An Excerpt from Dr. Joycelyn Elders’ Closing Remarks
2025 Alma Dea Morani, MD Renaissance Woman Award Presentation
“Some people didn’t like what I had to say. But I didn’t go into medicine to be popular — I went into medicine to make a difference. And I don’t regret a single word I ever said. Because science, especially medical science, should never be afraid of truth.
Women in science — we’ve never had the luxury of staying silent. Our voices are needed now more than ever. And to the women who lift those voices — thank you. You’re not just giving women a seat at the table; you’re giving them the tools to build the damn table when the old one doesn’t have a prayer.”
She paused, then smiled.
“People ask me sometimes if I’m hopeful about the future of medicine — of women in science. I say not only hopeful, I’m real. Look at what we’ve done: mapped the human genome, developed vaccines in record time, revolutionized surgery through robotics and AI. And women have been at the forefront and at the heart of every one of those breakthroughs.
But the greatest opportunities lie ahead — a future where women lead not only in the labs, but also in the boardrooms; where women are not the exception, but the rule in science leadership.”
She continued, her voice strong and measured:
“I see science becoming more compassionate, more inclusive, and more humane — because women bring not only intellect to science, but empathy. We know how to ask the hard questions, and the tender ones.”
Turning her attention to the next generation, she offered her most memorable charge:
“To the young women out there, those just starting your journeys, I want to say— you belong. Don’t dim your light to make someone else comfortable. You have every right to be bold, brilliant, and brave. Don’t listen to those who say, ‘Now is not your time. Wait your turn.’ Now is your turn.”
Then, with her signature resolve, she concluded:
“We need your voices — to set the shoulders straighter, to make the voices clearer. We need you to step out and begin to make things happen. We’ve had enough mediocrity, enough governance strangling healthcare for millions of Americans. We all need to lift our voices and sing the song of truth together.
To those who’ve been on this road a long time — keep mentoring, keep challenging the next generation. Let them stand on your shoulders, but also teach them to apply. Because the person you encourage today may be the one whose voice helps us all through this perilous time.
To be a woman in science is to be a warrior, a hero, a builder, and a dreamer. Keep doing what you’re doing. And when you climb the ladder of success, never forget to send it back down for the rest.”
November 6, 2025