NDP’s Women in Medicine Club is a group of students who are interested in pursuing medical-oriented careers in the future, or who are just interested in science. It is a great way to hear from women who have succeeded in the medical field and are happy to impart their advice to future female doctors. I interviewed the president of Women in Medicine, Molly Parker ’24, to learn more about the purpose of the club and her personal interest in medicine.
How have you empowered young women by being the president of Women in Medicine?
Through WIM, my goal is to provide girls with opportunities to learn, inquire, and explore diverse careers within the medical field. Throughout the year, we have curated a range of presentations and activities, ensuring that each member has the chance to explore various medical professions that interest them. By offering insights from successful women, our goal is to inspire and empower girls to forge their own distinctive paths as they progress through high school, college, and beyond.
While being active in this club during high school, what did you learn about yourself in relation to future career options?
While WIM itself solidified my interest in medicine, one of the things that I most admire about WIM is the honesty members are provided from the speakers. The speakers certainly praise their careers, but they offer their difficulties and advice as well. Through these presentations, I learned that I wanted to pursue a specialty that allowed for flexibility in my career, was constantly evolving, and was something I would be genuinely interested in. With all of this, and the advice from a neurologist I heard through WIM a few years ago, I decided that neurology was the specialty I wanted to pursue. There is no doubt that plans can change, but I am majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience next year at Fairfield University and hope to explore that as a career in the future!
Why are you interested in going into the medical field?
Initially, I was drawn to the medical field because of the blend of science, community service, and continuous learning and growth. I think that medicine is one of the few fields that combines my passion for science with the opportunity to directly improve the lives of others through compassionate care. I think that taking a variety of science classes and participating in outside volunteer opportunities and events has helped cultivate my love for medicine.
What other opportunities would you recommend for students who are interested in medicine?
Of course, I highly recommend being actively involved with NDP’s Women in Medicine, whether it is attending speaker events, engaging in activities like making cards for healthcare workers and children, or exploring the volunteer opportunities provided. I would also encourage extending your engagement beyond WIM by volunteering at hospitals, reaching out to medical professionals in your community, and taking advantage of the opportunities in the WIN program! These connections may seem small, but they can be invaluable in opening doors for future opportunities and providing firsthand insights into the realities of day-to-day life in medicine.
Thank you Molly for taking the time to answer my questions. Good luck next year in Fairfield! The club will miss it’s wonderful leader. If you are interested in learning more about Women in Medicine, reach out to any of the club leaders and make sure to attend one of the meetings. While the school year is wrapping up, it does not hurt to start attending the meetings. The Women in Medicine is an amazing club that has been providing NDP students with first-hand experience from female doctors. It is a great opportunity to make connections and discover if the medical field is for you.