SSWIMS Fellowship

Over the years, women have outnumbered men in medical school entry and matriculation; however, only 19% of department chairs or deans are women. The increase in women matriculating into medical schools and biomedical research programs has not resulted in gender equity within leadership roles in our nation’s institutions. In 2019, only 18% of the 153 total deans identified as women. We can and must do better. The Spurring Success for Women in Medicine & Science (SSWIMS) fellowship has been designed with this charge.

 

The College of Medicine- Tucson is committed to fostering the leadership skills in early, mid-career women necassary to catapult them to the topmost positions in Academic Health Center executive ranks. Knowing that women are facing structural obstacles to realizing their leadership potential, we have developed the SSWIMS fellowship which offers a scaffolded approach to developing those inherent skills to actively seek continued promotion within the institution.

 

The SSWIMS fellowship, a 12-month program, is designed for women faculty in academic medicine and science within five categories; scientists, educators, clinician scientists, clinician educators, and clinicians who practice in academic settings for 2 to 7 years. SSWIMS will provide role models, coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will accelerate a path to academic leadership.

 

The SSWIMS Steering Committee (SC) is comprised of current Women In Medicine & Science (WIMS) committee members, Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) alumnae & Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES) alumnae. The SSWIMS leadership development program will provide targeted coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities by working closely with local, regional, and national leaders and coaches.