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Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Jennifer Wall Forrester, MD

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3 minute read September 29, 2017

UC's Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) organization is committed to serving all female faculty and trainees from the UC College of Medicine. Dedicated to the recruitment, advancement and retention of all women faculty and trainees in the College of Medicine, the organization's overall goal is to advance the careers and leadership skills of WIMS members. Please visit the UC WIMS website to find a schedule of events and other resources. 

This month the AMA and AAMC celebrate Women in Medicine Month or #WiMmonth. UC WIMS has selected a few College of Medicine faculty to profile during September and learn what motivates and inspires them. 

Jennifer Wall Forrester, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
Program Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
Medical Director, Infectious Diseases Center
  
What does a typical day for you look like?

There is no "typical day," to be honest. I see patients in my clinic most days of the week. On other days, I am collaborating with my clinic nurse manager about quality improvement efforts at the Infectious Diseases Center or my program coordinator about the educational program. I am involved in a lot of committees for the hospital or medical school, too.

What is your favorite experience working in medicine?

I love caring for my wonderful patients, and I like the variety in my work. I have the privilege of educating the next generation of doctors and improving care through improvement initiatives and research in addition to my patient care. Everyday is different and I am never bored!

What is the most challenging issue you face and how to do you overcome it?

I take my work with me wherever I go; I am always a physician. I constantly think about certain cases... Taking time away for myself and family is sometimes difficult. Balancing work and family life is a constant struggle, I am sure I don't do this perfectly but I take each day one at a time and talking with other physician mom's is a real source of strength (realizing we're all in the same boat.)

What advice would you give aspiring physicians?

You have to love what you do. Chose a specialty that gives you joy. It's more than a job, it's a part of you and you're a physician 24/7, so the "work" also has to be enjoyable.

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