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Children's of Alabama women's history month, 2 new women doctors — Dr. Jessica Gutman loves her job at Children’s of Alabama’s Greenvale Pediatrics. (Bham Now)

Patients often find better connection with medical professionals who look like them. Since around 33% of physicians in Alabama are women, this representation can be beneficial throughout the field, from emergency care to mental health, pediatrics and more.

We met with two female pediatricians at Children’s of Alabama to learn what led them to become doctors and how they help inspire future generations of females to follow in their footsteps.

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The importance of women in the medical field

2 women sitting on gray couch — There are plenty of opportunities for women in the medicial field, at Children’s and across Alabama! (Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash)

Though barriers for women in healthcare continue to be broken, the growing number of women physicians in Alabama (and across the world) prove the importance of females in leadership.

We asked two pediatricians from Children’s, Dr. Robin Garrison and Dr. Jessica Gutman, what this representation means to them:

“I firmly believe in ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’ It’s important to inspire young and brilliant minds to consider pursuing this field of service.

Women—mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers and older sisters—are often heavily involved in a child’s caregiving. Having women involved in the healthcare team at Children’s feels more familiar to the children we take care of—directly impacting the trust and safety a child feels while in our care.”
Robin Garrison, MD FAAP, Children’s of Alabama

Dr. Gutman agreed, saying:

“Having women in the medical field strengthens patient care and improves equity within the healthcare system. For Children’s and pediatrics specifically, women are important for family-centered care and communication, which are essential in any pediatric patient encounter.”
Jessica Gutman, M.D., Children’s of Alabama

So, how did they get started in their careers? We found that out, too.

Dr. Robin Garrison gives back to the kids + families in her hometown

Robin Garrison, Children's of Alabama — Dr. Garrison joined the Physicians to Children practice in Montgomery last summer. (Dr. Robin Garrison)

Born and raised in Montgomery, Dr. Robin Garrison has been practicing medicine since 2020, but joined the Children’s of Alabama team in June 2025.

She studied at Tuskegee University and Morehouse School of Medicine, but her love for medicine started a little earlier than that.

“I was initially inspired by observing my own pediatricians as early as four years old! I appreciated how they took care of me when I fell ill and how they were concerned about what could impact my health and future as I grew older.

Doctors would inquire about my grades, my aspirations for the future, whether I was eating well and getting enough exercise. They were an integral part of my village.”
Robin Garrison, MD FAAP, Children’s of Alabama

The desire to care for others came even sooner, though—it was her mother who paved the way.

“I developed a passion for caregiving through observing my mother. As her ‘little duckling,’ I followed along and helped her provide home care to one of her siblings.

I wanted to be part of that type of work, and ‘build strong children rather than repair broken men’—a quote by Frederick Douglass. My love and joy for learning propelled me to pursue a career in medicine, specialize as a pediatrician and now be a proud member of so many families’ village.”
Robin Garrison, MD FAAP, Children’s of Alabama

Dr. Jessica Gutman returned home to serve the children of Alabama

As a Helena native and graduate of the University of Alabama and UAB, Dr. Jessica Gutman stayed close to home until her residency in Memphis and first career stop in Arkansas.

But it wasn’t long before she heard her home state calling her name and joined the Children’s of Alabama team at Greenvale Pediatrics in Alabaster.

“I’ve always loved being around children, but my love of pediatrics started during a medical school rotation. I realized that no other specialty fulfilled me as much as pediatrics.

Being able to connect with families and care for children from infancy and throughout adolescence is extremely rewarding.”
Jessica Gutman, M.D., Children’s of Alabama

Highlighting women’s role in the medical field helps us remember that what were once considered non-traditional roles for women are now celebrated.

Dr. Garrison, Dr. Gutman and countless others continue to inspire future generations of women in healthcare—and we’re proud to have them in our state.

Learn more about Children’s of Alabama’s care for kids and families across the state, and join their growing team of women in healthcare.

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