National Women Physicians Day: Learning, Leading, and Lifting Others in Neurology

National Women Physicians Day, observed each year on February 3, honors the contributions of women in medicine while underscoring the continued need for equity in leadership, research, and clinical practice. In neurology, where women have played pivotal roles in advancing patient care and scientific discovery, the day serves as a moment to reflect on mentorship, resilience, and the structural support required to help women physicians thrive across all stages of their careers.

In recognition of the occasion, Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc, neurologist, ALS specialist, and internationally recognized clinical trial leader, shares her perspective. With a career defined by leadership in ALS research, multidisciplinary care innovation, and mentorship of emerging physician-scientists, Cudkowicz reflects on lessons learned from clinical trials, the importance of perseverance, and the role of mentorship and advocacy in building a sustainable and impactful career in neurology.

Looking back on your career in neurology, what key moments or decisions most shaped your path into ALS care and research? What helped you stay motivated through the most demanding stages of training and early leadership?

There were many key moments – I remember the first trial that I led – topiramate in ALS – the trial did not meet its primary endpoint. One of the participants wrote to me to thank us for running the study and asking what the next trial they could be part of was. I always remember this- no matter outcomes we need to pick ourselves us – evaluate, learn, modify but keep going. we are on a shared mission to understand ALS and find really effective therapies. My colleagues keep me grounded and supported, the people and families I care for with ALS help me stay motivated and focused, each day.

In your view, what barriers have historically made it harder for women to advance into senior leadership roles in academic neurology? What changes have helped create real progress?

Role models and mentors are so important for people in all stages of their careers. Learning to self-advocate, to speak up and share ones voice and ideas are key for anyone growing into leadership roles. One can always learn leadership – whether it is running a lab meeting or designing a trial – I always observed other people and learned from them- both what I thought worked as a leader and what didn’t. It is important to seek advice and counsel and also to provide that to others as one grows in leadership.

What mentorship approaches have been most valuable in your experience, especially for supporting women neurologists who want to pursue research and leadership?

I was fortunate to have several amazing mentors – and they were essential for my career development in many ways. Dr. Young for example, introduced me to many leaders in the field – and from them I learned clinical trial leadership (Ira Shoulson in particular). Dr. Brown is a life long mentor; he shared ideas generously, taught me and s many others how to design experiments, put thoughts out clearly, think deeply and always keep the patient in center of every decision.He gave time to his mentees – and cared. This is central.

I have seen many woman and men grow as leaders also with professional coaching and by reading or taking classes on leadership.

In ALS specifically, where have women leaders had the greatest impact in research and clinical care? Where do you think we still need more women leading major efforts, such as trials, translational research, or policy initiatives?

Women are leaders in clinical trials and basic science and innovations in care. Many foundations, pharma, biotech have woman leaders. In general, I think we need more people in ALS growing as leaders!

When it comes to women focused research in neurology, what gaps do you see as most urgent?

This could include sex-based biology, gender differences in access to care, or differences in how neurologic disease is recognized and treated.

For early career women neurologists who want to balance patient care, research, and leadership, what guidance would you offer?

What does a sustainable and fulfilling neurology career look like today?It is very possible to do it all! Important to find ones passions and not be shy about following them. A fulfilling career in neurology will be different for each person. For me- my home is the patient care- seeing and talking with people with ALS – working with them on the research and advocacy. I love to lead teams and build new initiatives all with goal to help those living with the illness- whether that is through research or care – ideally both tightly integrated. Leadership is amazing – the chance to mentor and help others, to build programs that are innovative and make a meaningful impact on others. I love supporting young faculty and students find their interests and succeed in their path – it is one of the greatest joys of leadership.