Today, March 8th, Medicus Healthcare Solutions is proud to join in celebrating International Women’s Day! This year's theme, Inspire Inclusion, aims to inspire others to understand the value of women’s inclusion and collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.

At Medicus, it is an honor to work with so many incredible women physicians, advanced practitioners, partners at healthcare facilities, and our very own colleagues! In honor of International Women’s Day (IWD), we are sharing a few pieces of advice from some of the influential women we have the privilege to work with each day.

What Advice Do You Have for Women Just Starting Out in Their Careers?

“I think it’s super important to consciously decide what it is that is important to you in a career. Not everyone has the same motivation; some people want to pursue a leadership track, some people don’t, and some people want to be able to be engulfed in different departments and roles. I think it’s important to give yourself enough time at your first real job that you feel will be your career so you can understand what you do want and what you don’t want. If you give yourself at least a year, it gives you enough time to fully understand the things you do like, that you don’t like, the ways you can see yourself growing at a company, and the things that are important to you both professionally and personally.” 

Kelley B., Medicus Sales Manager, Hospital Medicine

“You need to have a good relationship, a healthy relationship I would say with setbacks and failures; they are moments to reflect on the strategies, techniques, and mindsets for how you can do better next time. Sometimes, you might not even feel like you’re learning in the moment, but when you look back after a certain period of time, you will realize how much you’ve learned and grown as a person and a professional.

As time goes by, you will meet people with myriad personalities to work with, and sometimes you might get negative comments about you. Please don’t let those negative comments undermine your ability to learn and grow; maybe take them as a grain of salt. It's about whose opinion you respect; at the end of the day, that's why mentors came into a big role. To me, a mentor is someone who is generous in genuine compliments and able to give me constructive feedback on areas I needed to improve on, as well as provided me with different networks and resources. It's very important to find a supportive working environment. Immerse yourself in an environment where you share similar values and have very strong collaboration, this is very valuable for your mental health. “ 

Dr. C., Hospitalist

“Be a sponge, there is so much for you to learn. I think a common misconception is people come out of college thinking, ‘I’ve just gotten this college degree, and I know everything,’ but that’s really just the beginning; there is so much to learn. Don’t say no to any opportunities, I wouldn’t be in the seat that I'm in today if I’d said no to various opportunities. If something interests you in the slightest, speak up about it. If you have a good boss or a good leader, they want to help you find things you are interested in and help you expand on those things. Being able to speak up and say, I'm really interested in that project or that initiative, has really helped me get to where I am today. Networking is another thing that is so incredibly important. I always say go to those networking events. They are so uncomfortable at first, and it’s kind of awkward to talk to people, but building out that professional network is imperative because there are so many people who want to help- they want to help you land that next role, they want to give you career advice, they want to help you earn more money. How can they do that- by you making those connections and telling them what your goals and what your dreams are.”

Jill G., Manager of Culture Communications & Employee Engagement

 “The early stages of anyone’s career are both exciting and daunting. The future is ripe with possibilities, yet so much is unknown. Some of my most cherished pieces of advice are:

  • Believe in Yourself: Trust your abilities and skills. Confidence is key when navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
  • Set Clear goals: Define what you want to achieve in your career and create a roadmap to reach those goals. 
  • Seek Mentorship and Build Your Network: Find mentors who can offer guidance, support, and advice based on their own experiences. Their insights can be invaluable in navigating the professional landscape.
  • Continuously Learn: Stay curious and commit to lifelong learning. Invest in your professional development through courses, workshops, and conferences to stay updated in your field.
  • Advocate for Yourself: Don't be afraid to speak up for your achievements, goals, and needs. Assertiveness and self-advocacy are essential skills for advancing in your career.
  • Maintain Work-Life Balance: Prioritize your well-being and make time for activities outside of work that bring you joy and fulfillment. Balancing personal and professional life is crucial for long-term success and happiness. Remember that every career journey is unique, so trust your instincts, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and celebrate your successes along the way."

Chief Operating Officer at a Connecticut Hospital

What Advice Would You Give to Women Aspiring to Succeed in Your Field?

“I would say own your confidence, believe in yourself. You were selected for that role or promotion for a reason, remember that. Any time you enter a room or you sit down at a meeting, make sure you’re speaking up, you’re using your voice, you’re sharing your ideas, and you’re putting yourself out there. I know that in business, people do business with people that they like, that they trust, that they have a relationship with, and that goes internally with your colleagues and externally with potential clients, so make sure that you’re carving time out to connect with people on a personal level.”

Kim W., Vice President of Delivery and Recruitment

“Women can do everything; they just can’t do it all at the same time. Join professional groups, keep current politically, show up, be invested, associate with winners, and avoid complainers; complaining is catchy. Accept it; be in school and in life at times. What I’ve learned is trying to do things perfectly can be immobilizing, it gets in the way of just doing it. When asked to do something, consider saying yes. In the end, if you decide you need to say no, remember that no is a complete and full sentence. You don’t need to explain yourself; you don’t have to get everyone’s approval; sometimes, you just need to say no and be at peace with that.”

Therese, Certified Nurse Midwife

“Surround yourself with supportive people who cheer you on and encourage you to get where you want. You should be hearing -yes, you can!”

Dr. E, Oncologist

How Can Women Support Each Other Professionally and Personally to Foster Greater Success and Inclusivity in the Workplace?

“Be flexible, don’t judge others, and ask questions. So many times, we don’t know what’s going on with someone else. Share supportive solutions; what worked for you in the past? Continue to ask questions. You never know everything, that’s for sure. Try to encourage one another, straighten the crown of another woman. Sometimes, if you see someone else has made a mistake, don’t make a big fuss; help her, help each other.

One of the things I’ve carried through my life is something another older woman told me: Make the best decision you can with the information you have at the time and then pray, whatever your version of prayer is, for peace with your decision. Don’t keep going back, don’t keep rethinking it, don’t feel shame or guilt about it.”

Therese, Certified Nurse Midwife

“Very early in my career, I had two really amazing, wonderful mentors. They were female leaders in the organization that I either worked for directly or was part of their team. They were so important to my personal development, from a career standpoint, from just growing as a woman. They made such an impact in my life, and I honestly contribute a lot to my success because of their guidance so early on in my career. I think I was very very lucky that I had successful women who had done the job I was doing that kind of could give me that pathway or show me that it could actually be done. They were successful, married with children, and had a family, so it was kind of like this picture to me of what success could look like, and it was right in front of me every day.”

Kim W., Vice President of Delivery and Recruitment

“Women must actively support each other both professionally and personally to foster greater success and inclusivity in the workplace, which will ultimately contribute to a more diverse and equitable work environment for all.

Building and nurturing networks is critical to achieving these goals. Establishing support systems where women can share experiences, offer advice, and provide guidance can help foster a sense of community and collaboration. We must also advocate for the visibility and recognition of women's contributions in the workplace. Supporting opportunities that amplify each other's voices, celebrate achievements, and recognize the challenges that women face in balancing work and personal responsibilities will help to ensure that women are represented in leadership roles, decision-making processes, and high-profile projects.

The most important advice that I can offer is to lead by example. Demonstrate respect, empathy, and fairness in your interactions with colleagues, and actively work to create a culture of inclusivity and mutual support within the workplace.”

Chief Operating Officer at a Connecticut Hospital

Happy International Women's Day! 

It's an honor to work alongside so many inspiring women each and every day. As we reflect on the empowering advice shared, let's continue to champion inclusivity and equality for all. Share your own #InspireInclusion photos, stories, and more on social media using the hashtags #IWD2024 and #InspireInclusion! 

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