Mukta Panda, MD, MACP, F-RCP London, and Catherine Womack, MD, FACP, have received the American Medical Women’s Association INSPIRE Award for their accomplishments as exceptional women physicians.
The AMWA Leadership Council presents the awards every September to mark Women in Medicine month. According to AMWA, the awards honor women physicians who exemplify the highest values in vision, integrity, collaboration, and service. This year, a group of 57 diverse physicians who work in private practice, at academic institutions, or in hospitals received the award.
Dr. Panda is a professor and assistant dean for Well-Being and Student Education at the UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized among so many women I admire, respect, and look up to. Many are my mentors, sponsors, colleagues and friends. It energizes and inspires me to continue to work collaboratively with them and give back,” Dr. Panda said.
Dr. Womack, associate dean of Student Affairs and Admissions for the UTHSC College of Medicine, said she is passionate about looking after the well-being, career paths and needs of UTHSC students. To her, an important part of that mission is to inspire other women physicians.
“I want all the young women to know that they are the next generation of women physician leaders, and I am proud to support them in my role as a physician and as a mentor,” Dr. Womack said. “Women need to know that there are many different paths in medicine and many ways to serve.”
The recipients of the award received nominations from professional colleagues, supervisors, students, or others not in the medical field. Each nominator had to demonstrate how the nominee has shown perseverance by overcoming obstacles and challenges, exhibited passion and dedication to service, or created meaningful relationships that encourage and promote others.
“I hope to allow women and others to believe in themselves and be the best version of themselves.,” Dr. Panda said. “I aim to be present to coach, mentor, advocate, and sponsor them with intentionality, coming from a place of true, genuine care.”