Anita Jeyakumar, Professor on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Medical

Anita Jeyakumar

MD, MS, FACS, FAAP

Professor, HEARS, LLC

Akron, OH

Connect with Anita

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Cert MD Cert MS Cert FACS Cert FAAP Member American Cochlear Implant Alliance Member American Academy of Otolaryngology Member American College of Surgeons Member American Academy of Pediatrics Member Triologic Society

Her Story

About Anita

Dr. Jeyakumar is a full professor at the medical school and a surgeon specializing in otology. Her work focuses on cochlear implants, giving patients who have lost their hearing or were born without it the ability to hear and gain greater autonomy in their lives. She balances her academic teaching, clinical practice, and leadership of a foundation dedicated to supporting people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Dr. Jeyakumar is actively involved in national associations including serving as a state champion for the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, as well as membership in the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Triologic Society. With over two decades in practice, she prioritizes helping patients access needed care through insurance or foundation support.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Anita

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to the support of my immediate family, my faith and a strong belief that people should be treated with kindness and respect.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I have been fortunate to have been the recipient of a lot of amazing career advice. I have listed some thoughts below:

  1. Believe in yourself even if noone else does
  2. Noone can take away your education
  3. You never stop learning
  4. In life, the best way to succeed is to continue to stive for expertize, and be kind to those you meet along the way.
  5. It takes a village

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

The professional world is still quite male dominated with a significant gender pay gap. However, there is clear data demonstrating the importance and roles of female professionals. As such, there is a lot for women to continue to work on.

My advice, believe in yourselves. HELP and SUPPORT other women....together we are stronger. Do not allow yourself to be undervalued. And if you choose to build a family, that is amazing....in the USA, this is still a substancial challenge, but can be amazingly rewarding. Often, your professional journey will be unique and something to be treasured.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

For female surgeons, there are still significant pay gaps compared to our male colleagues; and often female physicians are felt they need to choose between career and family. It is possible to have both. The priorities may evolve with time but support from other colleagues is essential.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Most important to me are my family, my faith and my integrity. As a surgeon, I believe in treating my patients the way I would want my family taken care of. Our health system in the USA poses numerous problems to rendering care they way people deserve. I hope to continue to practice the way people need and deserve.

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