On April 4, 2025, the University of Florida College of Medicine hosted the fourth annual Women in Medicine and Science Leadership Conference in Jacksonville — a landmark event marking the first-ever joint conference between the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville and the Florida Medical Association (FMA).
Held at the Marriott Downtown Jacksonville, this year’s conference centered on the theme “Getting Unstuck – Crafting Your Journey to Work-Life Excellence” offering a platform for healthcare professionals, educators, and leaders to explore innovative strategies for achieving professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
Attendees participated in a series of engaging discussions and interactive sessions covering critical topics such as:
- Thriving in Medicine in an Evolving Landscape
- Appreciative Inquiry for Team and Individual Vitality
- Family Planning and Reproductive Care
The event featured a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, including:
- Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Lisa Cosgrove, MD, FAAP, President of the Florida Medical Association
- Rania Sanford, EdD, PCC, Executive Coach and Director of Faculty Professional Development, Stanford Physicians Leadership Certificate Program
In addition to the keynote presentation, faculty from the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville department of psychiatry led a powerful session on mindfulness titled “Nourishing the Healer Within.”
The conference also showcased innovation in medical education through a session led by UF CREATORS team, titled “Pixels to Possibilities: Enhancing Medical Education with AI Image Generation.”
The impact of the conference was evident in the testimonials from those present:
- “What a special opportunity to be able to connect with each other, share our experiences, and be inspired by successful and compassionate leaders”
- “I left the meeting feeling inspired and energized from the talks and the camaraderie”