Forget the endless parade of PowerPoints and lukewarm hotel coffee — this September 18–20, the Women in Medicine Summit is promising something different. Hosted at Chicago’s iconic Drake Hotel, the meeting isn’t pitching itself as just another conference. Founder Shikha Jain, M.D., FACP, says it’s more like a movement.
The theme this year? “The Power of Women in Medicine: Power. Policy. Progress. Fixing the System, Together.” In other words: less death-by-PowerPoint, more roll-up-your-sleeves leadership, advocacy, and inspiration.
Why Spine and Ortho Should Care
Sure, the title says Women in Medicine, but the reality is this: the issues on the table — policy, equity, leadership, system change — impact all of us. If you’ve ever grumbled about bureaucracy, burnout, or the disconnect between the OR and the C-suite, you’ll find plenty of company here.
Plus, the Summit is intentionally cross-specialty: from surgeons and hospital leaders to nurses, researchers, and policy shapers. The result is a collision of perspectives that might just jolt you out of your spine-surgery silo.
Not Your Average CME Weekend
“This is not a typical medical meeting. It feels like a movement, a community, and a catalyst for change,” Dr. Jain says. Attendees regularly call it “transformational.” Translation: you won’t just sit back and absorb lectures — you’ll leave with a notebook full of practical tools (and probably some new friends who’ll text you about career moves years later).
The three-day lineup highlights:
- The Power of Women’s Health
- The Power of Women Leaders
- The Power of Women’s Voices
Expect an all-star speaker roster, including:
- Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC Director, on leading through crisis.
- Rep. Dr. Maxine Dexter, physician-legislator, on shaping healthcare policy.
- Dr. Annie Andrews, fighting misinformation to protect children’s health.
- Dr. Marcia Faustin, Head Physician for U.S. Olympic Gymnastics.
- Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, urgent care leader and health equity champion.
- Hillary Phelps, champion swimmer and recovery advocate.
- Janet Foutty, former Deloitte chair, on women in leadership.
And yes, there’s improv comedy and design thinking on the schedule — because sometimes the best way to learn how to run a system is by pretending you’re on stage at Second City.
The Gala Centerpiece
Friday night’s EmpowerHer Med Gala will honor standout healthcare leaders and present the #IStandWithHer Awards. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to swap scrubs for black tie, this is it.
How to Make It Count
Dr. Jain has a few pro tips for first-timers:
- Do your “homework”: Meet at least five new people on day one.
- Ditch imposter syndrome: The worst anyone can say is “no.”
- Mix it up: Balance big-picture keynotes with hands-on workshops.
- Speak up: Bring your questions, ideas, and frustrations to the table.
- Leave with a plan: One action step for the week after the Summit — no excuses.
Bottom line
For surgeons who thrive on precision and outcomes, the Women in Medicine Summit offers a rare chance to zoom out and tackle the messy but vital world of leadership, policy, and advocacy. If you’ve ever wished your OR efficiency could be applied to healthcare systems at large, this meeting is for you.
So pack your curiosity (and maybe your dancing shoes for the gala). Chicago in September is calling — and this time, the conference really might change how you practice, lead, and think about medicine.
For more information, visit https://www.womeninmedicinesummit.org/
