Just Do It: Dr. Shikha Jain on the Women in Medicine Movement for Equality, Patient Safety, Do No Harm Leadership and Economic Empowerment
September 13, 2024 by Kimberly J. Soenen
(Dr. Shikha Jain, Founder of Women in Medicine.)
Soenen: What is your current professional role and what other organizations are you active with in the healthcare and healthcare policy arena?
Jain: I am currently a tenured associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Illinois Cancer Center; Director of Communication Strategies in Medicine at University of Illinois Chicago; and Associate Director of Oncology Communication & Digital Innovation at University of Illinois Cancer Center.
I am also the co-founder of the 501c3 organization IMPACT that was born during the pandemic to fight misinformation and elevate public healthcare workers into public facing roles to provide accurate health information to the public through traditional media, social media, and academic publications.
I am on the Illinois State Medical Societies' Women in Medicine taskforce, and was previously appointed by the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to the Committee on Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information on Biological Threats.
I am the consulting medical editor for Women in Oncology, on the editorial board of Healio HemOnc Today and the host of the podcast Oncology Overdrive.
Soenen: What motivates you to speak out so loudly about pay inequality, gender gaps, the systemic marginalization of women and the need for more professional leverage for women?
Jain: My parents have always said I am someone who has never been able to see unfair behavior and allowed it to continue. This all started when I realized I was facing barriers that were negatively impacting both my personal and professional life, and I was not the only one in these types of situations.
When I began to understand how intrinsic the problem was to our healthcare system and how it was negatively impacting so many incredible women in medicine, and the patients we served, I felt the need to do something.
The work is not easy, can be exhausting and can even be scary at some times. But what keeps me going is when I hear from women on how our programming or networks have changed their lives. I have started to see some of the Butterfly Effect of what we are trying to do, and that motivates me to keep going.
Soenen: I read recently a quote by Francis Weller. She said: “We are seeing this last gasp effort to try to uphold the old structures. Keep capitalism going. Keep the stock market inflated. They’re all going to collapse. They have to, because the system is unsustainable. Not only in terms of world resources, but just in terms of human capacity to endure that kind of emptiness.”
What do you see as the future of healthcare delivery in the United States going into 2025 and if elected, how will Vice President Harris leverage patients, medical professionals and business owners?
Jain: Francis Weller’s quote speaks to a broader truth about the systems that have shaped our world—healthcare is certainly one of them. Our current healthcare system is strained, not only by the increasing demand for services but also by the structures in place that prioritize profit over patient outcomes. As we move toward 2025, I believe we will see a growing shift towards value-based care, where outcomes and patient satisfaction take precedence over the volume of services rendered. This will require a reimagining of healthcare delivery, one that leverages technology, prioritizes preventative care, and promotes equity across all populations.
Preventive care is an essential component of a sustainable healthcare system. If we invest in preventing disease—through education, early screenings, vaccinations, and healthier lifestyles—we can significantly reduce the need for more costly interventions down the road. Unfortunately, our system often incentivizes reactive rather than proactive care. Moving forward, we need to prioritize policies that make preventive services more accessible and remove the barriers that prevent patients from receiving early and regular care. We also need to compensate those focusing on preventative care, as well as identify that many of the roles taken on by women in medicine are uncompensated and undervalued but are essential for keeping institutions afloat, and in actuality are what often result in institutional success.
One of the major issues that must be addressed is the bureaucratic burden placed on both patients and healthcare providers, one specific example is the need to fix the prior authorization process. This process, while originally intended to control costs, has become a major bottleneck that delays critical care, frustrates providers, and often causes unnecessary stress for patients. Streamlining or even eliminating prior authorizations for certain types of care—especially preventive services—could dramatically improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Vice President Harris, if elected, has the potential to galvanize a movement that brings together patients, healthcare providers, and business owners to create a system that serves everyone. She’s advocated for addressing health disparities and has a history of standing up for underserved populations. I see her administration prioritizing access to care, particularly for marginalized communities, and fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors. This approach can drive innovation while ensuring that healthcare delivery becomes more equitable, affordable, and patient-centered.
But this isn’t just about policy—it’s about listening to the needs of patients, respecting the expertise of medical professionals, and incentivizing businesses to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable system. Healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all, and by 2025, we must adopt a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, and social determinants of health. We can’t sustain the old ways, and the future lies in a system that prioritizes health over profit.
Soenen: What is the number one focus of Women in Medicine going into 2025?
Jain: We have seen on a national scale the impact of women leaving medicine. This out migration directly impacts delivery of care, access to care, health outcomes, and health policy decisions. Our number one focus is to empower women and male allies to change the system by providing tools to those who attend, and then galvanizing those who hear about our efforts to continue the profound ripple effect initiated by the first ever Women in Medicine Summit in 2019. Change is long overdue, and we are seeing firsthand how our lack of intentional strategies to address and fix these issues is causing irreparable harm. We must not just empower those who are impacted, but make clear that these changes impact each and every one of us.
Soenen: Can you recall the one moment when you decided to start Women in Medicine? What moved you to take this one with your job and your family? What keeps you going?
