Please share advice you would give as a mentor to women new to the health field.
Choose a path that aligns with your interests but also consider what you want your day-to-day life to look like. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into health care, it’s our responsibility to learn how to leverage it to our advantage while maintaining the value of human intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Please share advice you would give as a mentor to women new to the health field.
I would encourage women new to the health field to practice assertive communication to balance the needs of self as well as others. Too often, the passive approach fails and leads to more aggressive communication, often directed internally.
Please share advice you would give as a mentor to women new to the health field.
In any profession, relationships and relationship-building are essential – and health care is no exception. I encourage women entering the field to seek out mentors and invest in those relationships; mentorship can be deeply rewarding both for the mentee and the mentor. Throughout my own career, I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors from whom I’ve learned invaluable lessons. I continue to value these relationships and seek out their guidance to this day.
Please share advice you would give as a mentor to women new to the health field.
I have been in the medical field for over 25 years and continue to love every minute of it. Like any leadership position, it can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
My advice is this: Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you find yourself in a board meeting surrounded by senior leaders – the CEO, COO or VPs – share your ideas and perspectives with confidence. They may not always agree, and your idea may not be implemented right away, but that’s not the point. What matters is that you had the courage to contribute.
How would you describe your journey to becoming the health leader you are today?
My mother was diagnosed with leukemia in 1987. We watched her suffer for 14 months. The year after she passed away, hospice exploded. My goal is that no person should have to suffer in pain. Through this experience, I have empathy for the families I work with, and I treat their loved ones like I would have wanted my mother treated.
How would you describe your journey to becoming the health leader you are today?
After earning an undergraduate degree in athletic training/sports medicine and a master’s in the same field, I became a certified athletic trainer, working with athletes of all levels and obtaining my strength and conditioning certificate, which led to my work with the women’s World Cup team, high school football players and high-level college and professional athletes. When I felt I needed more, I went back to school and obtained my PT license. I have been treating athletes and patients for over 40 years.