Roundtable

Overview: The research literature has long examined the challenges that academic and professional women in public health, and the health professions, face when trying to combine fulfilling professional careers with gratifying personal lives. These issues have been the subject of mentorship programs, self-help books and op-eds in both the specialized and the popular literature. Nevertheless, less is known about the personal costs that may result from women choosing higher education and professional careers. Some facts remain ubiquitous: women still make less money that men and are expected to comply with low-status roles (often caretaking in nature) for no compensation. Professional women may also face special challenges in finding a partner, childbearing and childrearing. Additionally, there is an increasing shrinkage of institutional spaces for women to develop coping skills and mentor relationships, which might help them overcome these challenges. In many places, the voices of women, particularly minority scholars and professionals, are often absent. This roundtable will offer a space where women can collectively reflect on and problem-solve these challenges. Learning

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)