Message from the President

Dear Supporters and Friends,

I am honored to address you as the President of the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation. Our journey in preserving and promoting the history of women in medicine has been nothing short of inspiring. The Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation is rooted in the past so that we can better understand our present and inspire change for the future. It is with great pride that I share our values, vision, and key programs with you.

At the heart of our foundation lies a deep commitment to honoring the remarkable legacy of women in medicine. The tenacity and courage of women who carved their path in healthcare continue to propel us forward. We stand as stewards of their stories, weaving them into the fabric of contemporary healthcare, and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future.

The pages of history serve as a navigational chart, guiding us through the intricacies of modern healthcare challenges. As we traverse tumultuous waters, the lessons of the past provide invaluable insights. The legacy of women in medicine illuminates a path towards confronting present-day disparities, enhancing patient care, and fortifying the very foundations of healthcare. By grasping the historical underpinnings of gender and racial equity in the profession, diversity, and issues of social justice, we are better equipped to effect positive change in an evolving medical landscape. Maintaining a generational perspective, ever changing, evolving and adapting in the best of ways to the socio-political context of women’s lives is critical.  

Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, we bring our vision to life. By partnering with organizations that share our passion and commitment to the history of women in medicine, we strengthen our core project areas: oral histories, research fellowships, student scholarships, processing grants, and the promotion of women’s leadership. 

Our community of awardees is second to none, with achievements that often break entirely new ground and have been recognized in our celebrated Nobel laureates.  We are proud to name the discovery of the breast cancer gene, the appointment of the first woman president of the American Psychiatric Association, and the founding of the Program in Narrative Medicine at Columbia among the many milestones our awardees have attained.

My own path has been as the President of the SUNY Upstate Medical University – as the first woman and first African American to have held this position.  Hard earned lessons from experiences of leadership such as mine, maintaining balance and holding on tight to optimism is essential in our leadership path as women.  With unwavering determination, we forge ahead, guided by the wisdom of our past. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, your support becomes the cornerstone of our success. Together, we construct the possibilities, empower new leaders, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.  Kindness, compassion, justice and empathy are at the root of our journey.  

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation. Your generosity fuels our mission and kindles a brighter future.

Sincerely,

Danielle Laraque-Arena, MD, FAAP 

President
Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation
Professor, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (in Epidemiology) and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons (in Pediatrics)