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Why Did You Become a Doctor? Reflections on National Women Physicians Day
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January 30, 2025
Women physicians are vital to the dynamic of today’s healthcare arena. They bring unique perspectives and challenge us to be better, more equitable and kinder providers.
National Women Physicians Day, celebrated Feb. 3, is a salute to Elizabeth Blackwell, a British woman born on that date in 1821 who overcame years of discrimination to become the first female doctor in the United States. She championed the participation of women in the medical profession and ultimately opened her own medical college for women. We think Dr. Blackwell would be proud to know that today women make up 37% of U.S. physicians, compared to just 5% in 1970.
Having providers who look like us is critical to providing the highest-quality, most equitable care to all. That’s why Hartford HealthCare is committed to building a workforce that reflects all of the people and communities we serve.
Here, a collection of Hartford HealthCare physicians pause on this day to share more personal inspirations that led them to a medical career:
Mariela Morales Jimenez, MD, Internal Medicine, Hartford Hospital: I was inspired by my grandpa and my goal to serve others and challenge myself intellectually. I appreciate the recognition for one of the roles in our lives that we try to juggle as best as we can! I am proud to bring a unique perspective by being a woman, mother and wife. My multiple “hats” inform how I care for my patients and allows me to make meaningful connections with them.
Alexis Cordiano, MD, Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital: I was inspired to become a doctor because of my love of all things medical — hearing emergency surgery stories and seeing old school slides from cases from my uncle — and wanting to be a leader, a teammate, a healer, and a strong contributor to my community. I appreciate the passion, friendship and support from my colleagues and I am thankful for my family and closest friends. I recognize this day in memory of all the amazing women physicians who forged a clear path for us with vision, character and intelligence.
Annette Macannuco-Winslow, MD, Midstate Medical Center: My mother encouraged me to become a doctor, because there were so few female physicians at that time.
Lisa Canter, MD, Heart & Vascular Institute, East Region: I was inspired to become a physician with the understanding that this is a profession where we can make an impact in patient’s lives. I am honored to be involved in my patient’s health care journey. At times the initial contact may be in the acute setting for an urgent need, but what I find most gratifying is to be able to continue to follow them over the long term. Some of these patients have continued to see me for years and many of them have entrusted me to care for other family members. This road was paved by the hard work of many female physicians before me. They had a harder job and may not have been accepted initially. This day is a time to thank those pioneers who helped make my role possible. I am grateful to be part of this wonderful profession.
Heather Swales, MD, Heart & Vascular Institute, Hartford HealthCare: I love working with people and helping them control risk factors to prevent and control cardiovascular disease so they can live healthier and longer lives. I work with so many amazing female physicians and it is nice to have a day to honor their accomplishments and the difference they make in their patients’ lives.
Nina Dutta, MD, MPH, Chair, Department of Medicine, Hartford Hospital: The seeds of my inspiration were planted at a young age. My grandmother, an OB/GYN and one of the first female physicians in Kolkata, India, provided care for all who needed it, regardless of their social or economic status. This is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of the amazing women who work in the house of medicine. The pandemic showed us that while we have made great strides towards becoming a more equitable society, there is still more work to be done. While medicine as a field has done a great job bringing in more and more females into the field, there is a drop off in female representation at senior levels of leadership and academia. As a female leader I feel an obligation (and have a passion) to help carve a pathway that will help bring more female physicians into leadership roles and broaden our vision in medicine of what a ‘leader’ is. Bringing attention to issues that working women struggle with, using my platform to advocate for change, and mentoring/sponsoring the next generation of female leaders brings a lot of meaning to my work. I hope we continue to use this day as a moment to take a step back, evaluate our progress in our field, and determine what comes next.
Jaime Moskowitz, MD, Internal Medicine, Primary Care Physician: I was inspired by my parents, who both worked in healthcare, which exposed me to medicine at a young age. I was always fascinated by medicine and learning how to treat diseases. It truly is a privilege to be a part of my patients’ lives and to have the ability to care for them when they need it the most. I am proud to be a female physician and to work alongside so many other talented women in healthcare.
Devika Umashanker, MD, Digestive Health, Hartford Region: I was inspired to become a physician to have the opportunity to be a healer and a source of comfort for patients during their most vulnerable moments. It’s a day to acknowledge the unique perspective and qualities that women physicians bring to healthcare. I have been fortunate as a physician here at Hartford HealthCare to have amazing mentors and colleagues that have been true advocates for developing women physician leaders in healthcare.
