Women of Neurology: Leadership, Advocacy & Advancement in Challenging Times*
Date: October 18, 2026
Time: 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Room: Sandpiper Salons A&B
Track: Interactive Lunch Workshop (ILW)
Session Description
This session is designed for junior and mid-career women faculty navigating leadership development in academic medicine. Participants will hear from women leaders who have successfully advanced their careers across diverse settings, sharing practical strategies to overcome barriers and leverage opportunities for growth.
Topics will include effective use of conferences, committees, and professional networks; leading through periods of change; and engaging in advocacy at institutional and broader levels. The session will also address work–life integration, emphasizing strategies for boundary-setting, negotiating flexibility, and balancing caregiving responsibilities with leadership roles. Emphasis will be placed on both individual approaches and the broader structural and cultural changes needed to support sustainable careers.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Differentiate networking strategies across career stages.
- Apply leadership and advocacy strategies in complex clinical and institutional environments.
- Implement practical approaches to support work–life integration and career sustainability.
Speakers
- (Chair) Shaista Alam, MD
- (Co-Chair) Laura Stein, MD, MSEd
- (Speaker) Reena Thomas, MD, PhD
- (Speaker) Anjail Sharrief, MD, MPH, FANA
- (Speaker) Jennifer Graves, MD, PhD
Shaping the Future of Neurology: Physician-Leadership, AI, and Medical Education
Description
As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to transform healthcare, physician-leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of neurology through innovation, education, and mentorship. Preparing the next generation of neurologists will require leaders who can thoughtfully integrate new technologies while maintaining excellence in patient care, research, and medical education.
This presentation will explore how physician-leaders can drive innovation in academic neurology by leveraging artificial intelligence, fostering meaningful mentorship, and advancing medical education. Participants will examine the evolving role of AI in neurology, opportunities to enhance learning and clinical practice through emerging technologies, and strategies for cultivating the next generation of leaders through mentorship and educational innovation.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of how leadership, artificial intelligence, mentorship, and medical education intersect to shape the future of neurology, along with practical strategies for fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and preparing the neurology workforce for the evolving landscape of academic medicine.
Advocating for Yourself: Strategies for Growth and Impact
Description
In today’s rapidly evolving academic and healthcare environment, neurologists must be equipped not only to advocate for their patients but also to effectively advocate for themselves. Developing a strong professional voice is essential for advancing one’s career, securing leadership opportunities, and driving meaningful change within institutions and the broader field of neurology.
This presentation will focus on strengthening your voice as a leader and advocate by providing practical strategies for effective self-advocacy, professional growth, and leadership development. Participants will learn how to communicate their value, build influence, navigate challenging conversations, and seize opportunities that align with their career goals. Topics will also include authentic leadership, purposeful advocacy, and approaches to enhancing professional impact while fostering meaningful change within academic medicine.
Attendees will leave with actionable tools to confidently advocate for themselves, strengthen their leadership presence, and position themselves for continued growth and success in academic neurology.
Leading in the Face of Adversity
Description
Academic neurologists face increasing demands in an ever-changing healthcare environment, making resilient leadership more important than ever. Navigating challenges successfully requires the ability to build meaningful professional relationships, lead with purpose during times of uncertainty, and maintain personal well-being while pursuing career goals.
This presentation will explore practical strategies for leading through adversity by emphasizing purposeful networking, resilient leadership, and work-life integration. Participants will learn how intentional professional relationships can foster mentorship, sponsorship, collaboration, and career advancement. Topics will also include approaches to navigating setbacks, leading effectively during periods of change, and integrating professional and personal responsibilities in ways that support long-term success and fulfillment.
Attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen their leadership skills, build a purposeful professional network, develop resilience in the face of challenges, and create a sustainable approach to leadership and career growth in academic neurology.
