In this conversation, Dr Nusheen Ameenuddin discusses with host Dr Saba Fatima her journey into advocacy for children's health, the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, and the importance of engaging with families. She emphasizes the impact of misinformation and the need for pediatricians to advocate for healthcare equity, especially in light of Medicaid cuts. The discussion highlights the role of empathy and community support in addressing these issues, while also offering hope for the future of healthcare through the engagement of young people and the importance of persistence in advocacy efforts.

Dr. Nusheen Ameenuddin is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. She previously served as Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media, in addition to Chair of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity of the Mayo Clinic Health System.
She is most passionate about advocating for underresourced populations who face barriers to healthcare. Dr. Ameenuddin has participated in vaccine education outreach with the Minnesota Department of Health, partnering with leaders in the Somali community and visiting mosques throughout the state.
Dr. Ameenuddin also has a strong interest in health equity and the effects of media on children. She helped spearhead a video campaign using social media as part of the AAP’s #KeepKidsCovered initiative. • Pediatricians Speak Up to Protect Medicaid...
She testified before the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce about children’s media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Ameenuddin attended Kansas State University where she completed a BS in biology, cum laude, and a minor in Spanish. She received her MD and MPH degrees from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She completed a pediatrics residency at Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education. She was selected as a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy at Harvard Medical School where she also completed a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

takeaways
Advocacy can occur in both clinical and legislative settings.
Seeing children thrive brings joy to pediatricians.
Health equity is a personal mission for many healthcare providers.
Vaccine hesitancy has evolved, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listening to families' concerns is crucial in addressing vaccine hesitancy.
Misinformation campaigns significantly impact public health.
Pediatricians must engage with local legislators to advocate for children's health.
Medicaid cuts can severely affect children's access to healthcare.
Building trust with families is essential for effective communication.
Young people today are more connected and savvy about health issues.
titles


#advocacy, #vaccine hesitancy, #healthcare #pediatricians

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

In this conversation, Dr. Gwendolyn Williams and Host, Dr. Saba Fatima discuss the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles, particularly in healthcare. They explore the importance of allyship, mentorship, and the need for systemic change to support women in leadership positions. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of self-advocacy, the power of influence over traditional notions of power, and the necessity of creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote equity.

Dr. Gwendolyn Rowena Williams is a first-generation American of Indo-Caribbean heritage whose lived experience has fueled a lifelong commitment to health equity, belonging, and inclusive leadership in medicine. A Hospital Medicine Physician and Associate Professor of
Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University Health, she has built her career advocating for historically marginalized voices—particularly women in medicine. During her nine-year tenure at Sentara Health, she made history as the first female President of the Medical Executive
Committee at Sentara CarePlex Hospital and led the impactful “Celebrating Women in Medicine” campaign. She also championed the implementation of paid parental leave for physicians, addressing systemic barriers faced by women in healthcare. She was instrumental in leading physician wellness initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic,
focusing on vaccine equity, access, and combating misinformation in underserved communities. Her leadership has earned her the 2023 Society of Hospital Medicine Unsung Hero Award, the 2024 Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award, and recognition as one of
Hunter College’s Top 40 Under 40. Dr. Williams continues to shape a more equitable healthcare landscape—one where inclusion, dignity, and compassion are foundational for all who give and receive care. She will be presenting at the Women in Medicine Power Summit in Chicago this September: The Courage to Lead: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Your Leadership Potential Friday September 19 2025 ( Time 1.00-1.40PM)


takeaways
Leadership qualities can stem from family upbringing.
Women face unique challenges in leadership roles.
The motherhood tax impacts women's careers in medicine.
It's important to challenge gender biases in the workplace.
Women have historically fought for recognition and value.
Innovation should be celebrated in healthcare settings.
Support from family can empower women in their careers. Women must uplift themselves and recognize their worth.
Allyship is crucial for women in leadership roles.
Navigating gender dynamics requires confidence and support..
Mentorship and sponsorship are vital for career advancement.
Institutions need to create clear pathways for women leaders.
Diversity enhances excellence in leadership.
Women should advocate for their own needs and aspirations.
True leadership is about influence, not just power.

keywords
#leadership, #genderbias, #healthcare, #womeninmedicine, #motherhood,

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

In this conversation, Dr. Robert R. Wittler shares with host Dr Saba Fatima his insights on the joys and challenges of practicing medicine, reflecting on his experiences as a pediatric infectious disease physician. He discusses the importance of teaching, the evolving landscape of medicine, and the impact of burnout. Dr. Wittler emphasizes the significance of building relationships with patients, navigating the complexities of electronic medical records, and the ongoing issue of vaccine skepticism. He offers advice for younger physicians and expresses hope for the future of medicine, highlighting the importance of resilience and connection in the medical field.

Dr. Robert Wittler is a Professor of Pediatrics and Infectious Disease at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita. Dr. Wittler brings a remarkable depth of experience, not only as a physician, but as a leader, teacher, and mentor. He served in the US Army for 13 years, completing his pediatric residency at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco, followed by a fellowship in pediatric infectious disease at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, and a research fellowship at Walter Reed Army Research Institute in Washington, DC.

Since 1995, Dr. Wittler has been on faculty at KU School of Medicine, Wichita as the only pediatric infectious disease physician in Kansas. He's published widely in peer-reviewed journals and is a beloved educator, honored with numerous teaching awards, including the Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award and the Ruth Bohan Teaching Professorship. .He brings both the wisdom of experience and a thoughtful curiosity about where we've been and where we're headed.


takeaways
Joy in medicine comes from teaching and patient interactions.
Thriving means enjoying work and feeling energized by it.
The amount of information in medicine has increased significantly.
Electronic medical records can create more work for physicians.
Burnout can stem from a focus on financial metrics over teaching.
Asking for help is crucial for physicians facing challenges.
Building relationships with patients is essential for effective care.
Vaccine skepticism has increased, especially post-COVID.
Success in medicine evolves from diagnosis to patient impact.


Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Challenges in Medicine
04:12
Defining Thriving in a Medical Career
07:10
Experiencing Burnout and Disconnection
11:54
Comparing Past and Present Residency Experiences
15:52
Reflections on Duty Hours and Work-Life Balance
17:56
The Role of Electronic Medical Records
19:04
Balancing Relational and Transactional Medicine
20:30
Time Management and Patient Interaction
22:17
Staying Grounded in a Medical Career
23:59
Evolving Definitions of Success in Medicine
24:52
The Importance of Academic Progression
25:06
Navigating Mistrust in Medicine
31:02
The Balance of Physician Wellness and Efficiency
32:00
Advice for Overwhelmed Physicians
33:04
Wisdom from 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Hound'
35:16
Life-Changing Moments in Medicine
36:40
Improving Physician-Administration Relationships
38:28
Reflections on Career and Commitment
41:08
Hope for the Future of Medicine
44:26
The Strength in Stru

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com