Empowering Women in Healthcare: Achieving Personal Wellbeing

In healthcare, women make up the backbone of the workforce—leading teams, managing patient care, and driving innovation in medical fields. Yet, with all the demands and expectations that come with their roles, it can be easy to overlook one key priority: personal wellbeing. Women in healthcare, whether as physicians, administrators, nurses, clinicians, or researchers, often put others first, balancing work, family, and personal commitments. But maintaining wellbeing is critical for sustaining their strength, resilience, and effectiveness as leaders.

This blog post is about celebrating and empowering women in healthcare. By sharing inspirational stories (including my own) and practical tips, I hope to encourage women to prioritize their health and wellbeing, helping them lead not only in their professions but also in their personal lives.

My Personal Journey: Harnessing Strength from Adversity

My life journey has been a testament to the power of adversity and the strength that can be harnessed from it. Growing up in a family of hard workers, I learned the value of grit, tenacity, and self-determination from an early age. My father, a confident and self-made man, built several successful businesses in his 20s, while my mother stood as a creative and unwavering pillar of strength. Despite being a shy and introverted child, I knew that hard work and perseverance could lead to success.

As I entered my mid-40s, my life seemed picture-perfect: a fulfilling career in healthcare, a loving family, a comfortable home, and cherished friends. However, like many women in healthcare, I faced a common challenge—struggling with my weight. My knee joints constantly ached, hindering my mobility and adding to my worries. It felt like I was always caring for others but neglecting my own health in the process.

Then, my world shifted dramatically when I received a personal introduction to breast cancer. Routine mammograms had shown signs of increased density over the years, but one screening stood out, different and alarming. The surgeon used serious language, preparing me for the worst. Multiple biopsies followed, and the pain was almost unbearable. Time slowed as I waited for the results.

When the surgeon finally delivered the news that the biopsies were negative, my husband and I breathed a deep sigh of relief. But that experience—the fear, the waiting—left a profound mark on me. I realized I couldn’t keep living the same way. It was a wake-up call that I needed to take control of my health.

I started small—paying attention to the foods I ate, reintroducing movement into my life, and drawing from my teenage love of running. Over time, I shed 60 pounds, and I’ve maintained that healthier weight for over 15 years. My knee pain diminished, and I found myself in better health, mentally and physically, than ever before.

This personal transformation ignited an unstoppable passion within me. I knew I had a calling to help others avoid reaching that same place of fear and uncertainty. I wanted to empower women in healthcare—and beyond—by giving them the tools I wish I had earlier on my journey. That’s why I turned to science-backed, DNA-based coaching. With a deep understanding of my own genetic makeup, I could tailor a health plan that worked specifically for me. And now, I use that same personalized approach to help others on their paths to wellbeing.

I am deeply connected to the struggles women face, especially those of us in healthcare. I know how easy it is to lose ourselves while caring for others. My mission is to ensure that no one feels alone on this journey. Through my coaching and weight loss programs, I help women understand their unique needs, providing them with a clear path to health and vitality.

Inspirational Stories of Women Leaders in Healthcare

1. Dr. Sara El-Hashem: A Journey to Work-Life Balance
Dr. Sara El-Hashem, a leading cardiologist, recalls a time when the demands of her career left little room for self-care. As a young mother and a rising star in her field, Sara struggled with burnout. She recognized that her success in medicine could only be sustained if she took her own health seriously. Sara began incorporating daily mindfulness practices, setting firm boundaries around her personal time, and prioritizing exercise. Today, she not only excels in her profession but also mentors young women on how to succeed without sacrificing their wellbeing.

Her advice: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of your health, both mental and physical, and you’ll be able to give more to your patients, colleagues, and loved ones.”

2. Marie Gonzales: Nursing Leadership Through Personal Resilience
Marie Gonzales, a nurse manager at a major hospital, was known for her strength and compassion. She juggled long shifts, coordinated care for hundreds of patients, and led her team through challenging times, including the pandemic. But it wasn’t until she experienced her own health scare—a stress-induced heart episode—that Marie realized how important self-care is. She began focusing on better nutrition, regular exercise, and time for herself.

Now, she advocates for nurse wellbeing in her hospital and regularly speaks about her journey to resilience. “As women, we are natural caregivers, but we need to learn to care for ourselves with the same dedication we give to others.”

3. Dr. Angela White: Redefining Leadership as a Woman in Research
As a trailblazer in biomedical research, Dr. Angela White faced intense pressure to publish, secure funding, and stay competitive. Early in her career, she worked tirelessly without rest. But Angela realized that leading from a place of exhaustion wasn’t sustainable. She embraced wellness strategies like taking breaks to prevent burnout, delegating effectively, and fostering a work environment that values mental health.

Her approach redefined leadership in her lab, and her productivity soared, along with her team’s morale. Angela’s message to other women in healthcare: “Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It’s about empowering others and making space for your own wellbeing.”

5 Practical Wellbeing Tips for Women Leaders in Healthcare

1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
   Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout. This can mean setting limits on after-hours emails, carving out time for personal hobbies, and ensuring you take your vacation days. Strong boundaries help create a balance that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally.

2. Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
   Whether it’s regular exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply getting enough sleep, self-care needs to be a top priority. Small, consistent habits can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health. Remember that investing in your wellbeing directly impacts your ability to lead effectively.

3. Build a Support Network
   Surround yourself with other women leaders who understand your challenges. Having a support system where you can share experiences, seek advice, or simply decompress can make a world of difference. Peer mentorship and networking provide invaluable emotional support and professional growth.

4. Delegate and Empower Your Team
   It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to do everything yourself, but delegating tasks is crucial. By empowering your team and trusting others to step up, you not only lighten your load but also foster a collaborative, engaged workforce. Strong teams lead to better outcomes, and as a leader, you’ll have more time for strategic thinking—and for yourself.

5. Prioritize Mental Health
   Mental health is just as important as physical health. Women leaders face unique stressors that can lead to anxiety, depression, or burnout if left unaddressed. Make time for mental health check-ins, whether through professional counseling, mindfulness practices, or simply taking mental health days when needed.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Power and Potential

The healthcare field offers women extraordinary opportunities to lead, innovate, and care for others. But true leadership begins with self-care. Women in healthcare should feel empowered to take control of their personal wellbeing, knowing that it’s not a luxury, but a necessity for sustained success and happiness.

When women leaders prioritize their health—physically, emotionally, and mentally—they not only excel in their careers but also become powerful role models for others. Remember, achieving personal wellbeing isn't just about surviving the daily grind; it's about thriving and leading with strength and purpose.

As you continue your journey as a woman leader in healthcare, ask yourself: How can I invest in myself today so that I can continue to make an impact tomorrow?

Take the next step: If you're ready to discover how your DNA can guide you toward optimal health and wellbeing, let’s connect! My DNA-based coaching program is designed to provide personalized health insights that support your leadership journey, helping you thrive in all aspects of life.