On Feb. 1, a record 73 Hoosier women physicians and medical students gathered at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael for ISMA’s 2025 Women in Medicine (WIM) Retreat.

Attendees participated in wellness sessions focused on subjects such as emotional processing, enhancing self-awareness, and creating a purposeful life, and engaged in fellowship during the all-day event.

“This event stands as the premier Women in Medicine gathering in Indiana, and we remain committed to expanding our offerings to support all women in the field,” WIM Committee Chair Jane Bridges, MD, said. “Additionally, we highlighted the ISMA’s advocacy efforts for physicians and medical students. A particularly special aspect of this event was the generosity of women physicians who donated funds to sponsor medical students' attendance. This year, female medical students benefited from these sponsorships, making the event even more meaningful. Overall, it was a truly memorable and impactful day for all who attended.”

Following breakfast and introductions by Dr. Bridges, Erica Howe, MD, a hospitalist, nationally recognized speaker, and founder of the Women Physicians Conference, led the morning session with “Negotiation 101: Moving out of Your Emotional Basement.” 

Attendees then took a group picture and gathered at the hotel’s in-house entertainment venue, Feinstein’s, to enjoy lunch and entertainment put on by the physician-led band Crooked Finger Rhythm Revue.

The afternoon session was led by Carmel internal medicine physician Laurel Fick, MD, who presented “Choosing Your Own Adventure.” Emily Zarse, MD, a psychiatrist in charge of Community Health Network’s Addiction Medicine Fellowship program, and Suzanne Courtney, PsyD, a psychologist in private practice who also teaches at Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care Science in Medicine, also presented.

A reception and dinner concluded this year’s event.

This year’s event had overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.

One medical student wrote: “I wanted to take a second to thank the organizers for how kind they were to the medical students. Often as a medical student, I spend much of my day feeling like I am in the way. I hardly ever feel like I belong in clinical or professional settings. I am truly so grateful for everyone’s kindness and the way they welcomed us with open arms. I felt so included during the entire program. I was uplifted by the incredible physicians around me. I feel more inspired than ever to be pursuing this field, knowing that so many incredible women have paved the way before me so I can accomplish anything I set my heart to. As a result of this conference, I am empowered in a way I haven’t felt in a very long time. It’s as though my cup has been filled.”

Check ISMA Reports later this month for additional photos from this year’s retreat.