The women who shape us
Four alumni share stories of the women who inspire and motivate them
March 26, 2020 — As the adage goes, no man is an island. As a matter of fact, the statement rings true for those of all genders and identities. Behind every successful person is a community of individuals offering support and guidance, gently steering that person ever closer to fulfilling their dreams and passions.
In honor of Women’s History Month, four UF College of Medicine alumni share their thoughts and memories of the women who shaped their paths to medicine, the women who taught them important lessons about perseverance and strength in the face of adversity and the women who supported and believed in them.
Dr. Gina Sevigny, second from the right, is pictured here with her husband Steve Sevigny, M.D., their son Drew and their daughters Elizabeth and Kate.
“In medical school, Dr. Linda Lanier lectured us on radiology. She was a great role model for women in medicine. In addition to Lanier, two residents ahead of me in the UF dermatology program showed me that you could be a hard working physician, a wife and a mother. Watching the example of Kathy Holloway, M.D. ’92, and Dr. Billie Cosgrove helped guide me.
“Balancing being a physician, running my own practice and being a wife and mother to three children —one of which is physically and mentally disabled — is difficult. Every stage of life requires a different balance and focus. Embracing change, being flexible and constantly adjusting that balance between work and family is what I try to do.”
— Gina Sevigny, M.D. ’94, assistant professor of dermatology within the department of dermatology at the UF College of Medicine and dermatologist with Ormond Beach Dermatology and Aesthetics Center
Noel Maun, far left, is pictured here with his mother, Alicia Maun, M.D., her husband, Edward Martin, and Noel's son Ethan.
“My mom [Alicia Maun, M.D., a longtime UF physician who is now retired] was one of the pioneering female physicians in the U.S. After graduating medical school in the Philippines, she did her residency in Brooklyn, New York. She would tell us stories of how she was one of the few female physicians in that context in the early 1960s. My sisters and I witnessed her strength, how she carried herself and her confidence. You knew she had to be strong to be part of that male-dominated culture back then. We were influenced by the model she set.
“As we grew up in Gainesville, we were exposed to a lot of physician-mothers. We saw the dedication and sacrifice required to take care of patients while at the same time taking care of a family. My mom brought us to the UF Student Health Care Center, where she worked, after school. That was the only way to raise us while maintaining her career. My mom, along with the other physician-moms at the UF SHCC, was a great role model for me in how someone can have true dedication to a career and personal dedication to a family.
“Before I got into medical school, I was interested in doing research, and I took a job in the research lab of Mary Jo Karoly, Ph.D. I was initially hired to wash dishes. She mentored me and introduced me to medical science, and I worked my way up to doing experiments on cell tissue models in vitro. She was a very encouraging, patient mentor. It wasn’t just her intellect and talent — it was that special trait of compassion and nurturing that was present. It was that exposure that led me to consider a career in basic medical sciences and why I later applied to the UF MD-PhD program.”
— Noel Maun, M.D., Ph.D. ’95, oncologist with Florida Cancer Specialists in Venice Island, Florida
Julia Close, M.D. '01
Photo by Mindy C. Miller
“So many women have been an inspiration and a source of support to me. They have all taught me one common theme: strength and perseverance. One of my grandmothers fully supported her family with three young kids while my grandfather was treated for cancer for years. My other grandmother went to court to fight for the right to vote. She won! More recently, my close friends and colleagues, including Shireen Madani Sims, M.D. ’01, have been inspirations but also my village — someone to turn to when I need help with my work-life integration.”
— Julia Close, M.D. ’01, associate dean of graduate medical education at the UF College of Medicine
Ali Kasraeian M.D. '02, pictured here with his mother, Shahla Masood, M.D.
“My mom [Shahla Masood, M.D., professor and chair of the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville department of pathology and medical director of the UF Health Breast Center – Jacksonville] motivates people to see the beauty of what medicine can do. When my brother and I were kids cutting up our stuffed animals and playing doctor, she always told us, ‘If you can imagine doing anything else other than being a physician, do that. It’s a long and tough road. If you can’t imagine doing anything else, do it to the best of your ability, because you have a big responsibility to the people who place their trust in you. It’s not a field to just walk through.’
“Now, as a grown-up, I realize how difficult of a task it was for her to be the only woman in her department or on administrative boards. She had to be the very best at what she does to be listened to. It wasn’t an easy road. Hers is a resounding voice in the back of my head when I have a long or tough clinic day. Women are wonderful, compassionate members of our medical community.”
— Ali Kasraeian, M.D. ’02, urologist at Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, Florida
