March is Women’s History Month. This year’s national theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the collective strength, equality and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership, shaping the minds and futures of all generations. We asked UW Medicine women about their journey into healthcare, the mentors in their lives and how they serve as mentors to others.
This is part one of a two-part feature on UW Medicine women.
Melissa (Moe) Hagman, MD, MACP (She, Her, Hers)
Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine; Program Director, UW Boise Internal Medicine Residency
I have been blessed to have a series of amazing mentors. In college, my career advisor, Dr. Sheri Robison, helped me to see that I could embrace my love of teaching by pursuing a career as a physician and teacher. I owe my path to medicine to her advice.
In medical school, my mentors were tremendous senior residents such as Dr. Shannon Bryan, who took the time to share her love of teaching with me as we cared for patients at Boise Veterans Affairs. Then there was Dr. Dawn DeWitt when I was a resident, who taught me to stand tall and share my thoughts with others. Dr. Karen McDonough and Dr. Joyce Wipf then mentored me through my chief residency and early attending career. They taught me patience, perseverance and excellence.
Today, I am lucky to mentor the current residents and graduates of the UW Boise Internal Medicine Residency. They amaze me every day with the clinical work they do, the leadership they show and the teaching/mentoring they provide to others. I wake up every morning happy to be a teacher. I hope others around me can feel that enthusiasm and find joy in teaching as well.
Lindsey Pervinich, MBA, CPA (She, Her, Hers)
Administrator of Finance and Strategic Planning, UW Medicine Primary Care
I started my career preparing non-profit tax returns and loved working with healthcare entities. Over 10 years ago, I joined UW Medicine Primary Care as an accountant and have jumped at every opportunity to learn and take on more, asking questions every chance I can get to learn about operations and strategy.
Debra Gussin, the former executive director of Primary Care, encouraged me to be vocal about my interests and helped find opportunities for me to learn. I proved myself by taking ownership and finding solutions before they were officially part of my job duties. Over time, my role has grown to include oversight of many of those interest areas.
I encourage women to proactively share their career goals while also keeping an open mind — your path may not be exactly what you originally planned. Volunteer to lead a project so your supervisors know you want to take on more and are hungry to learn. There are so many opportunities at UW Medicine to grow if you seek them out!
Elaine Huang, PharmD, MHA (She, Her, Hers)
Director of Pharmacy, UW Medical Center
A compassionate mentor in a hospital pharmacy showed me how deep medication knowledge can transform patient care. Her example ignited my passion for healthcare, leading me to pursue a career where empathy and expertise drive better outcomes.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors in my life and career. One of them is Dr. Kim Donnelly, who fearlessly speaks up for what is best for patient care. Her firm, fair approach and courage to challenge the status quo inspire my commitment to advocacy and embody the collective strength celebrated in this year’s national theme.
The way I mentor is by fostering an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace culture. I encourage open conversations about the challenges women may face in medicine, including bias, work-life balance and leadership opportunities.
Tiana Odiaka (She, Her, Hers)
Patient Service Specialist Lead, UW Primary Care – Issaquah
My love language is acts of service. As the front desk lead, I enjoy serving patients by creating a welcoming and supportive experience. Being the first point of contact allows me to assist with their needs, provide helpful information and ensure a smooth visit. I find fulfillment in problem-solving, multitasking and making a positive impact on their care.
My grandmothers, both dedicated nurses, inspired my passion for healthcare. Their compassion, hard work and commitment to help others showed me the impact of patient care. Their stories of dedication motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a difference, just as they did.
I try to offer guidance, share experiences and provide encouragement. I support team members’ growth through networking, career advice and confidence-building. I help them when I can to navigate challenges, embrace leadership roles and achieve their goals.
Paula Cox-North, PhD, ARNP (She, Her, Hers)
Nurse Practitioner, Liver Clinic, Harborview Medical Center
As far back as I remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I started my nursing career with an associate degree, then a bachelor’s degree, and after working in both inpatient and outpatient care, I found hepatology and my passion. This led me to a master’s in nursing and a nurse practitioner degree so I could more broadly care for these patients. I then completed a PhD because there was a need for research in palliative and quality of care of those with end-stage liver disease. Recognizing this gap in nursing education, I started teaching students.
I feel fortunate that I had two role models/mentors. One was the head of the General Hepatology Department at the UW School of Medicine, Dr. Robert Carithers, who would tirelessly take the time to answer my numerous questions about liver disease. The second was Dr. Margaret Heitkemper in the UW School of Nursing, who collaborated with me on an article early in my career (and was convinced she could teach me to write). She became a strong influence in my decision to pursue doctoral education. Both individuals have spent a lifetime educating, mentoring and leading future generations. They inspire me to do the same.
I believe that we all have individual strengths, and if we use those strengths collaboratively, there is no end to the impact that women can have in science and medicine. I mentor by example and invite others to use their knowledge and strengths to develop their own styles and approaches, have empathy and trust themselves.
Cassandra Berry, MA (She, Her, Hers)
Back Office Clinic Coordinator, UW Medicine Primary Care – Federal Way
I personally experienced disparities in healthcare access, quality of treatment and outcomes among not just minorities but also in my own family. Whether it was a lack of empathy or cultural misinterpretation, there seemed to be a measurable deficit in the treatment of certain minority groups. This is why I chose a career in healthcare — to create change.
My achievements cannot be attributed to just one mentor. I’ve been blessed with guidance from an entire community, a village of educators, physicians, spiritual leaders and personal advisors. I was taught to work hard at everything I do. Honesty, integrity and my word are worth more than gold. Patience, compassion and kindness will return to you 100-fold. Knowing that I am obligated to share with others what was freely shared with me can really impact decisions. Knowing that we have such a short time on earth to make a difference, we have to learn to embrace life with passion and joy. And finally love hard and play harder.
Part of my role is training new medical assistants and externs. I view training as an investment. Sure, it is fundamentally for learning essential skills and knowledge associated with job roles, but it is also an opportunity to teach core values and ethics. Ensuring patient safety is a priority; we can also promote a caring and compassionate hand.
Kathy Mertens, DNP, MN, MPH, RN (She, Her, Hers)
Associate Chief Nurse, Ambulatory Care & Population Health, Harborview Ambulatory & Allied Care Services
My initial inspiration came from reading about Clara Barton, one of the nursing pioneers. I enjoyed science and sought a career with role variety that delivered positive impact. I’ve had the privilege to work in a variety of hospitals, public health departments and field operations in the Alaska Bush.
My most significant mentor wasn’t an individual but rather a group of nurse leaders I met via membership in the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. These nurse mentors have guided me throughout much of my career. They helped me see and act on opportunities to extend my nursing influence.
I embrace collaborative approaches and opportunities to support women both within and outside of UW Medicine — staff, other leaders, emerging leaders and students. Providing encouragement, increasing their professional connections and resources, sharing ideas and experiences, and guiding toward goals are among ways I mentor women in this dynamic healthcare environment.
Editor’s note: Responses were lightly edited for length, clarity and style. Thank you to the UW Medicine employees who have taken the time to share their perspectives.
Any information or opinions shared in this article are personal views and do not represent those of the University of Washington or UW Medicine in any way, shape or form.
