Historically, the STEM industry has been male-dominated, especially in comparison to the U.S. workforce as a whole. While women comprise 48% of the U.S. workforce, they only represent about 27% of STEM workers. This contrast is especially stark, considering women earned 53% of STEM college degrees in 2018. Because of this disparity, there has been a recent push at healthcare and STEM-based companies to recruit more women into the workforce from entry-level to c-suite. This industry-wide effort presents an excellent opportunity for young women interested and passionate about STEM and healthcare to enter exciting careers. Yet, despite efforts, there continue to be many barriers for young women entering the STEM industry, especially regarding navigating their educational experiences and professional opportunities. This roundtable will feature women who are recent graduates/early-stage careerists who will discuss how they navigated the transition from STEM student to STEM professional. In addition, panelists will share advice for current undergraduate students interested in working in the industry. This roundtable aims to equip young women with the knowledge to bridge their educational experiences and passions with a fulfilling career in the STEM and healthcare sectors.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted the United States healthcare system and continues to leave an impact on many populations. In addition, the recent social justice movement has prompted many discussions about health disparities and health equity in conjunction with the pandemic. One trend emerging from this intersection, is an increase in medical school applicants, as the next generation of healthcare providers and leaders look to address health disparities and prepare the healthcare system for the next pandemic. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 2021 saw a record-setting 17.8% increase in medical school applicants, with the applicants creating the most diverse applicant pool. Within this applicant class, women’s presence also saw a sharp increase of 5.9% in accepted applicants compared to 2020. Additionally, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the STEM industry will grow by 13% in the next decade. Comparatively, non-STEM industries will only grow by 7.5% in that time frame. With the industry expected to rapidly expand, providing future healthcare leaders and providers with clinical and non-clinical career paths is increasingly important as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for multifaceted approaches in healthcare, and professionals with diverse experiences. Non-clinical career paths for students, from undergrad to medical school, are often lesser-known options to pursue, therefore this Runway Roundtable will discuss non-clinical career paths for students considering or pursuing medicine. Panelist will also discuss their experiences entering non-clinical careers as female professionals, and the changing healthcare landscape in the U.S.