2022 Power 50: Dr. Shlomit Schaal
PhotoS | Courtesy of UMass Chan medical school
Dr. Shlomit Schaal immigrated to the U.S. to follow her passions and her career. Now, she is one of few women leading ophthalmology departments at American universities, all the while implementing diversity initiatives across multiple departments at UMass Memorial Health.
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As the leader of the largest caregiver network in Central Massachusetts, at 1,205 physicians, Dr. Shlomit Schaal straddles the world of academia and research, seeking to improve both.
Her personal passion focuses on cultural transformation and diversity in medicine. When she became chair of the UMass Chan department of ophthalmology in 2016, only six of the 122 U.S. academic ophthalmology departments were led by a woman. In the past six years, she used her voice to influence the development of other women leaders, to the point where now 20 women lead ophthalmology departments.
A native of Israel, Schaal has seen the COVID pandemic highlight the devastating disparities in healthcare outcomes among the varied populations in Central Massachusetts, and she has urged her medical group to undertake initiatives to service underrepresented people, focused on easing access to care and providing preventative care.
What sets the Central Mass. business community apart? We are blessed and enriched by diversity. Our medical group is committed to providing health care to everyone, no matter their race, culture, age or sexual orientation.
Relaxing competition: I am a competitive swimmer and have a deep appreciation for water. I use swimming as a way to prioritize my physical and mental health and social well-being. Practicing medicine is very demanding, so it is important to have a hobby allowing me to release the stresses of my day.
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