OB-GYN
At a time when women’s health and reproductive care remain at the center of national conversation, Dr. Paris Stowers is being recognized for helping medical students find their voice in obstetrics and gynecology.
The JABSOM faculty member recently received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Medical Student Recruitment Award for her work developing a student leadership and mentorship model within ACOG’s District VIII, which includes Hawaiʻi and several western states.
The initiative was designed to engage medical students in OBGYN early by giving them a real seat at the table.
“There was an interest in developing a medical student advisory council so medical students could have a leadership role in the organization,” Stowers said.
As the council’s first faculty advisor, Stowers helped build a program that connected students across Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho, and other western states through virtual meetings, mentorship opportunities, advocacy work, and national conferences.
“We ask them what kinds of things they want to work on,” Stowers said. “It’s more successful if it’s student-driven.”
Some students created educational projects addressing myths in women’s health. Others explored topics including LGBTQ health, abortion care, and trans health. One group even developed a medical art project focused on women’s health advocacy.
The program also emphasized professional development skills that are often overlooked in traditional medical education.
“We focus a lot on things like how to network at a conference, how to approach someone at a poster presentation, and how to make the most of mentorship opportunities,” Stowers said.
Students also attended national advocacy meetings in Washington, D.C., where they met with lawmakers alongside practicing OBGYN physicians to discuss women’s health legislation and policy.
For Stowers, one of the most rewarding parts of the program has been seeing students take what they learned and bring it back to their own campuses.
“One student shared that they started setting up programs at their own medical school for their peers,” she said. “That’s something I’m really proud of.”
The model has also helped strengthen recruitment in regions historically struggling to retain OBGYN physicians. This year, the council included student representatives from every state in District VIII, including rural states that often face physician shortages.
JABSOM students Brandi Mikami and Paige Harakuni served on the council this year.
"Dr. Stowers' recognition is incredibly well deserved and reflects the profound impact she has had on mentorship and leadership development of medical students like myself,” said Brandi Mikami, JABSOM MS4. “She has created meaningful opportunities for students to become engaged in advocacy, develop leadership skills, and build long-lasting professional connections. As a part of ACOG District VIII's Medical Student Advisory Council, I am always impressed by Dr. Stowers’ dedication to supporting and empowering medical students. Working alongside her taught me the importance of investing in future generations of physicians and the lasting impact that mentorship can have on personal and professional growth."
Stowers believes the program arrives at an especially important moment for the specialty.
“A lot of things are changing in our country about access and how we’re talking about women’s health,” she said. “The students are very passionate about advocacy.”
"I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Dr. Stowers. She has a remarkable ability to bring students into the conversation and make us feel like valued members of the organization,” said Paige Harakuni, JABSOM MS4. “As a student representative on District VIII’s Medical Student Advisory Council, I have personally seen the inclusive and collaborative environment she helped create across our communities. Her leadership has shown me how meaningful it can be when experienced and caring physicians intentionally create space for students to contribute ideas, take initiative, and grow into leadership roles. This award recognizes not only her dedication to students but also the lasting impact she has had on the future of our specialty."
Rather than feeling powerless, Stowers hopes the experience shows future physicians they can help shape healthcare systems and policy.
“You can make a change in your medical school, but also at the national level,” she said.
While the award recognizes Stowers nationally, she is quick to credit the larger team behind the initiative.
“I’m very grateful and humbled,” she said. “There were a lot of people who worked on this besides me. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to work on this for the past two years.”