The Power of Representation during Women in Medicine Month with UCSF's Malia Martinez

Women in Medicine Month offers us the opportunity to reflect on the vital role women play in health care. At UCSF, the contributions of women extend across every specialty, enriching patient care and strengthening the community. Among them is MR Technologist Malia Martinez, whose journey and perspective reflect the significance of representation in medicine.

Malia never imagined she would find her calling in radiology. "I wasn't really aware of this career path, but oddly enough, a personality test ranked radiology as the top choice for me," she shared. "That drew me to look into it further." With a foundation in STEM courses, the assessment opened the door to a field where her skills and compassion could flourish.

For Malia, the presence of women in medicine is not just encouraging, it's essential. "Representation matters everywhere," she shares. "It's nice to see women in leadership positions, and to see how they approach issues differently." This visibility not only supports growth within the profession but also reinforces to patients and trainees that women's voices are integral to health care.

Quick to point out that women often bring unique strengths to patient care, Malia says, "It's in the little details, from helping someone tie their hair back so it's not in their face to frequent check-ins." These acts of attentiveness may seem small, but they create a sense of trust and comfort, particularly in MRI, where patients often arrive anxious or fearful.

Recalling the impact of empathy in her daily work, Malia adds, "We deal with a lot of anxious and claustrophobic patients in MRI, and sometimes just being able to empathize and put yourself in the patients' shoes can make all the difference in making a connection with them." Her presence not only reassures patients but also supports families during stressful moments. "At Mission Bay, when scanning babies and children, I've seen patients visibly relax when we can distract and entertain their kids."

As someone who mentors MRI student interns, Malia takes pride in supporting the next generation. "Having gone through the same program, I can relate my experience to theirs and give advice on what worked for me," she explains. She offers encouragement and practical guidance to those just beginning their careers.

To young women considering a career in medical imaging, Malia offers straightforward encouragement, "Do it! You'll never be bored."

UCSF is proud to highlight Malia and her colleagues during Women in Medicine Month. Their contributions demonstrate that the presence of women in radiology is not only important but indispensable to the advancement of compassionate, patient-centered care.