Getting Unstuck – Crafting Your Journey to Work-Life Excellence

WIMS 25 Conference

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”