More than a dozen teenagers from Girls Inc. recently took part in a “Rad Girls” experiential opportunity through iEXCEL at the Davis Global Center. The event was sponsored and spearheaded by the UNMC College of Medicine’s Radiology Interest Group.
The girls interacted with iEXCEL staff, UNMC faculty, residents and medical students, while doing hands-on activities. They took part in small-group and one-on-one instruction in radiology and its associated technology.
One young visitor saw the opportunity to use a real ultrasound scanner as a head start to her career.
“I want to be one of these!” she said.
Another was so excited she dropped the equipment. “Everybody has done that,” Liz Pruss, MD, assured her.
“What’s the gel for?” one girl asked. The lubricant helps soundwaves travel.
Will Roeder, community outreach chair for the interest group, credited fellow med student Caroline Spethman as the driving force behind the idea.
Spethman, a former Girls Inc. volunteer, said that while medical classes now are generally evenly split along gender lines, women make up only about 25% of the radiology field.
“We wanted to give these girls the opportunity to see female leaders,” Spethman said, “and see the opportunities that are there for them in medicine.”
Girls Inc. works to give these girls a chance to see all kinds of opportunities they might not otherwise be exposed to, said Karen Adams, a provisionally licensed mental health practitioner who works with Girls Inc.’s counseling department. Adams collaborated with the UNMC team to set up the visit and brought the group to campus.
Adams said she appreciates that UNMC partners with Girls Inc. on multiple initiatives from kindergarten through high school.
Girls Inc. Omaha is part of a national organization dedicated to delivering “life-changing programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers so that they can grow up to be strong, smart, and bold.” Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, chief of neonatology, serves on the organization’s board.
“Here at Girls Inc., we are dedicated to inclusivity and equity because we know it paves the way for a brighter, more representative future in medicine, where every aspiring individual, regardless of background, can pursue their dreams and contribute their unique talents to the healing and well-being of all,” executive director Candias Jones said.
“We are so thankful to UNMC for exposing our girls to the medical field. Institutions that open doors for young women to explore the medical field are the cornerstone of progress and equality.”
The visiting girls worked with Wayne Howell III, iEXCEL advanced surgical simulation specialist, and Samantha Rogers, manager of iEXCEL’s clinical simulation program.
Mimi Hamling, MD, chief resident, Dr. Pruss, a radiology resident, and Elizabeth Edney, MD, associate professor of radiology, were among the physicians who took part as hands-on teachers and role models.
“These are power ladies,” Spethman said.
Spethman, Roeder, Carmen Vogt, Luke Doyle and Sarah Dutt were among the medical students who assisted.
The evening closed with a dinner event featuring presentations from faculty, residents and medical students about women in medicine and radiology.
Kudos to the Rad Girls Team! Mentoring matters, keep up your outreach and good work.