Our Voices, Our Future

Meghan Etsey, Rhea Manohar, Meenu Immaneni, and Laura Uricoechea
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education

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 Presented by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association, this series challenges outdated norms, breaks down barriers, and sparks critical conversations on inclusion and justice.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. 1d ago

    Doctor and Empowering Entrepreneur

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, We sit down with Dr. Tammie Chang, a board-certified pediatric oncologist and pediatric nocturnist, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and national advocate for gender equity and cultural change in healthcare. Dr. Chang is the Co-Founder of Pink Coat, MD and Co-Founder of AMWA's ELEVATE Leadership Development Program, and served as the first Medical Director of Physician/APP Wellness for her health system from 2021–2026. During this episode, we talk about what it means to step into leadership before you have the title, how perfectionism and the "high achiever" identity show up (and take a toll) for women in medicine, Dr. Chang's own experience with burnout and the moment she knew something had to fundamentally change, and practical mindset tools trainees can use to reconnect with who they are beyond their achievements. We also dig into what inspired the creation of Pink Coat, MD, and what real leadership looks like for women in medicine. To learn more about Dr. Chang's work, Pink Coat, MD, and AMWA's ELEVATE Leadership Development Program, keep an eye out for links in our show notes. You can also reach out to Dr. Chang via email: info@tammiechangmd.com To learn more: www.tammiechangmd.com www.pinkcoatmd.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9ytQa_hW70&feature=youtu.be&themeRefresh=1 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!

    Doctor and Empowering Entrepreneur

  2. Aug 28

    Doctor and Voice of Sociohistorical Justice in Medicine

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we are joined by Dr. Carmen Black, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut and Vice Chair of Education for the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Black shares her journey as a clinician and scholar whose work centers on Sociohistorical Justice, a framework that examines how historical lived experiences and generational context shape health, identity, and clinical care within Black American communities. During this episode we talk about how generational and ethnic differences among Black Americans influence clinical encounters, patient trust, and health outcomes, as well as the common misconceptions clinicians may hold when approaching Black patient populations. Dr. Black discusses how these differences manifest in real-world psychiatric and medical settings and why acknowledging historical and structural context is essential for delivering equitable care. We also explore what it looks like when healthcare systems and clinicians meaningfully integrate sociohistorical awareness into practice, and the barriers that continue to prevent this from happening at scale. Finally, Dr. Black offers guidance for clinicians and trainees on how to begin engaging with this work in a thoughtful, respectful, and impactful way. To learn more about Dr. Black and her work, you can visit the following links: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10401334.2025.2521473https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-025-02699-w https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10459-026-10541-z 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!

    Doctor and Voice of Sociohistorical Justice in Medicine

  3. Aug 21

    Student Doctor and Digital Advocate

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Madison Centofanti, a third-year osteopathic medical student at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, advocate for women in medicine, former Division I athlete, and aspiring Family and Sports Medicine physician. Madison shares her journey from student-athlete to medical student, her passion for rural healthcare and mentorship, and how she uses social media to make medicine more accessible and relatable for future physicians. During this episode we talk about navigating medical school, balancing personal branding with professionalism, women in leadership within medicine, mentorship, advocacy, overcoming challenges in training, social media in healthcare, rural medicine, and staying authentic while pursuing a career in medicine. To learn more about Madison and her work via her social media: • Instagram: @theofficialmadisoncentofanti • TikTok: Maddy21e You can also reach out to Madison via email: kr140513@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!

    Student Doctor and Digital Advocate

  4. Aug 14

    Physician Assistant and Career Reinvention Advocate

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Chelsea Heffner, a board-certified Physician Assistant with over a decade of clinical experience who has navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated surgical specialty and successfully transitioned into building an autonomy-driven career in medical aesthetics. During this episode we talk about her journey through orthopedics, the pressures of authority perception and productivity expectations, and how burnout and motherhood reshaped her career path. Chelsea shares how she redefined success, built a values-driven practice, and now focuses on ethical aesthetic medicine, patient education, and long-term sustainability in healthcare careers. To learn more about Chelsea’s work in evidence-based skincare, medical aesthetics, and her mission to bring clarity and integrity to the field, follow her on social media: Instagram: @chelseatheskinpa TikTok: @chelseatheskinpa You can also reach out to Chelsea Heffner via email: hello@chelseatheskinpa.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!

