Each year on National Women Physicians Day, we recognize the women whose skill, leadership and compassion shape the field of medicine. That impact is evident in the work of Suzanne Kingery, associate dean of undergraduate medical education. For Kingery, medicine has always been about being present in her patients’ most vulnerable moments, and teaching future physicians how to provide compassion to patients in need.

“I was drawn to medicine by a mix of curiosity and a genuine desire to help people,” Kingery said. “I loved the challenge of understanding the human body, but even more, I was fascinated by the opportunity to be present for people when they needed me the most.”

Now, in her role as associate dean and as a clinical faculty member, Kingery plays a central role in shaping the medical school curriculum and guiding students through some of the most formative years of their training. What keeps her committed, she says, is the combination of caring for patients and supporting learners.

“Watching students grow into confident, compassionate physicians has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” she said.

As a woman physician, Kingery’s experiences have shaped not only how she teaches, but how she leads; it’s taught her to be intentional about creating learning environments where students feel supported, included and empowered to use their voices.

“I know firsthand how much it matters when someone believes in you,” she said. “I try to lead and teach in ways that help my learners feel seen and confident.”

While her career has included moments where her expertise was questioned or assumptions were made based on gender, those challenges have also underscored the importance of representation and trust in medicine.

“Some of my most meaningful moments have come from patients or students sharing that they felt seen, safe or encouraged because I was the one with them,” she said. “Those conversations stay with me.”

That emphasis on humanizing medicine is embedded in the curriculum Kingery helps to develop at the School of Medicine. Alongside clinical knowledge, students are encouraged to cultivate communication skills, reflective practice and early patient interaction.

“Human connection is part of clinical excellence, not separate from it,” she said.

That human connection expands deeply to her role as an educator, too. One of her most meaningful moments came during a small group session, when a struggling student experienced a breakthrough.

“Her relief and pride were so genuine,” Kingery said. “Seeing her confidence shift in that moment reminded me why I love teaching.”

Throughout her journey, mentorship remains at the heart of her work. Helping students recognize strengths they don’t yet see in themselves, she said, is both an honor and a joy, especially when paired with collaboration among her colleagues who share a passion for medical education.

As women now make up a growing majority of medical trainees, Kingery offers simple but powerful advice to those still finding their footing: Trust that you belong. Your perspective is valuable.

On National Women Physicians Day, her leadership serves as a reminder that excellence in medicine is rooted in not only knowledge and skill, but in empathy, mentorship and heart.

If you are interested in joining alongside Dr. Kingery to impact the future of medicine, consider bringing your own passion for teaching and patient care to the UofL School of Medicine. Explore open faculty positions and discover how you can help shape the next generation of physicians.