Polished and Powerful—Women Leading the Charge in Advocacy

Video Version Only on HCPLive!

In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, is joined by Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Pigmentary Disorder and Multiethnic Skin Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, to discuss advocacy, mentorship, and the empowerment of women in medicine.

After introducing herself, Kourosh reflects on her path to legislative advocacy, which began with patient-centered initiatives through organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation. She emphasizes physician-patient teams' power in conveying healthcare policies' real-world impact to lawmakers. From addressing insurance step therapies to advocating for sustainable physician reimbursement, her efforts highlight the critical role of education in influencing health policy. She notes how many lawmakers lack a nuanced understanding of medical issues, making physician input essential.

Use this link to view US News and World Report article, titled "Medicare is Breaking. Senior Citizens are Paying the Price.", authored by Kourosh referenced in this recording.

The conversation shifts to empowering women to engage in advocacy despite time constraints. Kourosh encourages leveraging local opportunities, such as district meetings with legislators, joining committees remotely, or supporting initiatives via social media. She underscores how impactful contributions can start with small actions, like responding to pre-drafted advocacy emails from professional organizations.

The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder about the value of friendships and collegial support in navigating challenges, preventing burnout, and fostering career growth. Kourosh advises physicians to invest in building and maintaining strong professional relationships, as collaboration and community are key to resilience and success in medicine.

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