Dr Sarb Clare MBE, Acute Medical Consultant at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, has been awarded the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Oral Abstract Prize at the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF) Spring Conference, recognising her work into the gendered impact of professional titles in clinical practice.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Clare described the conference as: “A fabulous day celebrating the legacy of the Medical Women’s Federation. This is an organisation founded over 100 years ago – in 1917 – which to this day remains focussed on achieving equity for female medical doctors. I am surrounded by inspirational, innovative, highly talented women who epitomise how women empower women.”
Dr Clare’s award‑winning presentation – ‘Say My Name: Titles, Authority and the Gender Respect Gap’ – highlights the persistent challenges faced by female doctors when their professional titles are ignored, minimised, or replaced — despite clear introductions.
“This work represents just one of many daily challenges female doctors face,” Dr Clare said. “For those who say, ‘titles do not matter,’ it is important to recognise that this perspective often comes from a place of privilege. We must listen with intention to the lived experiences of our women.”