Celebrating Women in Healthcare

Vital Signs March 2025 Edition: Written by Pearl Fallin

All female physicians from Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OBGYN

Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and recognize their ongoing impact in all fields. Associated Physicians is proud to be a female-physician-majority-owned clinic. However, in the history of the medical field it took a long time for women to be able to become doctors, now, centuries later, women make up the majority of people in medical school. Women have become doctors, scientists, and leaders – all of which took centuries to ensure. Women's History Month is the time to recognize all the hard work, effort, and passion that went into these advancements.

To celebrate the occasion, we sat down with some of Associated Physicians' prominent female leaders, including Dr. Jennifer Everton, Dr. Amanada Schmehil-Micklos, and Dr. Amy Buencamino. Not only are they spectacular providers, but they are also prominent leaders at Associated Physicians.

Women's History Month is not just about remembering the past – it’s about continuing to build on that legacy and pave the way to the future. One of Associated Physicians' main goals is to create an environment where the next generation of female leaders can thrive. Dr. Jennifer Everton reflects on the clinic’s journey from being male-led to female-run, something that showcases the advancement of women in the medical field. “We used to be predominantly male leaders, and now that the clinic is female-run, it shows how things change, and how women can take their place in the medical field,” Dr. Everton notes. This shift demonstrates how female leadership is becoming a more visible and celebrated part of healthcare, particularly in the Madison community.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are reminded that much of the progress women have made in the medical field has been through the dedication of those who came before us. Dr. Buencamino says, "We get to stand on the shoulders of the women who have come before us," recognizing how the women of today have benefited from the efforts of those who worked hard to pave the way for female physicians everywhere.

The sense of community and support for women is strong. For many female physicians, finding mentors and networking within their local community is essential. Dr. Everton mentions how women often seek each other out for guidance, especially in navigating the challenges of balancing family and career. "Having people out there who have done it helps, and women seek it more—it helps us,” she says. During Women’s History Month, these supportive networks are celebrated, as they remind us how essential it is for women to support one another as they break through barriers and create new paths in their careers.

Dr. Schmehil-Micklos also underscores the importance of work-life balance. In addition to her leadership role at the clinic, she finds fulfillment in showing her daughter what it means to be a strong woman in a leadership position. "It’s empowering for me to have my child see me leading this clinic," she explains. “It’s tough not being there all the time, but I know that she’s proud of me.” In a month dedicated to celebrating women’s accomplishments, it’s powerful to think about how female physicians can inspire future generations—both through their leadership in the workplace and their ability to balance professional and personal commitments. 

Women’s History Month is an important reminder that the fight for equality and fair representation in healthcare is ongoing. As Dr. Buencamino points out, “We need to see more research that takes women’s health into account at every stage of life,” highlighting how much more work remains to be done. At Associated Physicians, there is a clear commitment to addressing these issues, with a focus on providing care that is tailored to the unique needs of women at every age and stage of life.

The clinic’s commitment to the Madison community, especially in supporting women in healthcare, reflects the larger spirit of Women’s History Month. Women are not only celebrated for their past achievements but also for their current contributions and the progress they continue to make. The providers at Associated Physicians understand that their work extends beyond treating individual patients; it’s about fostering an environment where women can lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on healthcare.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to honor the work of women like those at Associated Physicians, who are making a real difference in their communities. Through mentorship, leadership, and a commitment to supporting women’s health, they are building a stronger, more inclusive future for Madison – one where women can achieve their professional goals without sacrificing their personal well-being. The story of women in medicine is still being written, and with each passing year, we continue to build a legacy of empowerment, balance, and community support.