Jain: I had just come back from maternity leave after having my twins, and I was writing more Op-eds and engaging more on Twitter. I started seeing a similar thread of content where women were sharing incidents that had happened to them, and they felt similar to my own experiences. I wanted to create not only a conference, but a network for women in medicine across the country to not only share experiences, but also learn skills to get into leadership and then be exceptional when they got there, create networks to help women get into those roles, and hopefully—with a multifaceted approach—drive systemic change.
I didn't just want to create education opportunities, I wanted to find real solutions to drive change and then arm each and every woman touched by the organization or conference to do just that. In 2020, when the pandemic happened, countless people reached out to me asking me to do more, create more, provide a community when we were all feeling so isolated.
Soenen: What’s your advice for young people who want to pursue a career in medicine but cannot afford medical school or have to work one or two jobs to make ends meet?
Jain: First and foremost, I want to emphasize that a career in medicine is not just a job—it's a calling. It can be one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue, but I understand that the financial burden of medical school can feel overwhelming, especially for those without resources. My advice to young people facing this challenge is to not give up on your dream and to explore every available opportunity for support. There are several paths you can take. First, research scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs, many of which are available for students committed to working in underserved areas or specific specialties like primary care. Organizations like the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and state programs offer financial aid in exchange for a service commitment, which can help reduce your debt significantly. Additionally, consider looking into public service loan forgiveness programs, which can forgive the remainder of your loans if you work in qualifying nonprofit or government positions. Many schools also offer need-based aid, so don’t be afraid to apply to a range of institutions, including those with strong financial aid programs.
Another option is to explore joint-degree programs, such as MD-MPH or MD-MBA, where some funding might be available.
Finally, keep in mind that medicine is a long journey, and financial challenges in the beginning don’t have to define your future. Seek out mentors, build your network, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice and support from those who have been through it.
Medicine needs compassionate, driven people like you, and while the road may be difficult, there are many ways to navigate it. Persistence and resourcefulness are key. If this is your passion, don’t let the financial hurdles discourage you—there are people and programs out there that can help.
Soenen: What are you hopeful about in the context of health, healthcare and Public Health going into 2025?
Jain: I'm hopeful about several key areas as we move toward 2025, particularly in how we are reimagining health, healthcare delivery, and public health. One of the things that excites me most is the rapid advancement of technology in medicine. From telemedicine to artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics, we are seeing tools that have the potential to transform how we provide care. These innovations are improving access for patients, especially in rural and underserved areas, and allowing for more personalized and efficient care.
I'm also optimistic about the growing focus on health equity. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the deep disparities in healthcare, and I believe we’ve entered a period where the medical community is more dedicated than ever to addressing these inequalities. There is increased awareness of the social determinants of health—such as access to healthy food, housing, and education—which play a massive role in patient outcomes. I’m hopeful that we will continue building systems that address these root causes and create more equitable healthcare for all.
Preventive care is another area that gives me hope. We are shifting from a reactive, disease-centered approach to one that emphasizes prevention and early intervention. Whether it's through better access to screenings or a more holistic understanding of health that includes mental and social well-being, this shift is critical to creating a sustainable healthcare system.
In public health, I’m encouraged by how much more collaborative our approaches have become. We've seen what can happen when scientists, policymakers, and communities work together to address major health threats like pandemics or Climate Change. I believe this spirit of collaboration and innovation will continue to grow, allowing us to respond to public health crises more effectively and proactively.
Overall, I’m hopeful because more than ever, there is a focus on patient-centered care, equity, and sustainability. Healthcare is evolving, and while challenges remain, I believe we are on the right path to creating a healthier, more equitable world.
Soenen: Having experienced everything you have as a medical student, mother, physician and citizen, what would you tell young people out there who are feeling apathetic, cynical, and hopeless about the future of health, safety and Global Health?
Jain: I understand the feelings of apathy, cynicism, and hopelessness that many young people are experiencing right now, especially in the face of the challenges we see in healthcare and global health. As a medical student, physician, mother, and citizen, I've felt the weight of these same struggles. The road is not easy, but I want to remind you that change, while often slow, is possible—and it starts with individuals like you.
We’re living in a time when the health challenges we face can feel overwhelming, whether it’s global pandemics, healthcare inequalities, or climate change affecting public health. But what I’ve learned through my experiences is that moments of difficulty can be opportunities for growth, resilience, and innovation. When systems feel broken, it's often the energy and passion of the younger generation that drives the most meaningful changes.
If you’re feeling cynical, I encourage you to channel that frustration into action. There are so many ways you can make a difference in health and global health—whether it's through research, advocacy, public health initiatives, or direct patient care. You don’t have to take on the entire system by yourself, but you can play a role in pushing it forward. Small efforts can have big ripple effects.
I also want to remind you that progress often comes from collaboration. In my own career, I’ve seen the power of community—whether through supporting patients, working with colleagues, or joining larger movements to address systemic issues like health disparities. When we work together, we are stronger, and that sense of shared purpose is what keeps me hopeful even in the most challenging times.
