Welcome to Scrub Sisters!
Welcome
“When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?”—Pam Brown
Welcome to Scrub Sisters! We are creating a fantastic community of female (and female-identifying) physicians and physicians-in-training that transcend the boundaries of geography, specialty, experience, and background. We’re not just mentors or colleagues. We’re a sisterhood in medicine.
Community: Finding Your Tribe
We’re creating this community so every member can find their people! We all should feel like we belong, and while some of our best friends and partners know us outside of our career, it can be tough for them to relate to the realities of being a woman in medicine. Welcome to YOUR new tribe!
Mentorship: It’s Like Having a Big Sis
We strongly believe in the power of mentorship and peer-to-peer support. We’re here to help you navigate the complex world of medicine, make career decisions, and chase your dreams. Think of it as having an awesome big sister who always has your back.
Real-Life Conversations: Because Life Happens
Life in medicine is more than just exams, night calls and stethoscopes. It’s a rollercoaster ride with moments of triumph and failure. One of the most important aspects of this group is REAL talk. Yes, we’ll discuss being a woman in medicine, professional development, and gender issues. But we also need to talk about life outside the medical world. Got wedding plans during residency? Struggling as a new mom? Dreaming of a non-clinical career? Struggling to take care of your elderly parents? Let’s spill the tea and have honest chats about it all.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion: We Love Our Differences
Our differences are our superpower. We want to celebrate diversity and encourage inclusivity. We know promoting diversity in healthcare reduces health disparities, optimizes care delivery and improves access to care. We’re committed to smashing racial and ethnic disparities within the medical field and ensure equitable access to care for all patients.
Advocacy: Time to Make a Change
As Scrub Sisters, we want to create a positive change in the medical world for women. Let’s be bold! Our initial focus will be helping female medical trainees; medical students, residents, and fellows. We want to understand their rights and shake things up. The medical landscape should be fair and supportive. Let’s get loud about rights surrounding trainee fertility, maternity leave, and returning to the hospital after childbirth.
What Can You Expect as a Scrub Sister?
Monthly meetings: We virtually hang out to talk about professional and real-life stuff. Can’t make it? No problem! We’ve got those zoom sessions recorded.
Speaker Series: Get ready to learn from the best and brightest about everything from the med school application process to nailing that contract negotiation to exploring non-clinical paths. We’re all ears, so tell us what you want to know!
Slack Channel: Need help, advice, or just someone to chat with? Our Slack channels are here for all your questions and emergency support.
Local Chapters/Social and Networking Opportunities: Whether you’re in training or have been practicing for 20 years, we’ve got something for you! Join a local chapter, book club, online movie/TV streaming parties, virtual happy hours, fitness classes and more.
Scrub Sister Marketplace: Have you published a book? Do you have a product to share with your sisters? Join the Scrub Sisters marketplace! We exist to support and amplify your efforts.
Scrub Sister Future Doc Fund: The Future Doc Fund exists to support trainees during these daunting times, increase access and representation in medicine, and provide an opportunity for those outside our world to support us in our quest for excellence. The Future Doc Fund will help medical students and residents cover the costs of testing, applications, interview travel, relocation, books, and supplies. Need-based and merit-based scholarships will be available.
Scrub Sister Service Projects and Medical Mission: Wanting to give back? There’s no better way than to serve those who might not have access to healthcare through community-based service projects and medical missions.
Host a Sister Program: This program will give the opportunity to host a Scrub Sister traveling to your area for interviews or conferences. Why pay for a hotel when you can stay with your sister?
Mock Interviews: Applying to med school or residency? We got you! We’ll set up a time to practice those interviewing skills with Scrub Sisters in admission committees.
Clinical Shadow Match Program: Looking to shadow a physician to gain experience or explore a specialty? We’ll make sure you know who’s available in your area.
Medical Scribe 411: Considering working as a medical scribe? Learn all the tricks from those who have been there.
Lastly, perhaps I should introduce myself as your Chief Scrub Sister…
My name is Jacqueline Winkelmann, or Doctor Jacq. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I have been married to my college sweetheart for 30 years and have 2 incredible children: a 22-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son. I practiced medicine clinically as a pediatric hospitalist in Southern California for 20 years where I was Chife-of-Staff. I have had several non-clinical positions during the past few years, including medical advisor, consultant to a few startup companies, and Chief Medical Officer for a med device company. I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, participating in medical missions, and meeting new people.
I had no physicians in my immediate family, and I have always loved teaching and mentoring those interested in medicine. This community exists because there were several times during training and practice when I wish I had a Scrub Sister. I am thrilled to see the Scrub Sisters community come to life so thank YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for joining our sisterhood and making it better! Can’t wait to meet my sisters!
Ready to Join? Join us at www.scrubsisters.org