Women In Medicine: Julia Meguro
Julia Meguro is a student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the FMA Board of Governors Medical Student Section Representative. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Julia lived in New Jersey for seven years before coming to Miami for her undergraduate and medical education.
Her journey to medicine began with personal experiences navigating healthcare as an immigrant from Brazil. Being exposed to the unique challenges different groups of people face when accessing healthcare, she was inspired to pursue a career that combines her passion for science, a commitment to serving underserved populations, and the desire to bridge gaps in healthcare access through clinical practice and public health advocacy. She is applying for a residency in internal medicine and plans to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology or oncology.
As a woman early in her medical career, Julia acknowledges that navigating her path comes with unique challenges she has learned to work through with time. "It is not uncommon for me to be the only female in a room. I have learned to be comfortable with not letting my voice be toned down in such settings. There have also been times when I was discouraged from pursuing specialties that require further training. But I am grateful to be at an academic center with several female physicians in leadership and competitive specialties."
Recalling women who inspired her medical education, Julia recognized her medical school advisor, Dr. Alexis Powell. "Dr. Powell was one of the first internists I ever had the opportunity to work with and led me towards the internal medicine route," Dr. Powell primarily sees patients with HIV and is passionate about helping patients stay consistent with treatment and overcome discrimination due to the disease.
"I am also inspired by Dr. Sabrina Taldone, who is a forever ‘Cane, an internal medicine physician, educator, and has also been involved in organized medicine since she was a medical student. She has encouraged me to stay involved and continue to advocate for patients and physicians through the FMA," Julia continued.
When asked about her role as the Medical Student Section Representative on the FMA Board of Governors, Julia would like to increase the number of opportunities medical students have to interact with physician members of the FMA throughout the year. "That way we can continuously communicate and brainstorm together about ways we can further advocate for patients and physicians," she said.
Julia is also working with the Florida Medical Association Medical Student Section (MSS) Governing Council on resolutions that were referred to the Board of Governors, including the resolution on Summer EBT, adding naloxone to AEDs, and ways to recruit medical students of diverse backgrounds to join the FMA and improve their leadership skills.
Women In Medicine Month
September is the American Medical Association's (AMA) Women in Medicine Month, created to recognize the growing number of women in the profession. The FMA is proud to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in medicine and work to empower the next generation of women who will influence the future of healthcare in Florida.