by Kathy Whitney

Charlene Dewey, MD, MEd, MACP, professor of Medical Education and Administration and director of the Center for Professional Health, recently received two inspiration awards for Women in Medicine month, which was celebrated in September.

Dewey, assistant dean for Educator Development, director of the Educator Development Program, director, Center for Professional Health, and chair, Faculty Wellness Committee, is among the 57 recipients of the 2022 American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) INSPIRE Award, which recognizes accomplished women physicians who exemplify the highest values in vision, integrity, service and collaboration in medicine.

The AMWA INSPIRE Award, established by the AMWA Leadership Council, honors women physicians who inspire others because of their dedication to health care, compassion for patients, leadership, advocacy efforts or community service. Recipients of the award may be nominated by professional colleagues, supervisors, students or others not in the field of medicine.

“The 2022 honorees are exceptional women physicians who work in private practice, academia, or as hospitalists,” says Connie Newman, MD, past president of AMWA and founding member of the AMWA Leadership Council. “We give this award during Women in Medicine month to highlight the many contributions of women physicians to medical care, medical education and research.”

The honorees are MDs or DOs in an array of specialties from neurology to psychology to general practice. They work in a variety of settings from large academic centers and highly specialized centers of excellence to smaller community care centers dedicated to underserved populations. They were lauded for their skills and insights in practice, for impressive research and academic accomplishments, and for impact in supporting and advancing the culture and community of medicine.

Additionally, Dewey is an honoree of the American Medical Association Women Physicians Section Inspiration Award, which honors and acknowledges physicians who have offered their time, wisdom and support throughout the professional careers of fellow physicians, residents and students.

“I am honored and grateful to receive both recognitions,” Dewey said. “I know I stand on the shoulders of many women in medicine. I also acknowledge some great male mentors, especially my husband, who also provide powerful mentorship to me and other women. My mentors and sponsors are themselves outstanding women physicians, and I owe so much to them; we all do.”