    Physician Assistant and Career Reinvention Advocate

  5. Aug 7

    Doctor and Doctor and Translator of Sleep Science

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we are joined by Dr. Saema Tahir, a quadruple board-certified physician in Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Internal Medicine based in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Tahir shares her journey through rigorous medical training and how she came to specialize in sleep and critical care, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked health needs of high-functioning women. During this episode we talk about the intersection of sleep health and chronic disease, especially among high-achieving women balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities. Dr. Tahir discusses common sleep disorders she sees in clinical practice, the biological and psychosocial factors that make sleep disruption particularly impactful for women, and how inadequate sleep can affect cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health over time. She also explains how pulmonary and critical care medicine intersect with sleep health, and how experiences in high-acuity settings have shaped her broader approach to patient care. We also explore the concept of “just being tired” versus clinically significant sleep disorders, including warning signs clinicians and patients should recognize when sleep patterns begin to affect overall health and functioning. Finally, Dr. Tahir offers practical, evidence-based advice for high-performing women in medicine and other demanding fields on how to prioritize sleep, protect long-term health, and sustain well-being in high-pressure environments. To learn more about Dr. Saema Tahir her work, you can visit: Instagram: @dr.saema_tahir TikTok: Dr.saematahir Website: www.drsaematahirmd.com You can also reach out to Dr. Saema Tahir via email: DrST@DrSaemaTahirMD.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!

    Doctor and Doctor and Translator of Sleep Science

  6. Jul 24

    Founder and Environmental Health Innovator

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Alexandra Destler, Founder and CEO of MySafetyNEST, an evidence-based platform dedicated to advancing environmental health literacy, prevention, and health equity by helping individuals and clinicians reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the home. Her work focuses on translating complex environmental health science into accessible, actionable tools that can be integrated into clinical care and used by families to improve long-term health outcomes. During this episode we talk about her journey into environmental health and what inspired her to create MySafetyNEST, as well as the importance of environmental exposures in shaping women’s health and chronic disease risk. We discuss common household exposures clinicians should be aware of, and how these factors disproportionately impact women and contribute to health inequities. Alexandra also explains how MySafetyNEST supports both clinicians and patients in turning environmental health science into practical prevention strategies, the barriers clinicians face when trying to incorporate environmental health into everyday practice, and her advice for individuals and healthcare professionals who want to begin reducing toxic exposures in meaningful and sustainable ways. To learn more about Alexandra and her work, you can visit www.mysafetynest.com You can also reach out to Alexandra via email: alexandra@mysafetynest.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!

    Founder and Environmental Health Innovator

  7. Jul 10

    Student Doctor and Kriti

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Kriti Saxena, a second-year medical student in the United States with a background in Neuroscience from New York University, who also shares her journey into medicine through social media by offering honest, relatable insights into medical school, lifestyle, and the pre-med experience. During this episode we talk about her path into medicine and the experiences that first inspired her to pursue this field, as well as the role resilience has played throughout her journey. We discuss her preparation for the MCAT and how persistence shaped her approach during one of the most challenging stages of the pre-med path. Kriti also reflects on her time working as an ophthalmic technician and what that role taught her about perseverance and pursuing opportunities in healthcare. Finally, we explore how she continues to advocate for herself in medical school, the common lessons she has learned across each stage of her training, and her advice for students who may be struggling with setbacks or uncertainty about belonging in medicine. To learn more about Kriti and her work, you can visit her social media: @krititomd 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!

    Student Doctor and Kriti

  8. Jul 3

    Doctor and Self Preservation Advocate

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Laura Vater, a medical oncologist, writer, assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and Director of Compassionate Medical Education at the Hippocratic Collective, to explore how writing can serve as both reflection and advocacy within medicine. During this episode we talk about how storytelling can be used as a powerful tool to address mental health stigma in the medical field, the process of finding one’s voice as a clinician-writer, and the ways Dr. Vater balances evidence-based medicine with personal narrative. We also discuss the response from the broader medical community to open conversations about humanism and mental health, and what advice she offers to trainees and clinicians who want to use writing as a form of advocacy but may feel hesitant to speak up. To learn more about Dr. Laura Vater and her work, you can visit her website: Lauravater.com You can also reach out to Dr. Laura Vater via email: doclauravater@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!

    Doctor and Self Preservation Advocate
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Meghan Etsey, Rhea Manohar, Meenu Immaneni, and Laura Uricoechea
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Our Voices, Our Future