So, while it’s natural to feel discouraged, I believe that the future of health and global health is full of potential. You are part of a generation that is more connected, informed, and passionate than ever. If you stay engaged and committed, even when it feels hard, you can be the force that drives the change we so desperately need. The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership—don’t let apathy silence them.
Soenen: If you were the CEO of a major hospital in Chicago right now, what are the three culture change policies you would implement immediately?
Jain: If I were the CEO of a major hospital in Chicago, the three culture change policies I would implement immediately would be:
First: Equity in Patient Care—Ensuring that every patient receives the same high standard of care, regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status, is a top priority. I would implement policies that eliminate disparities in care by providing targeted resources for underserved populations and expanding access to preventive services. This would also include mandatory cultural competency and bias training for all healthcare providers to ensure that the care patients receive is equitable and respectful. By fostering a culture that prioritizes patient equity, we can improve outcomes for all, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
Second: Promoting Gender Equity and Compensating Essential Work—Another critical change would be addressing gender inequity in the workforce by creating transparent pathways for women and underrepresented minorities to advance into leadership positions. Ensuring equal pay for equal work and providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities is essential. Additionally, the often 'invisible' work—such as committee participation, mentorship, and diversity and equity initiatives—should be recognized and compensated. This work is fundamental to institutional success, and compensating it appropriately would signify a shift in culture towards valuing contributions that have long been overlooked.
Third: Reducing Burnout and Supporting Well-Being— To create a sustainable healthcare workforce, we must tackle the growing issue of burnout among healthcare professionals. I would implement policies focused on promoting work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and providing mental health support for all staff. Ensuring that healthcare workers have the resources and support they need to manage their personal and professional lives will not only improve staff well-being but also enhance patient care and retention. A culture that values and supports its workforce is one where people thrive, both professionally and personally.
These three changes would build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system, benefiting both the workforce and the patients we serve.
Soenen: What will young people learn at the Women in Medicine Summit and how can they engage if they are unable to afford the price of travel and the ticket?
Jain: We are committed to making sure that financial barriers don’t prevent passionate young individuals from participating, because we believe that every voice is needed to shape the future of healthcare.
Young people attending the Women in Medicine Summit will gain invaluable insights, skills, and connections that can help shape their careers and personal growth. They’ll have the opportunity to learn from leaders in medicine, healthcare, and advocacy who are driving change in the field. Sessions will cover essential topics like leadership development, career advancement, addressing disparities, negotiation strategies, and the importance of self-care in medicine. These aren’t just theoretical discussions—they’ll leave with practical tools they can apply immediately in their personal and professional lives.
For those who are unable to afford the ticket or travel expenses, there are still ways to engage. We offer remote volunteer opportunities with our nonprofit throughout the year, which allow individuals to contribute to our mission, help organize events, and get involved with meaningful projects like research, community outreach, and advocacy efforts. Volunteering provides a way to engage with the summit community, gain experience, and build relationships with leaders in healthcare.
Additionally, the summit is a chance to network with mentors and peers who are passionate about advancing healthcare and creating a more equitable and inclusive medical community. For young people, these connections can be instrumental as they build their careers and find their path in the medical world.
There are also ways to get involved with research labs affiliated with the summit and the nonprofit, providing young people with hands-on learning and valuable mentorship in a field that aligns with their interests.
Soenen: Physicians are real humans, right?
Jain: I’ve heard that, yes.
Soenen: A few questions to explore your off-the-clock life?
Jain: Shoot.
KS: Preferred way to clear your head?
Jain: Go for a run or spend time with my family.
KS: Favorite Chicago haunt for a night out with your husband?
Jain: Love, and have always loved, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba.
KS: Introverted Extrovert or Extroverted Introvert?
Jain: I used to be an extroverted extrovert, ha! But I think I have evolved into an extroverted introvert.
KS: Are scrubs working for ya or is it time for a new concept?
Jain: I LOVE Green Cloud scrubs because I think they actually have made scrubs not feel like scrubs!
KS: Favorite comfort food after a long week?
Jain: Deep dish Chicago Giordanos pizza.
KS: Top three on your morning commute playlist?
Jain: NPR or CNN, The Beatles, Guster, Frank Ferdinand and Broadway.
KS: Top three on your jogging playlist?
Jain: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger performed and co-written by Kelly Clarkson; Run the World - Girls performed and written by Beyoncé; and Waka Waka – This Time For Africa performed by Shakira and cowritten by Shakira and John Hill.
KS: Best advice a mentor ever gave you in healthcare?
Jain: Don’t believe the hype about yourself, keep yourself mission driven, and this work is hard. Whether it’s clinical or advocacy, mentoring or sponsorship. Make sure you have a way to balance your life to the best of your ability and most of call, keep family as your first priority.
KS: “Ask permission” or “Just do it?”
Jain: Just do it. Ask forgiveness later.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
ENGAGE > Learn more about the Women in Medicine Summit here.
READ > An Evolution of Empowerment: Voices of Women in Medicine and Their Allies by Shikha Jain and Avital Y O'Glasser
WATCH > The Moonshot for Gender Equity and Equality
LEARN > On Denial of Care Harm-for-Profit | New York Times March 14, 2024
LISTEN > Oncology Overdrive Podcast