“It helps you see that you’re not so different.” “It’s also interesting to see how everyone has had similar challenges and triumphs,” she said. Sonal Patel, director, Clinical Skills Center, said she enjoyed learning more about her colleagues. The panel discussion resonated well with several in the audience. “I feel like I have something to add to the conversation and hopefully I can bring out what other people have to add…to collectively make a difference,” said Sawarynski. She added that it’s the same mindset that has pushed her throughout her career to seek out roles with increased responsibilities. “I work really hard to remember that I’m here for a reason and that I have something to offer,” she said. Sawarynski talked about how she handles fleeting moments of doubt. With two young children, Lerchenfeldt said she wasn’t sure the time was right for her to apply for the position of vice chair of OUWB’s Department of Foundational Medical Studies.īut, she said, she has made a commitment to pursuing such opportunities, especially since “one of the most significant barriers to leadership for me has been myself.” Yet another common theme was imposter syndrome and the challenge of overcoming it. “We need to come to the realization that what balance looks like for you is what works for you and is sustainable.” “When we think about (work-life) balance, we want to say it’s 50/50 but that’s just not in existence,” she said. Root said balance is going to be different for everyone. “It’s like your mind never takes a break.” “As women and leaders, we’re still moms and spouses,” she said. ![]() Williams said one action she takes to maintain balance is being aware of setting down her phone after hours. “What you can offer is still really great and worth offering.” Sawarynski stressed the importance of grace for oneself, especially since it’s impossible to be “all the things for all the people, all the time.” The challenge of work-life balance was another common theme. “What really inspired me was that people believed in me.” “My supervisors believed in me and encouraged me to do other things…to get another leadership position, get another professional certification, get another degree,” she said. “You always knew he had your best interests at heart.ĭeWitte shared that she didn’t have a single mentor who inspired her rather, she drew inspiration from the environment she previously worked in - the office of the Oakland University Provost. “As a brand-new faculty member, I watched him have difficult conversations with people but always in a very caring way,” she said. The mentor was the chair of her department, and described him as “a hardcore scientist who’s actually good with people.” Taylor said one of her mentors led by example when she was a faculty member at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. (Last week, Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., also talked about the importance of mentorship to the OUWB community.) One common thread was the importance of mentorship - either by an individual or group of people - and how that played into success. Williams offered advice on how she works to maintain balance. Janine DeWitte, M.Ed., assistant dean, Faculty Affairs and Professional DevelopmentĮach panelist shared her respective story about how she worked hard to earn her current position within the school.Kara Sawarynski, Ph.D., assistant dean, Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement.Tracey Taylor, Ph.D., assistant dean, Diversity & Inclusion.Sarah Lerchenfeldt, Ph.D., vice chair, Department of Foundational Medical Studies.Jennifer Root, Ed.D., assistant dean, Student Affairs & Career Development.Tiffany Williams, Ph.D., director, Diversity & Inclusion.The six panelists and their leadership roles were: ![]() “It’s important to hear people’s stories, where they came from and how they got to be in a leadership role…and to let people know to never give up,” she said. Pitts called it a “very successful program.” ![]() Nearly 40 people heard from the panel that consisted of six women who hold various leadership positions at OUWB, and was moderated by Deirdre Pitts, Ph.D., associate dean for Faculty & Staff Affairs and Professional Development. “Inspired People Lead” was hosted by OUWB’s Center for Excellence in Medical Education (CEME) as part of a series of events designed to celebrate Women in Medicine Month. Stories of success, mentorship, work-life balance, and more were topics of a Wednesday discussion that featured women in leadership at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.
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