WFSOM spring dinner celebrates resilience, connection and forward momentum

More than 200 faculty members and leaders from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and its affiliated healthcare institutions gathered for the Women Faculty School of Medicine (WFSOM) Spring 2026 Dinner, an evening celebrating leadership, professional growth and community.

In her presidential address, Mona Gupta, MD, president of WFSOM and director of Supportive and Palliative Oncology and Palliative Care Education at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, reflected on a year marked by significant organizational transition and change.

"Despite these challenges, what stood out most was not disruption, but this community," said Gupta. "A community that showed up, supported one another and led with resilience, commitment and purpose. As President, one of my most important responsibilities has been to listen, to steady and to help us move forward with intention."

Gupta highlighted several accomplishments from the past year, including expanded engagement through the fall mixer, which brought together more than 80 faculty members across institutions, and the continued growth of the WFSOM Peer Coaching Program. The innovative partnership between the School of Medicine and the Weatherhead School of Management engaged 75 faculty members across two peer coaching cohorts, providing opportunities for mentorship, leadership development and professional growth.

The keynote address was delivered by Igho Ofotokun, MD, chair and physician-in-chief of the Department of Medicine at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In his inspiring presentation, "Building the Biomedical Workforce, One Woman at a Time," Ofotokun shared personal reflections on mentorship and sponsorship, highlighting the vital role women play in shaping the future of academic medicine and biomedical research.

The evening also celebrated faculty excellence and advancement through recognition of promotions and presentation of the President's Award and Behind-the-Scenes Impact Awards. Honorees included Kimone Lightford, MD, Gunnur Karakurt, PhD, and Monique R. Robinson, MD, PhD.

Closing the evening, Gupta reinforced the organization's enduring purpose: "Even in the face of change, we did not stand still. While structures may evolve, our purpose remains constant."

The spring dinner served as a powerful reflection of WFSOM's commitment to fostering leadership, connection, professional development and opportunity for faculty across the academic medicine community.