It’s International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter – aiming to support gender equality. We asked some of our Brand Ambassadors what being a woman in healthcare means the them – and how they’re working to make a difference.
Chelsi D., MSN RN
What does it mean to you to be a woman in healthcare?
Women are sometimes seen as being too sensitive and emotional, but I have taken that and turned it into a strength for my patients to make them feel relatable and cared for. Being a woman in healthcare symbolizes how far we’ve come, so to be part of that makes me feel like I am making a difference. I am privileged and have so much pride in being able to say I am a woman who is a medical professional.
How do you feel working with a female team?
I firmly believe in community and collaboration over competition. There is an abundance of success for everyone! I have many colleagues who are also injectors and instead of criticizing their work, we get together and talk about how we can help each other improve our craft and our patients’ safety, and how else we can support one another.
How do you and your team support one another?
Our team is so great at working with each other. Everyone has their roles and responsibilities in order for our office flow to run smoothly. When one of us is not present or is in need of assistance, there are at least two other team members jumping in to help. We support each other inside and outside of the office. For example, just the other day one of the other RNs had a family emergency and had to leave work to pick up her son who just hit his head. With no hesitation, I covered her patients while she brought her son to our office and our doctor made sure she stitched him up!
Onyi A., PA-C
What does it mean to you to be a woman in healthcare?
Being a woman in healthcare means that I have a unique experience to relate with my female patients. To bring a nurturing perspective as a mother and provider and to all around understand the beauty of femininity.
Why are you proud of your achievements as a woman in healthcare?
I am proud of my achievements in healthcare because I never gave up on my goal to become a Physician Assistant, no matter how difficult the road was. The journey taught me the value of persistence and that a personal drive to excel will always lead you to success.
Do you think it is important to support other women in their careers? Why?
It’s important to support other women in the workplace because achieving equality starts with treating each other with respect. There is space for everyone to thrive. I’ve been supported by other women as mentors and role models during the beginning of my career and as I transitioned into new positions. I appreciate all of them – women that I have met in person and online – that have poured into me, helping me achieve my dreams.
What advice would you give to young women looking to join healthcare?
My advice for young women looking to join us in healthcare is always remember why you wanted this. Make sure your intentions are pure, and not in search of clout or recognition or even the drive for money. Your intentions are your passion, your passion is what will take you to the finish line and give you job satisfaction. Nothing good comes easy.
Dr. Hina C., OBGYN/Robotic Surgeon
What does it mean to you to be a woman in healthcare?
From less than 1 percent of women in medical schools to being a majority entering medical schools, we have come a long way. As a woman physician, I come across discrimination in many forms—ageism, sexism, et cetera. Even though we have come a long way, we still have a ways to go.
Why is it important to support other women in their careers?
When women support other women, amazing things happen. A woman who has been there and done that can make or break things for the next woman in line. In a culture where we have never had a woman president, a culture which is still male dominant, supporting fellow women becomes so much more important. If we aren’t going to support each other, who will?
What advice would you give to young women looking to join healthcare?
Remember that no matter what your field of medicine, work/life balance can certainly be achieved. With hard work and time management, you can do anything. Don’t ever give up on your dreams because of fear—fear of not being able to do it as a woman or of not being able to balance your career with your family life. I am an actively practicing OBGYN, a career which is notoriously inversely proportional to work/life balance. However, I am living my best life and I promise you, so can you.
Hear more from our incredible Brand Ambassadors here and here.