Celebrating Women in Medicine and Science at UICOMP
The UICOMP Women in Medicine and Science Council recognizes these women:
- Valeria C. Benavides, MD, MPH (Pediatrics)
- Angela O’Bryant, MSN, RN, PHNA (Health Science Education & Pathology)
- Thembi Conner-Garcia, MD, MPH (Health Science Education & Pathology)
- Liz Gabel, MD (Academic Affairs)
In conjunction with September's “Women in Medicine Month,” the UICOMP Women in Medicine and Science Council solicited nominations of faculty members who work to support gender equality and support the advancement of women in medicine.
Drs. Jay Clore & Jocelyn McClain, Co-Chairs
UICOMP Women in Medicine & Science Council
Women in Medicine Heading link
Valeria C. Benavides, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
As the Section Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dr. Benavides has expanded clinical services and improved access to our high-quality clinical care for children with complex and rare endocrine diseases. Dr. Benavides helped develop the Pediatric Diabetic resource center which provides support services to newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes and their families, including those from underserved, lower socioeconomic communities. She has also advocated for the development of services for patients with gender dysphoria. Additional accomplishments include sub-specialty program development, co-chairing a departmental Women in Healthcare Council, and promoting initiatives for fellow women faculty. Dr. Benavides is a highly accomplished healthcare leader who plays a critical role in developing regional clinical services and contributing to the academic mission of the college.
Angela O’Bryant, MSN, RN, PHNA
Clinical Associate, Director of Academic Program
Ms. O’Bryant has made significant contributions to the UICOMP Health Illness and Society curriculum development and delivery to our medical students, including addressing health equity and population health. She directs the ELI2TE program which places medical students in community outpatient clinics for integration of clinical practice with the biomedical sciences curriculum, providing enhanced clinical learning opportunities for students in phase 1. She also leads the Urban Medicine program for our students interested in improving health equity in our urban areas. Ms. O’Bryant consistently provides impeccable leadership and supports medical students across many areas of the curriculum. Through her dedicated leadership and effective teachings, she is a role model for all.
Thembi Conner-Garcia, MD, MPH
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Conner-Garcia serves as a critical core educator in UICOMP’s phase 1 curriculum for medical students. In addition to leading Block 3: Skin, Muscle, and Movement, she co-leads Medical Colloquia, and teaches both Health Illness and Society and the Doctoring and Clinical Skills (DoCS) courses. She is also a faculty advisor for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) helping Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) students navigate their medical education and professional development journey. Leading by example in everything she does, Dr. Conner-Garcia is an outstanding educator, leader and role model for our students and faculty alike.
Liz Gabel, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine
Dr. Gabel serves as a course director for the Doctoring and Clinical Skills (DoCS) in phase 1 undergraduate medical education curriculum, co-clerkship director for Family Medicine, and Sub I director for Family Medicine. She also participates as a Clinical Faculty Advisor, mentoring first and second year medical students in their educational journey and developing their professional identities. Students comment on how approachable, personable, and invaluable she is to them in this role. Dr. Gabel is an outstanding role model to our students and encourages excellence in everything they do. Her dedication is unparalleled, and she is destined to accomplish great things for UICOMP.