VCU Women in Science, Dentistry & Medicine honored for leadership and dedication

By Sathya Achia Abraham

Three women faculty from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine were honored for their dedication, leadership, mentorship and contributions to the field of medicine, dentistry and science during the14th annual Women In Science, Dentistry, Osteopathy & Medicine Pathways to Leadership Conference.

Wendy Klein, M.D., associate professor in VCU’s Department of Internal Medicine, and Kathryn “Kitt” S. Finley-Parker, D.D.S, a part-time clinical faculty member in the VCU School of Dentistry, were honored with Women In Science, Dentistry & Medicine (WISDM) Professional Achievement Awards. Both Klein and Finley-Parker have served as strong role models and mentors for the professional development of women faculty at VCU, and have demonstrated clinical excellence, leadership and teaching expertise.

Cynthia Heldberg, Ph.D., associate dean for admissions in the VCU School of Medicine, received a special acknowledgement award for Outstanding Leadership and Service to Women in Medicine and Science.

The VCU School of Medicine, together with the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Eastern Virginia Medical School, hosted the conference, which took place on Friday, March 17, at the Richmond Marriott Hotel.

Klein, an experienced clinician, teacher and preceptor to medical residents, is known by her colleagues for her innovative approaches, dedication and energy to women’s health care and women in medicine. She designed the Women’s Health Residency Program at VCU and co-founded the Women’s Health Center at Stony Point.

Finley-Parker currently serves as president of the Richmond Dental Society. She received a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the VCU School of Dentistry in 1978 and worked for several years as a dental hygienist before resuming her studies, again at VCU, and earning her D.D.S. in 1988. Since 1990, Finley-Parker has been successfully running her own general dental practice.

Heldberg has worked closely with students, residents, faculty and staff to promote gender equity and professionalism for the past 16 years. She has been described as the “go-to” admissions person who has provided constant support and insight to faculty. She served on the steering committee that planned the first “Pathways to Leadership” conference. Heldberg will be retiring in June.

Other award winners included Laurel Wysong Rice, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the University of Virginia School of Medicine, who received the Sharon L. Hostler Women in Medicine award; and Bonnie J. Dattel, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, who received a WISDM Professional Achievement Award.

This year’s keynote speakers included Jennifer Daley, M.D., senior vice president for clinical quality and chief medical officer at Tenet HealthCare in Dallas; and Virginia V. Valian, Ph.D., distinguished professor of psychology and linguistics at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Valian is also the author of “Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women,” a book that delves into why so few women are at the top of their professions.

Also at the conference, academic physicians, dentists, scientists and community practitioners, as well as medical, dental and graduate students met to further develop leadership skills, network and share professional and personal experiences.

The event was presented in collaboration with the Medical Society of Virginia, the Richmond Academy of Medicine, the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the VCU School of Dentistry and the Virginia Dental Association.