Our Voices, Our Future

Meghan Etsey, Rhea Manohar, Meenu Immaneni, and Laura Uricoechea

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 Presented by the Gender Equity Task Force of the American Medical Women’s Association, this series challenges outdated norms, breaks down barriers, and sparks critical conversations on inclusion and justice.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

    3D AGO

    Student Doctor and Language Access Advocate

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Gabriela (Gaby) Berger, a first-generation third-year medical student at St. George’s University, whose journey as the daughter of Venezuelan immigrants has shaped her commitment to health equity and patient-centered care. During this episode, we talk about navigating healthcare across language barriers, how early lived experiences resurface during clinical training, gaps in medical education for patients with limited English proficiency, and the small but powerful ways trainees can advocate for language access—even within rigid systems and hierarchies. Gaby also shares how she envisions integrating language equity into her future career as a physician. 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!

    18 min
  2. Student Doctor and Voice Activator

    FEB 6

    Student Doctor and Voice Activator

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we welcome Meghan Etsey, fourth-year medical student at St. George’s University and the creator of this very podcast, as she steps into the guest seat. Meghan shares her journey into medicine, reflecting on the twists and turns that ultimately fueled her drive to become a physician and advocate for equity in healthcare. During this episode we talk about Meghan’s experiences using advocacy and storytelling as tools for change during medical training, the mentors and role models who shaped her path, and the challenges—and rewards—of speaking up as a trainee. She discusses how students can begin advocating for themselves and others without burnout, the importance of building mentorship networks, and the mindset needed to let your voice be heard, even when it feels small or uncomfortable. Throughout, Meghan emphasizes the lessons of leadership, resilience, and intentional impact that advocacy has taught her, offering inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference in medicine and beyond. You can also reach out to Meghan via email: meghanream08@gmail.com Instagram: edumeghcation Tik tok: ourvoicesourfuture 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 Self Care Advocate

    JAN 30

    Doctor and Self Care Advocate

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Ilana Zago, a second-year plastic surgery resident at Loma Linda University, to explore her journey into surgery and the realities of training in a high-pressure, traditionally male-dominated field. During this episode, we talk about Dr. Zago’s path from health education to plastic surgery, the challenges and hurdles she has faced as a surgical resident, and how those experiences have shaped her professional identity. We discuss wellness and work-life integration in residency, the importance of finding and using your voice as a woman in surgery, and the critical role mentorship plays in navigating medical training. Dr. Zago also shares advice for aspiring surgeons, especially young women, who are considering a career in surgery and wondering if they belong. 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
  4. Doctor and Authentic Leadership Champion

    JAN 23

    Doctor and Authentic Leadership Champion

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Dr. Jessica Gray, family medicine physician, educator, leader, and advocate for physician well-being, to explore the realities and resilience of women in medicine. During this episode we talk about Dr. Gray’s journey into medicine, the gender bias and challenges she has faced, her personal experience with infertility, and the balancing act of motherhood and a demanding career. She also shares insights on authentic leadership, navigating “mom guilt,” and supporting the next generation of women physicians. To learn more about Dr. Gray’s work and her commitment to empowering women in medicine, tune into this episode. You can connect with her via Instagram or LinkedIn: @drjessicagraymd . Also, her website is jessicagraymd.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!

    46 min
  5. Student Physician Assistant, Mother, and Advocate

    JAN 16

    Student Physician Assistant, Mother, and Advocate

    In this episode of Our Voices, Our Future, we sit down with Kristine Wilson, a physician assistant student, wife, and mother of two, whose journey redefines what it means to pursue medicine while building a family. Kristine shares her path from exercise science to physician assistant studies, opening up about the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and medical training. Together, we explore her advocacy for parental leave reform in medical education, the emotional realities behind uncovering institutional gaps, and the broader implications for equity and access in medicine. This episode offers an inspiring look at resilience, leadership, and the power of using lived experience to drive systemic change. To learn more about Kristine and her advocacy, check out her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kristine.renee_?igsh=MWM3MGo0N2IwaWRlbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr You can also reach out to Kristine via email: kcart144@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!

    40 min
  6. Student Doctor and Author

    JAN 9

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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!