The Women & Medicine Commission’s Career Advising Program (CAP) is a longitudinal sponsorship initiative to help junior and mid-career women faculty successfully navigate academic advancement opportunities by connecting these members with senior “Career Sponsors” throughout SGIM (i.e., Associate or Full Professors). Sponsoring activities focus on CV preparation, targeted committee membership, and strategies for relationship-building for career advancement.

"A coach speaks to you, a mentor converses with you, but a sponsor advocates for you."

Who Should Apply

Our target sponsors are SGIM members at the Associate or Full Professor level who are passionate about the progress of women in medicine and possess the clout to endorse a junior colleague's ascent within their career trajectory.

Our sponsees are women holding positions ranging from Chief Resident/Fellow to Associate or Assistant Professors. These individuals are interested in academic promotion or career advancement and will benefit from the advocacy of a senior faculty member.

SGIM continues its journey to becoming an anti-racist society committed to promoting and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as a strategic priority. A diverse panel of reviewers will give all applicants equal consideration.

Program Highlights

The Career Advising Program champions the progress of women physicians by fostering solid bonds with influential sponsors. These alliances are built to celebrate their achievements, widen their professional circles, and secure recognition among academic peers.

A two-year pledge with a minimum of bi-annual interactions between sponsor and sponsee sets the foundation for success. This can be through email, phone, virtual, or in-person engagements. Sponsees are expected to maintain their SGIM membership throughout the program. At least one face-to-face meeting (virtual or physical) is anticipated during this period. An annual reception by the Women & Medicine Commission at the SGIM’s Annual Meeting offers an additional networking opportunity for participants.

Matches are thoughtfully made by the CAP Chair and Chair-Elect based on application insights to ensure alignment and promise successful partnerships.

  • Communication: Regular contact between advisees and advisors is crucial, with the onus on the advisee to sustain this connection.
  • Support: Ongoing support for advisors to monitor and encourage the mentoring dynamic.

Important Dates

January 15, 2024
Applications for Sponsors and Sponsees open

March 22, 2024
Applications for Sponsors and Sponsees close

March 23 - April 15, 2024
Sponsors and Sponsees matching

April 26, 2024
Sponsors and Sponsees are notified

 

CAP Leadership

Peter Cram, MD
Chair-Elect, WAMC CAP
University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine

Alia Chisty, MD
Past-Chair, WAMC CAP
Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Anthi Katsouli, MD
Chair-Elect, WAMC CAP
Loyola University Medical Center