Emily Mensel, MD, Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital: My younger sister has Dravet Syndrome, a genetic epilepsy. I spent a lot of time growing up exposed to different specialties in medicine. I knew I wanted to be a physician, and once I found Emergency Medicine, I knew I had found my home. This day celebrates women physicians and recognizes the additional challenges women face to become physicians and experience each day in practice. This day highlights the growth that has been made, and what is yet to come.
Lynn Pauls, MD, Cardiac Anesthesiologist and Critical Care Intensivist, Heart & Vascular Institute, Hartford Hospital:
I am a quadruple board-certified cardiac and critical care anesthesiologist. I take care of a variety of surgical patients in the operating room and afterwards in the ICU. If I could do it all again, I would still choose to be a woman physician, specifically an anesthesiologist. I feel really supported at Hartford Hospital and hope to continue mentoring the next generation of female physicians.
As a woman and a physician, I often get mistaken for anyone but the medical doctor. This leads to sometimes funny interactions, polite clarifications, and occasional frustrations. Another challenge I face is being a new mother, and having a lot of “mom guilt” around how much I work and my career ambitions.
Sapna Khubchandani, MD, medical oncologist, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, Backus Hospital: I enjoy patient interaction and caring for patients. As a woman I do feel there is a challenge finding work life balance and a subtle discrimination compared to male colleagues.
Jordan Borgman, MD, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“Growing up, I witnessed my mother taking care of those in need, and it deeply inspired me to want to help others. I decided to become a physician so that I could fulfill this dream and combine it with my love of science.”
Andaleeb Shariff, MD, Primary Care Regional Medical Director, Northwest Connecticut, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“I was inspired by my mom, who was the first woman in her residency program to advocate for both maternity leave and also overall equality as an ethnic woman physician.”
Stephanie Morton, MD, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“I was inspired by the opportunity to help people understand their medical conditions and translate complex physiology in ways patients can understand to help them achieve and maintain good health.”
Stephanie Fowler, MD, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“Eighth-grade biology sparked my interest in anatomy and physiology. As a teen, I enjoyed working in various medical settings while volunteering at Newport Hospital and working at my hometown’s pharmacy, pediatrician’s and oral surgeons’ office. My summer student fellowship at Hartford Hospital sealed the deal.”
Margo Sardo, DO, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“Being able to help others and constantly learn different elements of the job and role as a physician in a constantly changing environment is what inspired me to become a physician. There is always something new to learn.”
Raashi Khanna, DO, Internist, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“Growing up with my grandparents, I watched my grandpa drive over an hour each way to work as a cardiologist. He had so much passion for what he did that even after a long day, he continued working, reading medical books and answering calls from patients. He loved what he did well into his 80s. I knew I wanted to go into a field where I could feel just as fulfilled, giving back and shaping lives. Every person who knew my grandfather recognized his special soul; selfless, humble and kind. I lost him this past year, I carry a piece of him with me every day: a bright blue stethoscope he bought for me when I graduated from medical school. It serves as a reminder of the impact he made on so many patients’ lives, which is what I hope to achieve in my career as a female physician.”
Tracy Patel, MD, FACC, Clinical Cardiologist, Medical Director for Specialty Care for HHC Medical Group and Medical Director of Cottage Grove Cardiology, Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute:
I love seeing my patients through the full spectrum of cardiac care. At their worst in the hospital, to their full recovery in the office. I also see many patients well before this point, when they are seeking their best efforts to prevent cardiac disease. I love working with so many smart women physicians, who are now involved in every level of cardiac care, in every specialty and subspecialty at HHC’s Heart & Vascular Institute. I am always battling the unbalanced expectations of family versus job that women seem to face well out of proportion to men.
Whitney Young, MD, FACS, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, MidState Medical Center
I am deeply passionate about collaborating with women as advocates for their health, fostering active engagement in their overall well-being. Recognizing the significance of empowerment in healthcare, my commitment extends particularly to women at risk for breast cancer or those grappling with a diagnosis. I believe in providing not just medical support, but also in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health though effective communication, compassionate care, and a comprehensive education. Breast surgical oncology allows me to leverage technical experience and expertise directly while partnering, educating and engaging women to improve clinical outcomes.
