Michelle Lall, MD I have been fortunate. I have had many mentors in Emergency Medicine, including many amazing women. I have thanked them all before, but they deserve more than just my thanks. They should know that they have influenced my life and career in more ways than I can ever express with words. But most importantly, they should know that through their example, I too have become a mentor. Thank you for giving me the skills and courage to be a mentor.
Dr. Gloria Kuhn – thank you. I can vividly recall how you kindly taught me the proper way to auscultate the lungs as a second year medical student. Little did I know, at that time, that you are a giant in Emergency Medicine. From the beginning, you have always been kind, approachable and available. You have provided me with guidance and support for the last 14 years, and I am forever thankful. You are a pioneering woman in Emergency Medicine, and how fortunate I am to know you. There are so many of us that owe you thanks and gratitude for all that you have accomplished in your career and contributed to the field of Emergency Medicine.
To all the women of AAWEP, AWAEM and FemInEM, thank you for your courage, dedication and commitment to women in Emergency Medicine. There are so many of you to thank. These groups are truly incredible and without them we will not bridge the gender gaps that still exist in medicine. As women in EM, we need to ensure that these groups keep their momentum and continue to grow. They offer incredible resources to their members and mentorship is arguably the greatest resource. Networking, collaboration and mentorship often go hand in hand and are key components to these groups.
To those that have participated in the AAMC Women in Medicine series, thank you. Your representation of Emergency Medicine is invaluable. Your commitment to women and our continued work towards equality in medicine is unparalleled.
To my Emory Family, thank you. You have watched me grow since my first day of residency. Thank you for your commitment to my education and the countless examples of leadership, academic scholarship, service and compassionate patient care you have shown me. Thank you to all of you but especially Drs. Heilpern, Shayne, Haley, Heron, Atallah, White, Stettner, Salhi and Liebzeit. You all continue to provide mentorship, support and encouragement as I continue to grow as an academic physician.
To all of my contemporary peer mentors, thank you. We have worked together and grown together, and I am grateful for all you have taught me. These mentoring relationships may not seem as formal and often go both ways. But the power of these relationships cannot be under-estimated. Thank you Drs. Shah, Barclay-Buchanan, Czuczman, Taylor, Siegelman, Meloy, Fusaro, Poznanski, and Kass. You are all amazing women and men, mentors and friends. You inspire me to do more, be more and contribute more.
To all of my mentees, thank you. It has been my privilege to be a part of your lives. I hope that I have provided you with the guidance, support and encouragement that my mentors have provided to me. All I ask of you is that you pass it on. Be a mentor, pass the torch. I am so proud of all of you and all that you have accomplished.
In the words of my mentor and friend Dr. Barton, “Do as I say, not as I’ve done.” Hindsight is always 20/20, but Dr. Barton, you have done and continue to do amazing things. Your lessons have taught me well. You continue to push me out of my comfort zone and support me every time you do. You lead by example, and I am fortunate to have followed your lead.
I challenge all of you to:
- Find a mentor
- Become a mentor
- Thank a mentor
- The experience is truly priceless.
Thanks for this insightful and positive piece! Its easy to forget the inspiration and connection, and the difference that you can make in the future or your mentees. The work is hard, but the reward is priceless!
I love this Dr. Lall!! “A mentor is someone who believes in your potential so relentlessly you are obliged to live up to the expectations!”