversees newborn nurseries at two UF campuses as an attending. She was recently elected as president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“My advice for women in the medical field is to stay well,” Alissa said. “Although in 2022 women accounted for 38% of active physicians, which is an increase from 26% in 2004 per the Association of American Medical Colleges data, it continues to be tough for women physicians. So please take care of yourself. Have a support group among your colleagues, exercise, eat healthy, sleep well, and get rid of all the negative energy around you. If you are not well, no one around you is well, including your patients and your family.”
Erin Mobley, PhD, MPH
Dr. Mobley is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery. She serves within the division of general surgery and surgical oncology in the college’s department of surgery and is a member of the UF Health Cancer Center and the Center for Health Equity and Engagement Research. Her research often addresses health disparities and inequities among underserved or under-resourced groups in addition to cancer survivorship. In an article about her journey in medicine, she encouraged women to be confident in themselves and their work.
“Never hesitate to collaborate, send the email, make the call, and work to improve the quality of life for the community you serve,” Mobley said. “It might be uncomfortable or awkward to be the only person in your role or position within a department. But that’s OK. That is precisely what makes you unique. Your voice and presence make a difference.”
Ashley Norse, MD
Dr. Norse is a UF professor and the associate chair of Clinical Operations in the Department of Emergency Medicine. She also serves as the Medical Director of the Emergency Medicine Clinical Center. Norse was recently elected as president-elect of the Florida Medical Association.
Steven A. Godwin, MD, FACEP, a professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, spoke about her expertise as a physician and a leader.
“Dr. Norse is an outstanding physician who has established herself as a leader locally, statewide, and nationally in not only emergency medicine but in health care advocacy across all aspects of patient care,” Godwin said. “Her ability to represent the needs of health care to legislators has been instrumental in improving patient care across our state.”
Elisa Sottile, MD
Dr. Sottile is an assistant professor of medicine and the assistant dean for Medical Education in the Office of Student Affairs. She is also the associate program director for the internal medicine residency program and the clerkship director for the Department of Medicine.
Frank Genuardi, MD, MPH, associate professor and associate dean for the Office of Student Affairs, praised Dr. Sottile for her contributions to medicine, medical education, and the compassionate care she delivers.
“Dr. Sottile is truly one of the most outstanding faculty members on our campus,” Genuardi said. “As a primary care physician for many years, she is beloved by her patients not only for the excellent care she provides but for the true kindness and care she demonstrates at every encounter. She has also been recognized on numerous occasions for her many efforts as a sought-after educator of both medical students and residents, has demonstrated superb skills as an educational administrator, and continues to make meaningful contributions as an education researcher.”