Women In Medicine Month: Dr. Audra Pritt

September is Women in Medicine Month. We are pleased to share the stories of some of our female physicians.

Audra Pritt, MD
Associate Professor

Meet Dr. Pritt

Dr. Pritt is board-certified in Pediatrics, and she is the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine Residency program.

A career in medicine is a collaborative experience, and support from others is incredibly important. Was there a female mentor in your life that helped you navigate any obstacles in your medical career?

I was lucky to be influenced by several female mentors throughout all stages of my education and career path.

Last year the #medbikini broke the internet when a journal article listed wearing a bikini on the beach on personal social media as unprofessional behavior. Do you feel that women are held to a different professionalism standard than men?  

Unfortunately, it has occurred sometimes that we as women, have been judged more harshly in regards to our life outside of the hospital and clinic walls. It is important to continue the conversation and have allies that help combat this narrative.

For those of you that have chosen to have children, do you ever feel that society (or even fellow colleagues) attempt to dictate that it is “impossible” to be both a good doctor and a good parent? If so, how do you handle this criticism in your own personal life, and how do you propose we navigate those wrongful judgements in the future?  

I have been lucky to work in an environment that makes it possible to do both, and to do each to the best of my ability.  But I do feel it is important to set realistic expectations for oneself.  Perfection is not the goal.

What advice would you give to a young woman pursuing a career in medicine?

Know when to stand up for yourself and what is right. Kindness goes a long way in this field, but don’t let anyone mistake it for weakness.  Set goals and understand sometimes, it will take a village. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Know that it’s ok to say “I don’t know” sometimes, and also know it’s ok to say “no” and set limits as well.  Don’t forget to celebrate your own successes as well as support and celebrate other women.