March marks Women's History Month, and the UAB Department of Surgery Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee commends the team of women who have contributed so much to the department's past and future growth. The team of leaders in the UAB Surgery Chair's Office is highly-concentrated by powerful women who have proven careers in healthcare administration.
History has written medicine as a male-dominated field. The world was not introduced to its first female physician until 1849– Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D.,– who ended up having to practice as a nurse. Mary Edwards Walker, M.D., followed Blackwell as the first female surgeon. Since then, surgery has remained predominately male. In the 2019 Association of American Medical Colleges report, 64.8 percent of surgeons were male and 35.2 were female.
However, the UAB Department of Surgery seeks to increase the number of not just female representation in the field of surgery, but also other minoritized individuals. In June 2020, the UAB Department of Surgery established a committee on DEI, led by Vice Chair Colin Martin, M.D., FACS.
The mission of the committee is to understand, promote and respect diversity of background, culture, attitudes and experiences within the department to drive excellence in clinical care, research, and surgical education. Since its establishment, the committee and its 20 members– some from departments across the UAB Heersink School of Medicine– have been hard at work on several ongoing DEI strategies in the areas of culture, accountability, hiring and training.
DEI committee member, Division of Transplantation administrative associate and creative mind behind this Women’s History Month spotlight Jeffery Steele is confident gender disparities will continue to decline.
“To compare the past history of women in hospital administration and surgery to where we are today is inspiring. Continuing to make progress in gender equality is so important, and I am proud to work for a department that values these efforts,” says Steele. “I am a proud ally of my women colleagues and look to our strong department leadership to advance our missions.”
Join in celebrating Women’s History Month and meet the women of the Department of Surgery chair’s office as they share thoughts, advice and their inspiration.
Christal Moore, MBA, MHA, FACHE
Executive Administrator, Department of Surgery
Christal Moore, a native of Donalsonville, Georgia, where graduated in 2001 as the school’s first African American Valedictorian. She graduated from the Georgia Tech with a degree in Biomedical Engineering followed by a dual Master in Master Business Administration and Health Administration from Georgia State University. In 2009, she completed a two-year Johns Hopkins Health System Post-Graduate Administrative Fellowship Program. After her fellowship, she worked in various roles during her 12 year career at Johns Hopkins. In 2019, Christal accepted a role as the Executive Administrator for the Department of Surgery at UAB Medicine where she is responsible for a 120+ department faculty, 500 staff, and over $70+ million dollar budget.
Favorite female trailblazer?
Mae Jemison
Favorite quote?
"A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
Never give up. At the end of the day it is about grit.
Marva Morgan, MHA
Administrative/HR Director
I came to UAB in 2020 from several industries in my career; manufacturing and Healthcare. I am the Administrative/HR Director for the Department of Surgery. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and I am currently in my last year of Law school obtaining a Doctorate in Law.
Favorite female trailblazer?
Michelle Obama
Favorite quote?
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.
Pamela Holtkamp
Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs, Department of Surgery
I was an Auditor with Arthur Young (formerly one of the Big 8 accounting firms). I knew a number of people from there that had gotten jobs at UAB. They told me about jobs open at UAB. I had a similar role in the Department of Medicine and also worked in the Development Office before Reid Jones called me about working for Surgery. I oversee financial matters for the Department of Surgery for UAB and HSF, including preparing budgets, making sure that we are handling all transactions properly and any numerous other tasks.
Favorite female trailblazer?
There was a Vice President of Financial Affairs, Linda Flaherty Goldsmith, when I first came to UAB. She had a rather remarkable rise to that position and beyond. I remember her telling her story to a group of women and never forgot what she said. Encourage others, you never know who you may influence to make a life changing decision.
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
I just know that you need to work hard. It is tough to be a woman in business and a mother. You are constantly juggling work and family responsibilities. But I wouldn’t give up either one. Know what is important in life and live accordingly.
Marissa Cabrera Keppley, MBA
Communications Director, Department of Surgery
Before coming to Birmingham, I lived in Boston for almost 10 years where I did my undergrad at Boston University. After graduation, I worked in the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and had some time supporting a lab in the Harvard Medical School. We then moved to Birmingham and I joined the UAB Health System Marketing and Communications team and got my MBA at UAB. After 5 years of collaborating with the amazing faculty and staff in many of the clinical departments, I was fortunate enough to move to support the Department of Surgery and absolutely love my current role.
Favorite female trailblazer?
If you want me to completely honest, my favorite female trailblazers are my grandmothers. They are incredibly strong women. I either call or pray to my Mimas whenever I need some guidance. As for more well-known women, I am in awe of Malala Yousafzai’s courage and am thankful for RBG’s unwavering resolve for gender equality.
Favorite quote?
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. … It shouldn't be that women are the exception." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
I know it’s easier said than done, but get out of your comfort zone. Find a problem and solve it, learn something new. Don’t let your comfort or society tell you what you should be doing. Break through those mental traps. For example, when my kids’ favorite wooden duck recently broke, I pulled out some power tools and searched YouTube for some woodworking videos. I know nothing about woodwork, but I fixed that stupid duck. It felt great! Go out there, find your duck, and fix it.
Kristi Eatmon, MBA
Program Director III
My journey at UAB started in August of 1997 with the Department of Surgery as an Office Services Specialist III. During my tenure in Surgery, I have served in many different capacities of which the last 9 years I have been a Program Director III for Surgery Research Administration. During this time period, I also obtained my MBA from UAB.
Favorite female trailblazer?
Condoleezza Rice
Favorite quote?
“Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance in the world to pursue your dreams." –Hillary Clinton
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
Be authentic, compassionate and self-critical. Listen to and learn from everyone around you.
Lib Rabun
Clinical Administrative Associate, Department of Surgery
Since college graduation (BS in Bus Admin), I have worked in the health field administratively. Worked at area medical centers (St. V’s and Brookwood) before began working at UAB 10+ years ago in a parttime role in Surg Onc. Transitioned to fulltime and then into the Chair’s office. Have now retired on the UAB side and work for HSF in a parttime role. I am responsible for the departmental Promotion & Tenure process and writing drafts of Dr. Chen’s letters of recommendation for promotions around the country as well as here at UAB, professional society membership letters of support, fellowship candidate letters of support, etc.
Favorite female trailblazer?
I was mentored in my very first job by two older female coworkers. Their training was invaluable!
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
Remember that your work ethic is a direct reflection of who you are as a person. Often, that reflection can make or break you professionally.
J
azmyn Wright
Administrative Associate
My name is Jazmyn Wright. I am from Huntsville, AL and I have a masters in Public Administration concentrating in Healthcare Administration. I landed a position at UAB Surgery after connecting with Marva Morgan who is the current HR Director for the department. I currently work as the administrative associate for the Executive Administrator, Christal Moore. I am heavily involved with faculty onboarding and recruitment, while also coordinating departmental moves.
Favorite female trailblazer?
Beyoncé
Favorite quote?
“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence” -Beyoncé
Any advice to a female trailblazer?
The advice that I would give another young female careerist is to stay the course and your goals will come to fruition.