Don’t underestimate the power of teamwork
What led you to choose your current career path?
I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up as both my parents were health care professionals and I have been a lifelong learner. I am particularly interested in health equity and minimizing disparities in health care related to social determinants of health. As a veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Corps and board-certified physician who was often the only woman or person of color in the room, it has always been my mission to actively champion initiatives that empower women and other underrepresented groups.
What leadership skills do you employ while working with teams?
The power of collaboration among professionals, advances patient outcomes with integrity and expertise. I believe in the open exchange of ideas and challenging one another to push the boundaries of medical excellence—recognizing the strength of true teamwork. I value truth and transparency and—as a clinician—doing what is right for the patient at all times. As a leader, I value collaboration and using the collective power of the team, whose members are experts in their fields.
How important were mentors to your career success?
I had exceptional mentors, all of whom were men, and all of whom supported my growth and career progress in both medicine and private industry. I serve as a mentor to several young women as I am sensitive to the lack of role models who were available to me as I grew in my profession.
Share a personal story about a challenge you overcame.
One recent challenge I’ve overcome is making the difficult decision to part ways with a leader whose management style often left their team with low confidence and unclear decision rights. How one leads is important and sends a strong signal to everyone about whether you can be trusted and whether you can extend trust to others to do their work once the vision has been set.
What is the best leadership advice you ever received?
“Mission first, people always” – EMPATHY is a necessary character trait; check in, not on, your people.
It is crucial for women to support each other to realize their potential. Encourage the girls in your life with interest in STEM to pursue careers in the field. We need them now more than ever to continue to bridge the gap of underrepresentation.
