BWiSER

Welcome to BWiSER (Black Women in Science Empowering and Reaching), a groundbreaking peer mentoring program created by Drs. Grant and Oyedeji in 2021. Developed during their first year as faculty, BWiSER aims to empower and support Black women in academic medicine, particularly those pursuing careers in hematology or oncology. 

 

BWiSER operates on a unique "reach-back model," unlike traditional mentoring programs. This approach fosters bidirectional mentoring, allowing early-career faculty members to engage with resident and fellow physician trainees, offering guidance and support as they navigate their careers. In turn, these trainees "pay it forward" by mentoring and helping junior trainees, creating a network of support that extends across all levels. 

 

Within BWiSER, we recognize the importance of building a strong community and creating a safe space for Black women in science. Our program goes beyond career and research advice, offering a platform for open dialogue on topics such as navigating micro- and macro-aggressions within academic institutions. By sharing experiences and providing social support, we foster an environment where members can thrive and overcome challenges together. 

 

Through BWiSER, participants form lasting connections, develop valuable mentor-mentee relationships, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. We believe that by empowering and reaching out to one another, we can break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and inspire future generations of Black women in academic medicine. 

 

Join us at BWiSER as we work towards creating an inclusive and equitable future for Black women in science. Together, we can achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on the field of academic medicine. 

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For more information, please see below the full-text article written by Dr. Grant, Dr. Oyedeji, and Dr. Gilmore, Paving the Way for Increased Representation of Black Faculty in Academic Medicine: The Role of Mentoring; or visit The Hematologist through link: https://doi.org/10.1182/hem.V19.6.2022611.