The Female Association for Clinicians, Educators, and Scientists (FACES)

Mission Statement

Female Association of Clinicians, Educators and Scientists (FACES) is a student-initiated and student-led organization that aims to provide mentoring opportunities for students, advocate for women’s issues, and promote an inclusive tri-institutional community.

FACES was founded in 2004 by the incoming women of the MD-PhD class together with Debra G. Leonard, MD, PhD, at the time Vice-Chair of Clinical Pathology at WCMC. Since its inception, FACES has become an invaluable forum for students and faculty members alike. The organization provides a mechanism for trainees and faculty to connect and share advice on topics relevant to women in academia. All are welcome.

Members

For more information contact the FACES Organizational Board:

Director Board Members

Senior Board Members

Events

Lunch with Gateways Students

FACES members met with the female students from the 2019 Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program. The lunch was an opportunity for informal mentoring and networking with current MD-PhD students.

 

Greengard Prize Brunch and Lecture

Along with other women’s organization around the Tri-Institutional Campus, FACES members are invited to enjoy a brunch with the winner of the Greengard Prize each year. This prize recognizes the achievements of outstanding women in biomedical science, and the event is an opportunity to discuss both science and non-science topics with leaders in the field.

Mentorship Activities

FACES also provides opportunities for students to become mentors to high school and college students. FACES has an ongoing relationship with the Cathedral High School health sciences curriculum and participates in an annual panel for high school HPREP (Health Professionals and Recruitment Exposure Program) students. FACES also meets with the Gateways to the Lab summer students over lunch to discuss life in an MD-PhD program.

Interview Dinners

As part of student recruitment, FACES hosts a dinner the evening prior to interviews to get to know applicants interviewing for the program.

Retreat Breakout Session

Each year, at the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Retreat, FACES has a breakout session to discuss career related issues, talk science, and catch up with students across years of the program.

Faculty Lunches

Faculty Lunches

Women from the program have the opportunity to have lunch with female physician-scientists from around the three institutions through this new initiative. We have focused on meeting with young faculty who have been able to articulate their path and answer questions relevant to early career decision making. Thanks to Dr. Ping Chi and Dr. Christine Leslie for meeting with us!

Spring & Winter Mixers

These events provide an opportunity to catch up with other members of the organization and to unwind at the end of each yearly turning point.

Welcome Event

The highlight event of the year, each summer, FACES welcomes the incoming class of women over brunch or tea, and the new and current students get to know each other in a casual setting.