VIDEO: Men in leadership positions set tone for cultural shift in medicine
CHICAGO — In this Healio video exclusive, experts discussed the significance of men in leadership positions to be an ally to women in medicine.
In their conversation at the Women in Medicine Summit, David G. Smith, PhD, associate professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School; Stella A. Safo, MD, HIV primary care physician and assistant professor of medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; W. Brad Johnson, PhD, professor of psychology at the U.S. Naval Academy; Karen Catlin, coach, speaker and author; and Edward S. Kim, MD, MBA, FACP, FASCO, an associate medical editor for Healio | HemOnc Today, physician-in-chief and senior vice president of City of Hope Orange County, and vice physician-in-chief and professor with City of Hope National Medical Center, unanimously agreed that those in leadership positions create the culture that can lead to ultimate change.
“It is helpful to recognize the privilege that we have as white men, in terms of having more access to positions of power and influence and to make the systemic change that is going to change the workplace and to create the sustainability in terms of making it equitable for all,” Smith said.
Safo said it is important for men in positions of leadership to ensure that they offer support to all issues related to equity because of the impact that it has on influencing the culture of medicine.
“Individuals with privilege who are in leadership positions, [show] others what is acceptable,” she said. “Showing up as an ally for [women] is important because it allows others — especially those in junior positions — to follow their lead, which sets the culture that can lead to ultimate change.”
Johnson said it is time to encourage white men to step out of the spotlight and hand the mic to other individuals to speak.
“White men often have the power, privilege and great opportunity to give somebody else the spotlight,” he said.
Catlin said that while everyone should be allies for others with less privilege, white men in particular should feel a sense of responsibility to diversify the field.
“We need [men in leadership] to feel a sense of responsibility to diversify the field and bring the talent that we need to serve our patients, as well as ensure that every woman in health care can stay there and thrive,” she said.
Kim highlighted the importance of putting the talk into action.
“I’ve been a strong supporter of women in different cultures to ascend to leadership positions ... I truly believe in hiring the best people and letting them ascend. If it happens to be women, then so be it, and that’s what I’ve seen as a result of our efforts,” he said.
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Katlin K, et al. Allyship in action: Getting men to the table. Presented at: Women in Medicine Summit; Sept. 22-23, 2023; Chicago.