In the realm of healthcare, I am deeply committed to addressing and overcoming biases that can impact patient care. Acknowledging the pervasive nature of these biases, I believe that actively challenging and dismantling them is essential for fostering a healthcare system that is fair, just and patient-centered.
Amy Brown, MD, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
The question of what inspired me to become a physician has evolved during the almost 30 years since I made that choice. As a 20-year-old completing applications, there wasn’t one dramatic inspiration; rather, it was a synthesis of various interests and experiences. Growing up in a liberal arts-oriented family, choosing medicine was unexpected. To me, it represented the perfect blend of my love for science, a curiosity for the “why,” a hands-on approach, and a desire, strengthened by faith, to use my talents for others’ benefit. Although the balance of these aspects has shifted over the years, their foundations remain unchanged. Throughout my career, patients’ and colleagues’ spirit and strength continually inspire me, fueling a passion to affect lives positively. Yet, I remain humbled by the limitations of modern healthcare, motivating me to work towards systemic improvements.
Mariam Farhan, Associate Program Director Internal Medicine Residency Program, St. Vincent’s Medical Center: I love taking care of the patients as a hospitalist and enjoy working with residents and students, who are the future of medicine. I am very proud of having strong women camaraderie and mentorship in my life. I think balancing different roles, for example being a mother, physician and educator, are very common struggles that I share with many women in medicine.
Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, Associate Director, Breast Program, Cancer Institute, MidState Medical Center:
The most fulfilling moments of my job revolve around the genuine connections forged with my patients, witnessing their resilience and providing constant support during one of the most challenging times of their lives. I am incredibly grateful and lucky to have a shared commitment to this passion with my caring and compassionate coworkers, where there is a genuine collective dedication to making a positive impact on the lives touched by breast cancer.
There are challenges that women face in the world of surgery, where we have been the minority for a long time. Thankfully there are more women entering the field, which helps to reduce issues such as gender bias and stereotyping. Balancing the demands of a surgical career with societal expectations and family responsibilities does have its hurdles, with three children at home, the days are extremely busy but rewarding. Overcoming these challenges requires women to showcase their skills and expertise, regardless of gender, and to advocate for ourselves as women surgeons.
Vipra Sharma, MD, MPH, Hematology – Oncology, Cancer Institute, St. Vincent’s Medical Center: I was drawn to medicine because I have a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Being a physician allows me the opportunity provide medical care, improve health outcomes, and alleviate suffering, which is incredibly rewarding.
Women in medicine face several challenges, including gender bias/discrimination. work-life balance, lack of recognition/visibility and double standards. Women continue to excel in the field of medicine and contribute significantly to healthcare. Efforts to address gender disparities, promote equity, and create supportive environments are crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for all physicians.
Silda James, MD, Internist, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“My journey of caring for others and assuming responsibility started at a tender age. This care extended to elderly shut-ins in my neighborhood. I had my panel of patients, including my grandparents, whom I would round on — braiding their hair, clipping nails, helping with showers, making their favorite porridge, and my most favorite part, listening to the tales and recollections of their younger years. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the only answer I ever gave was ‘a doctor.’
There were no doctors in my family, and I can recall only one female doctor on the island while growing up. While her male counterparts were stellar in their trade, she brought something to the table that only a female can bring (at least in my opinion), and that was the embodiment of compassion. Female providers are essential to effect change in practices and policies, but with the compassion so desperately needed by our patients. Also, who better to safeguard the plight of females than females themselves?”
Mia Shapiro, MD, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Backus Hospital:
I like the ability to use my technical skills to help people in a measurable way. Bariatric surgery can be life altering and it is gratifying to be able to play a small part in the transformation that occurs.
Training to become a surgeon is hard, period. There are far more female surgeons now than there used to be, but we still make up only a very small percentage in most hospitals. Patients in the office still ask me after I have explained their procedure if I am the one who will be performing the surgery. As women, we are held to higher standards than our male colleagues and our mistakes are more highly scrutinized. As a woman, you don’t grow up with people assuming you’ll be a surgeon. As a woman, you choose this path because you are competent, driven and can multitask.
Aiste Norberg, MD, Internal Medicine, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group: I grew up in Lithuania, where at the time, the voices of women were not often heard. Medicine especially was a male-dominated field and female physicians were not taken very seriously. Although difficult, I feel proud of my journey to become a physician and I use my career as a platform to empower and inspire women in healthcare.
