We are proud to announce that our Senior Research Fellow, Rida Mitha, MD, has been awarded Best Research Poster at the Neurological Society of Pittsburgh 2025 Conference. Dr. Mitha’s award-winning presentation, “Perceptions of Lactation: Neurosurgical Experience versus Other Surgical and Non-Surgical Specialties,” sheds light on the significant challenges faced by women neurosurgical residents in their lactation journeys.
Innovative Research with Meaningful Impact
Dr. Mitha’s research reveals that women across medical specialties, particularly in neurosurgery, encounter substantial barriers to successful lactation experiences. Her findings emphasize the critical need for improved support systems and advocacy efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of both physician mothers and their children.
Key Findings and Implications
The research highlights how limited mentorship in lactation across medical specialties creates additional challenges for physician mothers. Dr. Mitha’s work demonstrates that without proper support structures, women in demanding surgical fields like neurosurgery face unique obstacles in maintaining breastfeeding while managing their professional responsibilities.
Dr. Mitha’s research underscores the importance of developing comprehensive lactation support programs specifically designed for physicians in demanding specialties. The findings call for institutional changes that recognize and accommodate the needs of physician mothers, particularly in high-intensity fields like neurosurgery.
Organizational Commitment
As an organization, SCOLI remains committed to supporting researchers like Dr. Mitha who address critical issues affecting neurosurgery healthcare professionals. We believe that by highlighting these challenges and working toward solutions, we can create more equitable environments for not only neurosurgery practitioners, but also all medical practitioners.
Dr. Mitha’s recognition at this prestigious conference reinforces the significance of her work and its potential to drive meaningful change in medical education and practice. We look forward to seeing how her research continues to influence policy development and institutional support for physician mothers across all specialties.
Rida Mitha, MD, is starting neurosurgery residency at Allegheny General Hospital this coming June 2025. We look forward to seeing her flourish as a neurosurgeon.