3.24.26 OWIMS PD Series|Carrying the Invisible Load: Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Challenges for Women in Academic Medicine

Providence, RI US
March 24, 2026
 
Overview
 
Women in medicine shoulder a unique “invisible load” of emotional labor, cognitive burden, and structural pressures that elevate stress and burnout. This session explores how these hidden demands impact mental wellbeing and performance—and offers practical, evidence based strategies to reduce overload, set boundaries, and support resilience. Designed to empower women clinicians and trainees with tools to navigate the challenges of academic medicine.

Target Audience

This session is open to all faculty, staff and trainees. 

Learning Objectives

​​​​​​After participating in this event, learners should be better able to: 
  • Identify at least three gender specific contributors to burnout and cognitive overload among women in academic medicine, as described in current national data and research. (Supported by evidence showing women physicians experience higher burnout, greater stress, and lower work-life integration than men.)
  • Describe the mechanisms by which chronic stress, emotional labor, and decision fatigue impact cognitive functioning and overall wellbeing in women clinicians. (Research shows women experience unique stressors, including increased emotional labor, structural inequities, and higher cognitive burden.)
  • Recognize early warning signs of burnout and mental health strain in themselves and colleagues, based on validated physician wellbeing assessments used in national surveys. (Evidence from JAMA Network Open and departmental surveys demonstrates gender differences in burnout symptoms.)
  • Apply at least two evidence based strategies to reduce cognitive load or emotional labor in their daily clinical or academic workflow.(Studies note that supportive environments, flexible structures, and mindful workload management can mitigate burnout.)
  • Implement practical workplace communication techniques (e.g., boundary setting, cognitive offloading, structured decision making) to promote sustainable wellbeing.
  • Discuss opportunities for advocacy and institutional change to address the systemic factors contributing to gender disparities in burnout, stress, and work-life integration. (National analyses highlight the role of structural inequities and the need for organizational intervention.)
 
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.50 Attendance
    Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance stating this program is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. This credit is accepted by the AAPA and AANP.
Course opens: 
02/10/2026
Course expires: 
06/02/2026
Event starts: 
03/24/2026 - 5:30pm EDT
Event ends: 
03/24/2026 - 7:00pm EDT
Cost:
$0.00
Part of: 
Office of Women in Medicine and Science Professional Development Series
Add to calendar: 
Registration and refreshments5-5:30 pm
Presentation 5:30-7 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warren Alpert Medical School
222 Richmond Street
Room 270
Providence, RI 02903
United States

Please park in the garage attached to the medical school (entrance on Elm St) and pull a ticket. On your way in or out of the building, please stop by the security desk. You will receive a validation sticker on your ticket that will cover any parking fee when exiting.

Faculty
Alaa Elnajjar, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Providence, RI
 
Planning Committee
Laura Henriques
Administrative Coordinator
Office of Women in Medicine & Science
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
 
Jennifer Maloney
Interim Director
Office of Continuing Medical Education
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
 
 

The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physicians: The Warren Alpert Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

All Other Health Care Professionals: Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance stating this program is designated for 1.50 hours AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Available Credit

  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.50 Attendance
    Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance stating this program is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. This credit is accepted by the AAPA and AANP.

Price

Cost:
$0.00
Please login or register to take this course.