Macon Magazine

T HE LAST SEVERAL YEARS HAVE SHOWN US society hasn't been prepared for seismic changes in routine. Among these trends is how the global health care systems that worked diligently to manage the COVID-19 pandemic pushed health care workers to ever-greater limits. While there continues to be a shortage of frontline health workers, another critical element to be addressed is the gender gap in the health care field. Research shows that while women comprise some 70 percent of the global health workforce, they only hold approximately 25 percent of senior roles, according to an analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Women in Global Health. Gender discrimination, segregation, and stereotypes tend to bundle women in lower-paid and lower-status roles in the health care field, while men are more likely to work in higher-status, higher-paid roles. "In general, women deliver global health and men lead it," the WHO reported. Persistent gender inequity not only disadvantages female health workers but also weakens health systems and impedes progress toward gender equality at all levels, the report said. Dr. Patrice Walker, Atrium Health Navicent's chief medical officer, has a background in practicing medicine as an obstetrician- gynecologist, or OB-GYN. She said she's seen a trend in medical students training as OB-GYN practitioners skewing more female, while about 20 years ago, she said she recalls far more men. Atrium Health Navicent has a commitment to a "for all" mission, Walker explained. "It's important for a health care organization to provide employment opportunities for everyone, no matter their gender, race, or culture, not just to ensure many viewpoints are considered in decision-making, but also to give patients the option to receive health care from a provider who may identify more with his or her race, gender, or culture, if desired," she said. "It also helps to prevent disparities in care caused by unintended racial or gender bias." Walker herself is the first woman and African American in the CMO role and comes to the job with a local perspective as a Monroe County native. A board-certified OB-GYN, Walker assumed this position in 2019 a er practicing in the private sector and with Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group. She ensures the best care for patients while improving communication between medical staff and administration. "The female workforce is growing," Walker reported. "But in the trajectory of a career, most physicians first work on the frontlines providing patient care before seeking out administrative roles. As more and more women graduate from medical school and enter the workforce, more women are gaining the experience needed to be truly great leaders." According to a 2022 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), only 24 percent of medical school deans across the country are women. Jean R. Sumner, M.D., and dean of the Mercer University School of Medicine, recently returned from the AAMC Council of Deans meeting, said female representation seems higher than ever. "The majority of deans at Mercer University, overall, are women," she said. "Women are leading across this field, Do we need more? Of course. Women bring strength and great ability to any position." What women in the medical field do need more is strong mentorship, she said. Among those women whose passion for medicine she ignites as a mentor is Dr. Keisha Renee Callins, OB-GYN for Community Health Care Systems (CHCS) and clinical assistant professor at the Mercer University School of Medicine. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Callins understands the long road to leadership in the medical community and the importance of strong support. Callins's parents moved to the U.S. a er she completed high school to pursue her dream of becoming a physician. With additional encouragement from her mother-in-law, also a doctor, Callins attended Morehouse School of Medicine. A er residency training, she served southwest Georgia's rural healthcare community, where she met Sumner, who invited her to join Mercer's faculty. Initially serving as chair for the Department WOMEN IN MEDICINE: TAKING THE LEAD BY LISA MAYFIELD SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ODOM AND JESSICA WHITLEY "WOMEN ARE LEADING ACROSS THIS FIELD. DO WE NEED MORE? OF COURSE. WOMEN BRING STRENGTH AND GREAT ABILITY TO ANY POSITION." — JEAN R. SUMNER, M.D. 62 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2023

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