Our Voices, Our Future

Meghan Etsey, Meenu Immaneni, Laura Uricoechea and Kaavya Nair

Our Future, Our Voices is the podcast where we amplify the changemakers shaping a more equitable future in medicine and beyond. Presented by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association, this series challenges outdated norms, breaks down barriers, and sparks critical conversations on inclusion and justice. Hosted by Meghan Etsey, Meenu Immaneni, Laura Uricoechea and Rhea Manohar, each episode features candid discussions with leaders, advocates, and trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of equity. No more silence. No more waiting. It’s time to reclaim our future—one voice at a time. Subscribe now and be part of the movement!

  1. Student Doctor and Author

    5D AGO

    Student Doctor and Author

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Kiana Wells, a self-published author, first-generation medical student, and future physician whose journey embodies resilience, compassion, and purpose. Kiana is currently pursuing her Doctor of Medicine at St. George’s University after earning degrees in Neuroscience and Biology, and her path reflects a deep commitment to advancing equity and representation in medicine. During this episode, we talk about Kiana’s journey into medicine, the experiences that have affirmed her calling as a physician, and the ways her identity as a Black woman and first-generation student have shaped her perspective. She shares powerful insights on self-advocacy, mentorship, and staying authentic in spaces that are not always inclusive. Together, we explore the importance of community, representation, and using one’s voice to inspire and empower others in medicine. To learn more about Kiana and the books she has published, please see the following links: https://a.co/d/cSEjvUj https://a.co/d/fs3Zi4Q You can also reach out to Kiana via email: kwells@sgu.edu You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    24 min
  2. Doctor and Authenticity Driver

    JAN 2

    Doctor and Authenticity Driver

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Kate, a board-certified neonatologist and digital creator who’s rewriting the narrative of what it looks like to be a woman in medicine. During this episode, we talk about her path into neonatology, the gender dynamics she’s navigated along the way, and why women remain underrepresented in leadership despite being the backbone of the workforce. We dig into the culture of medicine, how visibility and authenticity can shift the landscape, and the power of mentorship in opening doors that have historically been closed. Dr. Kate also shares how she uses her social platform to champion representation, empower women physicians to show up as their full selves, and inspire the next generation to lead boldly, on their own terms. To learn more about Dr. Kate and her work: www.instagram.com/drkater You can also reach out to Dr. Kate via email: drkatermd@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    29 min
  3. Doctor and Telemedicine Innovator

    12/26/2025

    Doctor and Telemedicine Innovator

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Sophia Yen: physician, scientist, CEO, co-founder of Pandia Health, activist, feminist, and mom. Dr. Yen is a leading voice in reproductive health and gender equity, widely recognized for her advocacy to make #PeriodsOptional through education on the science and safety of skipping periods. She has pioneered an algorithm for personalized birth control prescribing, achieving exceptional patient satisfaction rates, and continues to lead efforts to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion into women’s health research. Through her innovation and advocacy, Dr. Yen is reshaping how we think about women’s health, representation, and the future of medicine. During this episode, we talk about Dr. Yen’s journey from medicine to entrepreneurship and activism, and what inspired her to combine science, advocacy, and innovation in her career. We discuss the science and safety behind the #PeriodsOptional movement, the cultural and racial factors that shape reproductive health practices, and how her personalized birth control algorithm is transforming patient care. Dr. Yen also shares her experiences navigating systemic barriers in funding for women-led companies, the lasting impact of women’s historical exclusion from clinical research, and her advice for young women and future physicians eager to challenge norms, innovate, and lead with purpose. To learn more about Dr. Sophia Yen’s work, visit www.pandiahealth.com and follow her advocacy at @PandiaHealth. You can also reach out to Dr. Sophia Yen via email: sophia@pandiahealth.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    31 min
  4. Doctor, Doctor and Community De-Isolators

    12/19/2025

    Doctor, Doctor and Community De-Isolators

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Diane and Dr. Dayna Ukwuoma, two inspiring sisters whose journeys through medicine exemplify perseverance, compassion, and sisterhood. Dr. Diane is an adult and child psychiatrist who trained at the American University of Antigua, SUNY Upstate, and Johns Hopkins. Her sister, Dr. Dayna, is a general pediatrician who also graduated from the American University of Antigua and completed her pediatrics residency at SUNY Upstate. Together, they share how their parallel paths have shaped their perspectives on representation, mentorship, and belonging in medicine. During this episode, we talk about their individual journeys into psychiatry and pediatrics, the challenges they faced as underrepresented minority physicians, and how those experiences influence the way they mentor others and advocate for diversity in healthcare. We also explore strategies for recruiting and retaining underrepresented minorities in medicine, the impact of representation on patient care, and their advice for medical students and early-career physicians navigating isolation or self-doubt in their training. To learn more about Dr. Diane and Dr. Dayna Ukwuoma, you can visit their TikTok page @WellKeepitShort You can also reach out to Dr. Diane and Dr. Dayna Ukwuom via email: dianeukwuoma@gmail.com daynaukwuoma@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    23 min
  5. Doctor and GETF Founder

