Collectively, and as individuals, women have a significant role in EM across the country and world. The meaningful contributions they are making lead to lives being saved, policies changing, and education strengthened. Melissa A. Barton, M.D., ABEM’s Executive Director of Professional and Clinical Affairs, reflects on the influence of Gloria J. Kuhn D.O., Ph.D.
“I owe my career to Dr. Gloria Kuhn, a pioneer in Emergency Medicine, who took me under her wing, offered support, encouragement, and a vision for what a successful and fulfilling career in our specialty looks like. To her, the most important aspect of being a good doctor was to be a good person, the rest would follow. Since then, I have been fortunate to have a network of women emergency physicians that I can call both a friend and colleague. I hope that I have been able to provide the same support to those that follow, those that are just starting their career. Gloria taught me that, ‘The decisions are made by those that show up.’ We must all continue to show up for one another and most importantly, for our patients. Competence is the first kindness that we do for our patients in their greatest hour of need. Never doubt the impact that one person can have on a life, as many times we are unaware, but the person that we have helped will never forget us.”
Thank you, to all women who are a part of Emergency Medicine, for the extraordinary impact you make on the lives of others.
