Women in Medicine 
Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP

September 21, 2021

During September, which is the American Medical Association's Women in Medicine month, PCOM recognizes our female physicians who serve as faculty members and role models for our students across all three of our campuses in Philadelphia, Suwanee and Moultrie. Each campus has selected a representative "Woman in Medicine" to feature in a web story, however we honor and celebrate all of our female physicians and student doctors and their commitment to advancing equity and creating change.

Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP, serves as the dean and chief academic officer of PCOM Georgia's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. Prior to joining PCOM Georgia in the spring of 2021, Dr. Mann served as the assistant dean for clinical education, chair of pediatrics, and associate professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at the Jerry M. Wallace, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Buies Creek, North Carolina.

Dr. Mann's previous experience includes working as an attending physician at Senders Pediatrics in South Euclid, Ohio, and working as an attending internist and pediatrician at MetroHealth Brooklyn Medical Group in Brooklyn, Ohio. Read more about Dr. Mann.

Who/what encouraged you to pursue a career in medicine?

I always wanted to be a doctor. I dressed up every year for Halloween as a doctor; I played doctor with my friends and stuffed animals; I participated in science fairs; I daydreamed about the day where I could wear a white coat and a stethoscope on my neck; I planned the décor for my future pediatrics practice. I can’t remember ever wanting to be anything but a physician. My parents encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. I was so lucky to have a fantastic role model in my mother. She was a pharmacist and was one of two women in her pharmacy class. She was a superwoman. She taught me that you could do it all. My mom was at every one of my softball games, provided me with home-cooked meals, and was a leader in her profession. My father taught me to choose a career that would allow me to support myself financially. He pushed me towards a job that he knew that I would excel in and would find rewarding. My father believed that women could do anything – and he told me over and over again that women “do it right and do it better.”

How are you creating change as a woman in medicine?

I feel so fortunate to be in a leadership role as a physician. Our young girls must see that if they work hard and are committed, they can be whatever they want. I strive to be authentic and honest with my students. I share my struggles and my vulnerable experiences. The road to get here was not an easy one for me. Other women need to know that. Everybody has hard times – I want other women to know that there will be difficult times, but if you are dedicated and put in the effort and commitment, you can achieve your dreams.

How can you support your female colleagues?

We need to lift each other, cheer each other on. We need to reserve our judgment and criticism of each other. We need to be there for each other and listen when there is no one else to hear. We need to have compassion and understanding. Being a female physician is hard at times. We need to help each other in the hard times and celebrate the victories.

What has your experience been like being a woman in medicine at PCOM?

I have felt very supported in my short time here at PCOM. The administration, faculty, staff, students have welcomed me with open arms. People have asked for my opinions and have listened to my ideas. I feel valued, and I think that I matter in the organization. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better experience.

What advice would you give to a young female who is interested in becoming a physician?

First, believe in yourself. You can do anything and everything that you put your mind to. Second, choose your “lifestyle” and then find a specialty that fits that. Remember that your twenty-something-year-old self might have different life goals than your forty-something-year-old self. Your life’s desires may change with time. You may choose to have children, a spouse or life partner, travel, exercise, have a hobby. Pick a specialty that matches your future lifestyle. Third, don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometimes, your house just has to be messy, or you have to go out of the house in sweats. It is okay – sometimes, some days, you just have to let it go. Last, always keep in mind - balance. Put on your oxygen mask before you help others. It is not uncommon for us to give of ourselves until our cup is empty. Keep your cup full… Eat right, sleep, exercise, laugh, enjoy your family and friends. You can do it all, but you have to take care of yourself first.

• Learn about osteopathic medicine's whole person approach to patient care.
• Explore PCOM's social media channels to find more Women in Medicine features.

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