    12/12/2025

    Doctor and GETF Founder

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Dr. Roberta Gebhard, an inspiring leader, mentor, and lifelong advocate for gender equity in medicine. A Family Practice Physician based in Western New York, Dr. Gebhard founded the AMWA Gender Equity Task Force in 2010, paving the way for systemic change across the profession. As a past President of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), past representative to the AMA Women Physicians Section Governing Council, and current AMWA alternate delegate for AMA delegates, she has championed the voices of more than 100,000 women physicians nationwide. Dr. Gebhard also serves on the Board of Directors for Physician Just Equity, providing compassionate peer support for physicians facing workplace inequities, and has been a dedicated member of the UB Jacobs School of Medicine Admissions Committee for over two decades. Her unwavering commitment, mentorship, and leadership continue to inspire generations of women physicians to advocate boldly and lead with purpose. During this episode we talk about Dr. Gebhard’s incredible journey in medicine and advocacy, from what inspired her to pursue medicine, to the founding of the AMWA Gender Equity Task Force, and the challenges she faced in shaping it into a force for systemic change. We discuss how the Task Force has evolved, its proudest accomplishments, and what collaborations with organizations like the AMA and TIME’S UP Healthcare have taught her about driving change at the institutional level. Dr. Gebhard also shares her reflections on mentorship, community, and what continues to inspire her as she sees new generations of physicians stepping into advocacy and leadership roles You can also reach out to Dr. Gebhard via email: docgebhard@gmail.com You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    32 min
  6. Lawyer and Practice Manager

    12/05/2025

    Lawyer and Practice Manager

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we’re joined by Mary Dunn – an attorney, practice administrator at Jagannathan Neurosurgery, and social media manager for Dr. Jagannathan. During this episode we talk about the challenges female physicians face in contract negotiations, how to communicate their value, navigate legal protections, and respond to discrimination. Mary also highlights the importance of mentorship, networks, and resources for empowered negotiation. To learn more about how to prepare for your first contract negotiation and advocate for yourself with confidence and legal insight, tune in to this practical and empowering conversation. You can also reach out to Mary Dunn via email: marydunnesq@gmail.com Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-dunn-62b42b36 / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jagannathanneurosurgery/?hl=en Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jagannathanneurosurgery You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    29 min
  7. Doctor, Doctor, and Leadership Redefiner

    11/21/2025

    Doctor, Doctor, and Leadership Redefiner

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we’re joined by Dr. Himani Divatia and Dr. Vali Kondos, two physician leaders redefining what leadership looks like in medicine today. Through candid reflections, they share their personal journeys, explore the challenges of gender equity, and offer practical wisdom for leading with authenticity, resilience, and purpose. During this episode, we talk about how leadership evolves over time, the power of quiet leadership, the systemic and internal barriers women in medicine face, and the critical role of peer support and mentorship.We also explore strategies for sustainable work-life integration, the crucial role of setting boundaries, and how leadership extends beyond formal titles. To learn more about how you can support gender equity in medicine—and find your own voice as a leader—tune in to this powerful conversation. Whether you're a student, resident, or practicing physician, this episode is filled with insights to help you lead with courage and clarity. You can also reach out to Dr. Divatia and Dr. Kondos through their Linkedin or emails: Dr. Divatia - hdivatia@gmail.com | Linkedin Dr. Kondos - valien.kondos@gmail.com | Linkedin You can find more information about the work AMWA’s Advocacy Committee has done and how to join their efforts here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocacy/ You can find more information about AMWA’s Gender Equity Task Force here: https://www.amwa-doc.org/our-work/initiatives/gender-equity-task-force/ If you are interested in joining the group, reach out to getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or being featured on an upcoming episode, reach out to our team at getf@amwa-doc.org If you are interested in joining the incredible network of women in medicine - join AMWA today at https://www.amwa-doc.org/ Thank you for tuning in to Our Voices, Our Future, we will see you next time!

    52 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Our Future, Our Voices is the podcast where we amplify the changemakers shaping a more equitable future in medicine and beyond. Presented by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association, this series challenges outdated norms, breaks down barriers, and sparks critical conversations on inclusion and justice. Hosted by Meghan Etsey, Meenu Immaneni, Laura Uricoechea and Rhea Manohar, each episode features candid discussions with leaders, advocates, and trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of equity. No more silence. No more waiting. It’s time to reclaim our future—one voice at a time. Subscribe now and be part of the movement!