More women than ever before are entering the field of neurology as clinicians and scientists. Still, research shows that men outnumber women in top-ranked academic neurology programs, and this disparity grows with rank. Contrary to expectations, many women have become leaders in neurology and have helped change that landscape.
Eva Feldman, MD, Ph.D. has spent decades increasing the diversity of the field and is at the forefront of new technologies in neurodegenerative diseases that can be used to understand and treat disease. is developing.
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“What we learn from science can lead to improved patient care and treatment,” says Feldman. “And what patients tell us about their illness can inform the basic scientific research needed to improve care.”
Feldman was recently named James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor of Neurology at the University of Michigan, a prestigious award from Michigan Medicine, sharing his journey and vision as a mentor for the next generation of innovative neurologists. doing.
When you started your career, there were very few women to model for your career. How did she become successful and accepted in the profession?
There were no real “concrete” obstacles to overcome. they were more attitude. A married woman in her mid-30s and her three young children who commute forty miles (40 miles) each way to become a productive NIH-funded scientist and active clinical practice Few believed they could maintain The bottom line is that I believed I could do this, and that my family and close mentors like Jim Albers believed in me.
Gym [Albers] It has absolutely contributed to my success both as a young research scientist and navigating this world as a working mother. rice field. Jim’s reasoning: Hockey tires the boys out and gives them time to work at the ice rink. And for commuting, Jim gave me a handheld dictaphone so I could dictate all my correspondence, including papers and grants, as I drove to and from Birmingham each day. When I finally moved to Ann Arbor 20 years later, I actually missed my commute, but my assistant must have spent two hours a day transcribing correspondence.
Over time, my colleagues forgot about my age, my kids, and my commute, and saw me as an equivalent faculty member with academic commitment. Dr. Laurel Roberts, Dr. Scott Roberts, Dr. John Roberts, and her husband, Dr. Neil Little, also provided significant support. It’s very important for my career.
What keeps you motivated to continue your studies, research and clinical work? What motivates you to get out of bed and go to work every morning?
This is the easiest question. The amazing scientists, doctors, and staff I work with every day, the amazing colleagues throughout the university, the community who passionately support our research, and my patients and their families. Every day is different, whether it’s a series of new discoveries in the lab, new challenges in the clinic, or meeting new colleagues. As we get older, the “leap” may slow down a bit, but it’s no less enthusiastic.
You are committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Why is this important?
The field is ripe for new discoveries, especially in light of the myriad technological and big data advances of the past decade. As senior scientist, my mission is to get as many young scientists interested in neuroscience as possible and advance their careers. It is very important that the work my generation started continues in this new age of technology and medicine.
