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Jennifer Hunt, M.D., has been voted Outstanding Woman Faculty of the year.

Pathology Chair Jennifer Hunt, M.D., Voted Outstanding Woman Faculty

April 13, 2020 | Jennifer Hunt, M.D., has been voted Outstanding Woman Faculty 2020 by her peers at UAMS as a leader, mentor and nationally recognized champion for women in medicine.

Hunt is chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences in the College of Medicine at UAMS. In addition to mentoring individual students and faculty, she has developed a leadership training program for women across the nation. She has published a book, “Unlocking Your Authentic Self,” on imposter syndrome and is a nationally recognized speaker on the subject.

“We honor women who champion other women and are examples for our future generation of outstanding women faculty,” said Brenda Burks, assistant director for the Faculty Center. “Our finalists are all successful, appreciated mentors and role models with a record of scholarly endeavors, demonstrable teaching expertise and strong leadership skills.”

The Women’s Faculty Development Caucus recognizes an Outstanding Woman Faculty member each year by soliciting nominations, selecting a short list of finalists and then allowing caucus members to have the final vote.

Burks said there are usually only five finalists, but this year there were too many quality finalists to only choose five. In addition to Hunt, the 2020 finalists were:

• Ronda Henry-Tillman, M.D., surgical oncologist, professor in the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, division chief of breast surgical oncology in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
• Tiffany Huitt, Ph.D., associate program director, director of research, associate professor, College of Health Professions Department of Physician Assistant Studies
• Sara Jones, Ph.D., APRN, assistant professor, College of Nursing
• Michele Moss, M.D., a UAMS pediatric cardiologist practicing at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, professor in the Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine
• Larronda Rainey, M.N.Sc., RN, clinical assistant professor, director of RN Programs, College of Nursing
• Kate Stewart, M.D., M.P.H., professor, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and director of community engagement with the UAMS Translational Research Institute

 

Click here to read their nomination letters.

Hunt’s group coaching program aims to help women physicians conquer imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which individuals doubt their own accomplishments, credentials or ability to perform as well as their peers, often leaving the individual feeling like a “fraud.” The course has trained over 130 women. Her dedication to this course is substantial — she not only developed curricular materials but also leads weekly group sessions — all free of charge.

Hunt took her message about women and imposter syndrome to the TEDxUAMS stage in February, encouraging women to amplify their voices to take control of their futures.

“She is skilled, knowledgeable, and an enthusiastic champion of women in medicine,” it reads in Hunt’s nomination letter. “Dr. Hunt has worked tirelessly to promote and support women in medicine; her generosity towards others is unparalleled. We are so fortunate that she is one of our own outstanding women at UAMS.”

The Outstanding Woman Faculty Award is usually presented at a dinner, which was canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. An alternative event to honor Hunt and the finalists will be planned for a later date.

“Each year the Spring Dinner really puts our women faculty in the spotlight,” Burks said. “I am always blown away by the fantastic work these women are doing. There is a buzz in the room and by the end of the night you walk away on cloud nine feeling so proud of all the amazing work done by the talented women of UAMS.”

Since the time of her nomination, Hunt’s role at UAMS has also changed in light of COVID-19. Hunt stepped into leadership roles both in developing COVID-19 laboratory testing capabilities at UAMS and helping establish a drive-through screening and testing triage service at the Little Rock campus and other locations in the state. She is now spearheading the effort to take mobile testing capabilities to underserved sites across the state.

The Women’s Caucus was founded in 1989 as a professional development and mentoring program to help women advance their careers and assume leadership positions. The caucus provides leadership training, mentoring/advising, faculty development and networking opportunities.