Although the percentage of women physicians has steadily increased, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Further, women physicians experience pay inequities, microaggressions, bias and harassment, disparities rooted in organizational and societal culture. WEL works with both individual physicians and medical societies to build leadership skills and identify and incorporate change strategies to foster more equitable work environments and experiences. The WEL Team encourages you to view our video and learn more about our work and related resources below.
WEL Overview
The Women's Wellbeing through Equity and Leadership project (WEL) is a collaborative effort to engage a diverse group of early- to mid-career women physicians in networking, mentorship, and training around wellbeing, equity and leadership.
Led by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), WEL is a partnership between 10 medical associations: the AAP, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP), American Hospital Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA), American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and National Medical Association (NMA).
WEL is funded by The Physicians Foundation and seeks to foster the development of the next wave of women physician leaders to build healthier, more equitable work environments and experiences.
Project Highlights
WEL Accomplishments
Scholar Written Articles and Blogs
Expanding Playfulness
How can physicians incorporate playfulness into work? The answer begins by accepting that work and play can coexist.
Voices
|September 28, 2023
Finding Belonging in Uncertain Times
The pandemic created isolation and worries that continue to be felt, but we should realize we are not alone and that everyone struggles.
Voices
|September 22, 2022
Pediatricians Also Need to Follow Good Advice and Get Some Rest
Sleep is precious and vital, but many of us do not get enough of it, especially during the pandemic.
Voices
|September 21, 2021
The Mindset of Invincibility
One pediatrician's perspective on how a culture of invincibility among physicians is unhealthy for providers and their patients.
Voices
|September 19, 2019
Paid Parental Leave: A Step toward Thriving Physicians, Women, Babies and Families
National paid parental leave is important for all parents. Adovacting for these policies promotes the health and well-being of physicians, women, babies, and families.
Voices
|September 18, 2019
The Case for Black Female Leadership in Medicine
Learn how the lack of diversity, specifically the lack of perspective of black women among medical leaders, yields a narrow view that does a disservice to patients, families, and the medical profession.
Voices
|September 17, 2019
WEL Related Resources
We encourage you to review the resources below to learn more.
AAP Physician Health and Wellness Webpage
Health and Wellness is a strategic priority of the AAP. Explore relevant resources here.
Women in Medicine Supplement
Explore interdisciplinary supplement of best practice strategies for supporting diverse groups of women in medicine.
Female Leadership and Excellence in Pediatric Subspecialties (FLEXpeds) Virtual Summit 2022
Learnings from a community of female pediatric subspecialists with the goal to discuss, design and identify solutions to address gender inequity in pediatric subspecialties.
Mentorship Page
Online mentorship platform provides AAP members with the opportunity to seek out and connect with mentors across the country.
Workforce Diversity Page
The AAP is committed to efforts that strengthen and diversify the pathway for the future pediatric workforce. Learn more about these efforts here.