UCI School of Medicine Recognizes Women's History Month: Nimisha Parekh, MD

During Women's History Month, we also want to celebrate the blossoming legacy of two programs for women in medicine, led by Nimisha Parekh, MD, MPH, clinical professor in the Division of Gastroenterology. First, the School of Medicine’s Women’s Leadership Academy, which was launched in 2021. This program was designed to increase the percentage of women in leadership roles, part of the School of Medicine’s strategic plan to increase diversity. The curriculum includes training in areas such as implicit bias, negotiations, communication and mentorship. The program is currently training its third cohort, with 20 participants from the ranks of UCI faculty. Upon completion of the program, alumnae remain connected in community as they proceed toward their leadership goals.

In addition, Dr. Parekh also leads the Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE), a weeklong career exploration program for female high school students, ages 16-18. The curriculum consists of direct interaction with healthcare professionals, peer networking, mentorship and Basic Life Support certification. Founded in 2014, SHE has more than 200 alumnae, 90 percent of whom are currently pursuing careers in healthcare or allied health. Both the Women’s Leadership Academy and Summer Healthcare Experience programs emphasize the benefits of long-term investment in diversity, equity and inclusion for underrepresented groups.

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