Our mission is to promote recruitment and retention, career development, leadership, and scholarship for women faculty while addressing the unique challenges women face in our field. We look forward to working with you all!”—Bryn Mumma, M.D., M.A.S., WIMHS Director and Cat Cansino, M.D., M.P.H., WIMHS Associate Director
Women in Medicine and Health Sciences
Fostering connection, support, and opportunity for women across all stages of their academic careers.
WIMHS
About Our Program
The UC Davis Women in Medicine and Health Sciences (WIMHS) program aims to support the professional success, leadership development, and overall well-being of women in academic medicine and health sciences. Launched in 2000, the program operates within the Office of Faculty and Professional Development and serves faculty in the School of Medicine and School of Nursing. Nationally, the WIMHS program aligns with the AAMC Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS).
Our Mission
The mission of WIMHS is to promote the recruitment, retention, advancement, and leadership of women in medicine and health sciences. We foster a culture of equity and inclusion by addressing institutional barriers, advocating for systemic change, and creating an environment in which women can thrive personally and professionally.
Our Priority Areas
Recruitment and Retention
WIMHS supports efforts to attract and retain talented women in medicine and health sciences. Our goal is to become an AAMC leader in the recruitment of women faculty, including at the ranks of Associate and Full Professor. We also collaborate with departments to identify barriers to retention and implement strategies that foster long-term engagement and success.
Career Development and Leadership
Through targeted programming and mentorship, WIMHS empowers faculty to grow as leaders in academic medicine. Our programming provides skill-building workshops, leadership training, and professional development opportunities to help faculty achieve their goals and navigate key career transitions.
Advocacy and Policy
WIMHS advocates for institutional change by promoting policies that advance gender equity, work-life integration, and inclusive excellence. The program works closely with campus leadership to influence decision-making, address systemic disparities, and ensure equitable practices in areas such as promotion, pay equity, and parental leave.
Community and Networking
By creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and recognition, WIMHS fosters a strong sense of community among women in medicine and their allies. Our Departmental Liaison program brings together representatives from all 25 departments in the School of Medicine as well as the School of Nursing to share best practices, support colleagues, and promote WIMHS initiatives to their colleagues.
Scholarship and Research
WIMHS promotes scholarship and research that advances scientific knowledge while addressing gender equity in academic and clinical settings.
