Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD

Medical Sisterhood: Polished and Powerful—Women Leading the Charge in Advocacy

02:20 - Inspirations for Advocacy Involvement

06:20 - Initial Experiences in Advocacy/Legislation

13:30 - Advice for Others Seeking Similar Path

17:00 - Being Involved in Advocacy at Home

, host Mona Shahriari, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, is joined by Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Pigmentary Disorder and Multiethnic Skin Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, to discuss advocacy, mentorship, and the empowerment of women in medicine. 

After introducing herself, Kourosh reflects on her path to legislative advocacy, which began with patient-centered initiatives through organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation. She emphasizes physician-patient teams' power in conveying healthcare policies' real-world impact to lawmakers. From addressing insurance step therapies to advocating for sustainable physician reimbursement, her efforts highlight the critical role of education in influencing health policy. She notes how many lawmakers lack a nuanced understanding of medical issues, making physician input essential.

Use this link to view US News and World Report article, titled "

Medicare is Breaking. Senior Citizens are Paying the Price.

", authored by Kourosh referenced in this recording.

The conversation shifts to empowering women to engage in advocacy despite time constraints. Kourosh encourages leveraging local opportunities, such as district meetings with legislators, joining committees remotely, or supporting initiatives via social media. She underscores how impactful contributions can start with small actions, like responding to pre-drafted advocacy emails from professional organizations.

The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder about the value of friendships and collegial support in navigating challenges, preventing burnout, and fostering career growth. Kourosh advises physicians to invest in building and maintaining strong professional relationships, as collaboration and community are key to resilience and success in medicine.

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Podcasts

Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, joins The Medical Sisterhood to discuss advocacy, mentorship, and the empowerment of women in medicine. 

Medical Sisterhood Role Models, with Drs. Susan Taylor and Linda Stein Gold

Medical Sisterhood: Role Models

, host Mona Shahriari, MD, speaks with Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, two leaders in dermatology, about mentorship, professional growth, and the realities of balancing personal and professional responsibilities as women in medicine.

Taylor, a professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine, shares how her mentor inspired her to develop the subspecialty of skin of color dermatology. She emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and planning strategically to focus on impactful work, such as her recent completion of a new edition of 

Stein Gold, director of Dermatology Clinical Research at Henry Ford Health System, discusses her role in pioneering clinical trials and how early encouragement from a mentor to present her findings at national meetings shaped her career. She advises women to embrace opportunities, even when they feel unprepared, and reflects on the critical importance of prioritizing family.

The discussion highlights how women bring unique perspectives to dermatology, including holistic patient care and multitasking abilities. Both guests address imposter syndrome, stressing the importance of recognizing one’s competence and embracing challenges. Their insights provide actionable advice for young female physicians navigating their careers while striving to balance personal fulfillment.

Mona Shahriari, MD, hosts a discussion with dermatology leaders Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, focusing on mentorship, professional growth, and balancing personal and professional life as women in medicine. Taylor highlights the significance of strategic planning and delegation, while Stein Gold emphasizes seizing opportunities and prioritizing family. Both discuss the unique perspectives women bring to dermatology, addressing imposter syndrome and offering advice for young female physicians. Their insights aim to empower women in medicine to achieve career success and personal fulfillment.

Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, join The Medical Sisterhood for an intimate conversation on the importance of role models and mentors.

The Medical Sisterhood: Role Models and Mentorship, with Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD

The Medical Sisterhood: Navigating Motherhood in Medicine, with Alexandra Golant, MD

14:46 - The Value of Professional Friendships 

, host Mona Shahriari, MD, is joined by Alexandra Golant, MD, medical director of the Dermatology Faculty Practice and the program director of the Dermatology Residency Program at Mount Sinai, to discuss the complexities of balancing motherhood and a medical career. Golant, who also serves as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, shares her journey in medicine, the challenges of raising 4 children, and the importance of accepting imperfection in both personal and professional roles.

The conversation highlights the reality that women often feel pressured to "have it all," but Golant emphasizes that prioritizing tasks and finding personal balance are essential. The episode also touches on the power of female mentorship, learning to say no without guilt, and how creating a strong support network can help women thrive in male-dominated fields like medicine. 

Later, both Shahriari and Golant reflect on their own experiences with work-life balance, discussing how flexibility, camaraderie, and self-care can prevent burnout. By normalizing the struggles women face in medicine, the episode offers relatable advice and encouragement to physicians juggling career demands and family life.

Tune in monthly on HCPLive for empowering conversations that will help you build a fulfilling career and life! All episodes of The Medical Sisterhood will be available in a video format via HCPLive.com, with audio-only version available via Apple and Spotify.

The episode of The Medical Sisterhood features a discussion between Mona Shahriari, MD, and Alexandra Golant, MD, on balancing motherhood and a medical career. Golant shares her experiences managing a demanding career while raising four children, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and accepting imperfection. The conversation underscores the value of female mentorship, learning to say no, and building a support network. Shahriari and Golant also discuss work-life balance strategies, such as flexibility and self-care, to prevent burnout and support women in male-dominated fields like medicine.

Alexandra Golant, MD, joins the program for a deep dive into her experience with motherhood, striking an optimal balance between her career and her personal life, and more!

The Medical Sisterhood: Motherhood in Medicine, with Alexandra Golant, MD

The Medical Sisterhood: Confronting Imposter Syndrome, with Tina Bhutani, MD, MAS

Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome - 03:29

Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome - 08:02

The Role of Support and Community - 10:34

, host Mona Shahriari, MD, sits down with dermatologist Tina Bhutani, MD, codirector of the Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center and director of the Dermatology Clinical Research Unit at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), to explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, particularly among women in medicine. Bhutani, who also serves as an associate professor of Medicine at UCSF, reflects on her personal experiences, sharing how her journey into dermatology was marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and a persistent fear of not belonging—even after securing a faculty position at UCSF, one of the top dermatology programs in the country.

Together, Shahriari, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, and Bhutani dive into the ways imposter syndrome manifests, from overthinking every comment in meetings to feeling like accomplishments are due to luck rather than merit. Bhutani shares practical strategies for overcoming this mindset, including self-coaching, leaning on peer mentors, and recognizing the unique value each woman brings to the table. The episode emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another in professional spaces, particularly in male-dominated fields, and to celebrate personal milestones and successes.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to confront self-doubt, build confidence, and foster supportive networks to navigate the pressures of medicine. Shahriari and Bhutani also discuss how creating a community—like the one they hope to build with 

—can empower women physicians to thrive.

Tune in monthly on HCPLive for empowering conversations that will help you build a fulfilling career and life! All episodes of The Medical Sisterhood will be available in a video format via HCPLive.com, with audio-only version available via Apple and Spotify. 



In this episode, Tina Bhutani, MD, MAS, joins The Medical Sisterhood for a discussion about confronting imposter syndrome as a woman in medicine.

Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD

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