Kristine Birdsall, MD, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
My medicine career started more broadly as a lover of both science and caregiving. Growing up, my father was a wildlife biologist, and I was able to assist with many surveys and experiments. I also grew up on a farm where there was a lot of caring for animals, including some veterinary medicine. As I got older, I experienced my family in the healthcare system and how doctors, particularly primary care doctors, cared for all their patients and their whole community.
Sara Sahl, MD, Pediatrician, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“I decided to be a pediatrician after having my first son. It is such a privilege to be able to partner with families, navigating all of the joyous and challenging moments that go along with raising beautiful, strong children.”
Danielle R. Heller, MD, MHS
Breast Surgical Oncologist; assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University
Cancer Institute, St. Vincent’s Medical Center:
Dr. Heller was trained as a surgeon-scientist to think critically about current surgical practice and use data-driven research to refine it. In her own practice, she brings this research to the bedside to empower patients with a deeper understanding of their disease so that they can make well-informed, personalized decisions around treatment.
Dr. Heller loves learning about her patients, their families, hobbies, and what they value most outside the walls of the hospital.
“My job as a breast surgical oncologist gives me the unique opportunity to help patients with cancer in a time of great need, propel them ‘back to normal’ after a life-changing diagnosis, and build profound relationships with patients and loved ones.”
Madhavi Gorusu, MD, Director of Medical Oncology, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital: I love my patients, work and my team. I love my Indian culture and dance forms, and I was recently able to take a trip to a tropical place, where I performed a small piece of Kuchipudi, one of the South Indian dance forms.
I have embraced the challenges I have faced as a woman physician and they are now my strengths.
Michelle Apioado, MD, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
“With physicians in my family, I would like to say it was destined, but the road was too long and arduous to just rely on fate. My inspiration to steadfast the course was fueled by my desire to connect with people in a positive, influential manner. As Sir William Osler, the father of modern medicine, once said, ‘the good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.’”
Cara Riddle, DO, Senior Medical Director of Primary Care Operations, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group:
I realized from a very young age that I had an affinity for biological sciences, and so unsurprisingly went to college with the intent of being a microbiologist. Along the way in my classes, I had an opportunity to participate in an EMT training class, and after receiving my EMT-B, I volunteered for the local ambulance corps. This experience fascinated me and sparked my interest in choosing medicine as a career.
Ultimately, I did go on to complete medical school training, did a residency in internal medicine, and chose a career in primary care, which I love every day! Primary care is so special to me, because of the longitudinal relationships that are developed with patients and their families. I am thrilled every day to be able to continue this journey.
Ashley Ornoff, DO, pathologist, Windham Hospital: I have an amazing group of people that I work with in the laboratory. The work I do is important and intellectually stimulating. Most of the challenges I encountered were during my medical school and residency training, being a woman in a prominently male field receiving unsolicited advice about when or if a woman in medicine should have a family and other related personal topics. I have not had those challenges as an attending. For those of you at the very beginning of your career, just remember that you will find your own path professionally and personally.
Melissa Mastroianni, MD, Department of Surgery, Fairfield: I love improving my patient’s quality of life – most of my patients wake up from surgery feeling much better and more confident compared to when they came in for consultation. That impact is life changing and I feel honored to be a part of their transformation. It seems surreal to still be facing gender inequalities in the year 2024, but the gap is real. I will continue to work to close this gap and pave the way for future generations of female physicians. I hope to inspire my trainees and mentees to do great things.
Stephanie Saucier, MD, Co-Director, Women’s Heart Wellness Program, Medical Director Hartford Region Cardiac Rehabilitation: “I decided to become a physician after my mother was involved in a life-threatening accident while I was in middle school. The medical team and doctors saved her life and I decided at that time that I wanted to make a difference and take part in saving someone else’s loved one.”
Listy Thomas, MD, MBA, Chair, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Medical Center: I chose a career in medicine because I really wanted to help ease the suffering of others. I especially wanted to work in a healthcare environment where care for underserved communities is a priority.
Jemi Samuel, MD, Hospitalist, Fairfield Region: “To pay forward the grace and love of Christ that I have received.”
Rajani Nadkarni, MD, Medical Director Medical Oncology for Central, East and Northwest, Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, Cancer Institute:
I have a wonderful staff that supports and exemplifies the mission and values of Hartford HealthCare, this allows me to provide excellent cancer care for my patients. Resources and physical space has been our biggest barrier. Occasionally, as women physicians have to work extra hard to gain trust with patients and leaders.
