The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Health Sciences Library, a branch of University Libraries at Virginia Tech, is highlighting women health care leaders with the traveling exhibit “Rise, Serve, Lead! America’s Women Physicians,” from Aug. 19-Sept. 28, in Room M110 of 2 Riverside Circle in Roanoke. The exhibit is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.  

Highlighting women’s leadership in medicine

Developed by the National Library of Medicine, the exhibit serves as a platform to shed light on trailblazing women who have made remarkable strides in medicine, often overcoming significant barriers to lead and inspire future generations. 

“Historically, the role of women in leadership positions often gets overlooked,” said Kiri DeBose, University Libraries’ director of the Health Sciences Libraries. “We wanted to use this exhibit to provide examples of women leaders in that historical context, connect back to Virginia Tech’s health sciences programs where we have made significant progress in having women serve in leadership roles.”

The exhibit offers an enlightening experience for a diverse audience, including medical professionals, students, and history enthusiasts. Through carefully curated narratives and displays, visitors delve into the challenges, triumphs, and enduring legacies of women physicians who have played a critical role in shaping the landscape of American health care. 

In addition to the physical exhibit, patrons can view a digital slideshow that provides insights from women leaders in the health sciences working at Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

Special panel discussion

University Libraries and Virginia Tech Roanoke Women's Connect will host a panel discussion on Sept. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. in Room G101 A and B at 4 Riverside Circle in Roanoke at Virginia Tech's Health Sciences and Technology campus and via Zoom. During the discussion, six Virginia Tech women leaders will describe the challenges, opportunities, and rewards they have had in their professional journeys:   

  • Carla V. Finkielstein, professor, director of the Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Lab, and interim director of the Cancer Research Group, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
  • Emily Holt Foerst, assistant dean, Student Affairs, and director of the Academic Counseling and Enrichment Services, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
  • Ginny Pannabecker, assistant dean and director of the Research Collaboration and Engagement, University Libraries
  • Rebecca R. Pauly , vice dean, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
  • Melanie K. Prusakowski, associate dean, Admissions, and director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
  • Shari Whicker, assistant dean for faculty development, senior director of the Office of Continuing Professional Development at Carilion Clinic, and director of the Teaching Excellence Acadamy for Collaborative Healthcare at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine 

This panel session aims to foster a rich dialogue on the importance of diversity in leadership and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in medicine. Register to attend. 

Inspiring future generations

The “Rise, Serve, Lead! America’s Women Physicians” exhibit is a tribute to the past and an inspiration to the future. 

The exhibit underscores the critical importance of diversity and representation in health care, celebrating the progress while also acknowledging the ongoing journey

“Glass ceilings have been shattered and continue to be shattered,” DeBose said. “Women have been instrumental in providing leadership throughout many different aspects of the health sciences, including research, medical education, administration, and other services that support and advance the health sciences.”

The exhibit highlights the strides women have made in medicine and the importance of continuing to support and elevate women leaders in the field.

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