In US medical schools, only 23% of department chairs are women. In recognition of Women’s History month and National Doctors Day, the School of Medicine highlights its female department chairs that are paving the way for women in medicine.

Kimberly Boland, MD, a native Louisvillian, received her medical degree from the University of Louisville in 1987. She serves as a professor, chair of the Billy F. Andrews Endowed Chair of Pediatrics, and chief of staff of Norton’s Children’s Hospital and Norton’s Children’s Medical Group. Boland’s philosophy in life is to, “encourage people to say, ‘yes’ to opportunities that intrigue them because it will open doors and provide paths you never thought you would find.” This advice has led Boland throughout her career and landed her the astounding positions she holds today.

Training at Washington University in St. Louis at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital reaffirmed Boland’s ability to lead and reach for bigger things, pushing her outside her comfort zone. Boland’s advice for women pursuing medicine is taken from Sheryl Sandberg to “really lean in, speak up, and make sure you have a place at the table. Don’t sit in the second row. And get rid of that imposter syndrome, you deserve to be there.” To Boland, an empowered woman is a person who feels successful and supported in their role and knows they can make a difference. Her goal is to ensure all women she works with are empowered to advocate for themselves and find joy in their successes.

Kerri S. Remmel, MD, PhD, is a nationally recognized physician. She holds many titles including chair of the University of Louisville Department of Neurology and Director of the University of Louisville Stroke Center. She received her PhD in Communications Disorders and Linguistics at Louisiana State University. Remmel’s philosophy in her career and in life is to “do what you love, love what you do and always give more than you promise.”

Remmel’s advice for women pursuing a career in medicine is to, “Prepare and persevere. Through the ages women have been revered as healers. In modern times woman have contributed to and led medical teams in substantive ways. Numerous studies have shown improved patient outcomes when patients are cared for by women physicians, however I feel a collaborative team of women and men providers gives us a broader perspective. My advice to all students has been first and foremost to care, to collaborate with everyone and to tirelessly pursue your goals.”

The University of Louisville School of Medicine recognizes the contributions that women make to the medical field on a daily basis. We thank Drs. Boland and Remmel for their hardwork and dedication to our school and the Louisville community.