Theresa Bowling, MD, Director of Anesthesia, Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, St. Vincent’s: “My love of science with a long-term goal of having a positive impact on people’s lives made a career in medicine a logical choice. I wanted to work in a field that would allow me to use my detail-oriented, problem-solving skill in an exciting environment and to perform a wide variety of procedures so becoming an anesthesiologist was the perfect choice for me.”
Dr. Megan Panico, pulmonary medicine. HHCMG: “I became a physician to make a difference for the person sitting in front of me. There is no greater feeling seeing someone who has been struggling or who didn’t realize things could be better walk back into your office with a smile as they accomplished something they never thought they could do again.”
Dr. Christine Lasala, Chief, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Central Connecticut: “To dedicate myself to the care, health and well-being of women.
The subspecialty I chose (Urogynecology) addresses conditions that many women are embarrassed to discuss, yet negatively impacts their quality of life. It’s an honor to be able to address and improve these problems.”
Dr. Camelia Lawrence, Director of Breast Surgery at the Hospital of Central CT and Midstate Medical Center: “I have always been intrigued by the power of healing and wanted to be a part of that, even as a little girl. I have always believed that medicine alone, perhaps with the exception of the priestly ministry, impacts the heart and souls of patients. And to be part of that is truly special.”
Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Radiation Oncologist, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital: “Opportunity to combine my love of science and problem -solving to help people in a practical way. I was also inspired by the example of my pediatrician and the time he took to treat each person as an individual who was interesting and worthy of attention.”
Dr. Toni de Marcaida, Medical Director , Chase Family Movement Disorders Center: “In my culture, if you’re smart and a good student, there are only three expectations of you for your career. Either you become a doctor, a lawyer or a priest. As a woman, I didn’t qualify to become a Catholic priest, and my uncle, who was a lawyer, Supreme Court judge and a lifelong politician, forbade me from becoming a lawyer. So by default, I went into medical school.
Dr. Cynthia Price, Emergency, Hartford Hospital: “I wanted to help people-considered being a missionary at one time — Emergency medicine would help prepare me to take care of many things I would see anywhere. Hartford Hospital ended up being my mission field!”
Dr. Amanda Ramos, Gynecologic Oncologist, Cancer Institute: “I became a doctor because I love science and the complexity of the human body. There are few things in medicine that are ever exactly the same. I wanted a profession where I interacted with people and could help guide individuals through the best and worst parts of their lives.”
Dr. Lovejit Kaur, Institute of Living: “It is an honor to be able to help the one in need, to support people during their most difficult time and make a difference in their life.”
Dr. Elizabeth Stirling Craig, Director of microvascular reconstruction plastic surgery, Cancer Institute, St. Vincent’s: “Meaningfully change and improve people’s lives.”
Dr. Erica Schuyler, Associate Chief of Neurology, Education and Neurology Residency Program Director, Hartford Hospital: “The brain is the most important and the most complicated part of the body and the disorders that affect the brain can be devastating. I knew that I wanted to do whatever I can to better understand the brain and to provide support to people who are affected by neurological disorders.”
Dr. Alyssa Donnelly, Hartford Hospital: “As a child science was always my favorite subject, partly thanks to my mom. She was a biology major in college and a teacher and I remember her doing little experiments with me at home when I was small. I majored in biology in college and thought I would get a master’s in microbiology. During junior year I took human physiology and was fascinated to learn how the body works. I also felt called to find a challenging career while allowing me to be of service to others. I signed up for the MCAT right before the deadline and called my parents to let them know I would be applying to medical school.”
Dr. Lindsay Bliss, Hepatopancreatobiliary and general surgeon, Digestive Health, Hartford Region: “I wanted to use my passion for science to meaningfully impact individual lives.”
Dr. Kimberly Caprio, Director, Breast Surgery, Northwest Region: “I started out pre med in college (Boston College) but the program and MCAT prep were anemic at best, so instead after graduation I took a sales position with Johnson and Johnson. I got exposure to the OR and surgery, and had enough money and time at that point to take a Kaplan course and really work on my application. I think everyone should take a break between undergrad and medical school.”
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Transplant hepatology and gastroenterology, Hartford Hospital: “Medicine is a fascinating field. By becoming a physician, I get To use my interests and background in science to help others.”