Every September, Women in Medicine Month recognizes and celebrates the countless contributions women make across healthcare. At Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), the celebration carries special meaning.
As they train to become the next generation of compassionate healthcare leaders, PNWU’s student doctors are also cultivating a culture of support, empowerment, and advocacy that will shape the future of medicine.
Members of PNWU’s Women in Medicine (WIM) Club reflect on what inspires them, how they find strength in community, and why recognition this month matters.
Inspired by Service
For Student Dr. Lelia Rettig (PNWU-COM ’28), the spark to pursue medicine came through serving others.
“A big career goal of mine is to volunteer in underserved countries that may not have access to adequate healthcare.”
“My inspiration for pursuing a career in healthcare has come from my volunteer opportunities,” she said. “I believe all of us as future physicians feel strongly about caring for others, and this field aligns perfectly with those beliefs. A big career goal of mine is to volunteer in underserved countries that may not have access to adequate healthcare.”
Through WIM, Student Dr. Rettig has also found a community of strong women who uplift one another. A panel of PNWU’s female faculty, she recalled, was a turning point: “They talked about everything from work-life balance to being a woman in a male-dominated field. Listening to their experiences made me feel empowered to carve my own path forward.”
Celebrating Shared Struggles and Successes
Student Dr. Laura Litauszki (PNWU-COM ’28) sees Women in Medicine Month as a reminder of solidarity.
“When one of us succeeds, it makes the path easier for all who follow.”
“Our healthcare system would collapse without women supporting it, from doctors and nurses to therapists and lab techs,” she said. “When one of us succeeds, it makes the path easier for all who follow.”
But she’s also candid about the challenges.
“We’ve all faced questions and assumptions — about when we want to have kids, or being asked what kind of nurse we want to be, regardless of our goals,” she noted. “These challenges cause self-doubt. I’ve found support through my ‘girl gang’ — the women who remind me that I can do hard things.”
Speaking Up, Taking Space
For Student Dr. Taylor Leistiko (PNWU-COM ’28), the month is about courage and confidence.
“My advice for younger students is not to be afraid to speak up and take up space,” she said. “You have every right to participate, share ideas, and even make mistakes. Our male colleagues do, and so can we. Speak your mind, take up space, and be yourself.”
Student Dr. Leistiko also helps lead the club’s signature event, the Women in Medicine Mixer, which takes place this year on September 18 at Public House East across from PNWU’s campus.
“It’s a laid-back space for women in medicine to build a support network and know they aren’t alone,” she said. “There’s always a great turnout — and yes, lots of snacks!”
Building the Future
“Women are entering medicine at increasing rates, but stigmatization still exists,” explained Student Dr. Katarina Mislinski (PNWU-COM ’28), highlighting both progress and responsibility. “As we grow into a majority within the field, we must protect fair wages, set expectations, and create a more positive culture.”
“Those who underestimate you are waiting to be proven wrong.”
“This month, I’m thankful for the women who walked this path before me,” she continued. “I encourage my colleagues to continue lifting female voices. Those who underestimate you are waiting to be proven wrong.”