How I Doctor with Dr. Graham Walker Fix the System, Not the Women: Shikha Jain on Why Medicine Is Failing Female Physicians
Jan 22, 2026
Dr. Shikha Jain, a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and founder of Women in Medicine, dives into the systemic issues plaguing female physicians in a male-dominated healthcare environment. She highlights how the current system undervalues essential invisible labor and pushes women into uncompensated roles. Shikha argues that physician burnout stems from systemic failures rather than individual shortcomings. The discussion includes actionable insights for establishing boundaries, recognizing the value of caregiving, and advocating for gender equity to enhance patient outcomes.
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From Conference To National Nonprofit
- After having twins, Shikha launched the Women in Medicine Summit which quickly grew into a nonprofit with research and leadership programs.
- The organization evolved from a conference into year-round initiatives to change systems and empower women.
Value Primary Care Over Reactive Profits
- Investing in primary care and prevention yields large downstream savings yet current reimbursement undervalues that work.
- Shifting funds toward primary care would strengthen population health and reduce expensive reactive care.
Op-Ed Motivated By Physician Discouragement
- Shikha wrote an op-ed rebutting a Forbes piece that warned against encouraging kids to be physicians.
- She now sees increasing numbers of physicians advising their children not to enter medicine due to current pressures.