We’re celebrating Women’s History Month by getting to know the women Warriors of the Wayne State University School of Medicine who are actively involved and interested in women’s health and gender equity.
Kaitlyn Zablock is a medical student in our Warrior M.D. Class of 2027. The Novi, Mich., native is the president of the American Medical Women’s Association and ACCESS clinic coordinator of the National Arab American Medical Association-NextGen student organizations. She is also a student interviewer for our Admissions Committee, and recently started clinical research at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development.
Question: How has your involvement in the American Medical Women’s Association and other affinity groups or events shaped your journey as a medical student/physician-in-training?
Answer: AMWA’s mission is to promote the advancement of women’s health and female physicians, and this cause aligns with a central tenet of why I chose to pursue medicine. Leading an organization like AMWA allows me to examine gender-based health care disparities within the community, many of which I learned about during my undergraduate education. Through AMWA, I collaborate with the rest of the executive board to impact the Detroit and the WSU School of Medicine communities through various projects and outreach initiatives.
Q: Is celebrating/recognizing Women’s History Month important to you, and if yes, why?
A: Absolutely! I am privileged to have grown up around female physicians and family members who exemplified strength, wisdom and courage. Being surrounded by these women shaped who I am, my perspective of the world and my aspirations. While the presence of similar female role models in academia and popular media is increasing, we still have a long way to go in celebrating and promoting admirable female leaders. Women’s History Month provides a platform to highlight exceptional women and reevaluate how society works toward gender equity.
Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University for medical school?
A: I chose Wayne State because I grew up in the metropolitan Detroit area and always admired Wayne State University School of Medicine students and physicians’ impact on our local communities. I wanted my medical education to be enriched with community engagement opportunities, whether through service or leadership. With a mission predicated on outreach and clinical excellence, Wayne State was the ideal choice for me.
Q: Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?
A: I am interested in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I was introduced to women’s health during undergrad, and my extracurricular activities revolved around period poverty and gender equity in health care. I also worked in an Obstetrics and Gynecology office as a medical assistant during my gap year and loved every minute of it.