YWIB-Metro New York: Women in Medicine Mentorship Program

The YWIB-Metro New York hosted its Women in Medicine Mentorship Program on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the New York Genome Center in New York City. Created to introduce high school students to careers in science and medicine, the program welcomed nine students (plus their parents). It offered a rare chance to see how the Genome Center collaborates across academia and industry. The afternoon began with an engaging tour of the Genome Center’s labs, where students explored both academic and industry research spaces and got a firsthand look at cutting-edge science in action. One surprising fact that delighted attendees was learning that the Genome Center can sequence eight human genomes in a single day! The visit was followed by a thoughtful panel discussion featuring Alison Sutherland,  Aline Réal, Catherine Reeves, and Lindsay Reisman, who shared their personal journeys in science, research, and medicine. During the discussion, panelists spoke candidly about how they found their paths, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experiences — like volunteering — to discover what truly excites you. They encouraged students to stay open to career pivots, reminding them that changes in direction are not only normal but often essential to growth. The speakers also reassured attendees that it’s okay not to have all the answers or even a mentor at every stage. What matters most, they shared, is learning when and how to ask for help and applying knowledge creatively to new challenges beyond the textbook. The session wrapped up with empowering takeaways: speak up, keep trying, and “leave the ladder down” for those who follow, especially young women aspiring to enter STEM fields. The conversation ended with a lively Q&A, as students asked insightful questions about how AI is transforming clinical workflows. Panelists shared their experiences — from using AI to speed up report generation and assist with coding projects to reflecting on its environmental impact — leaving everyone inspired by the exciting and ever-evolving future of science. The event was organized by Dawn Fallon, Cavan Farley, Mini Gururaj, and Rusia Lee.

Submitted by Rusia Lee