ImagineSoftware's recent webinar, "Putting 'Her' in Healthcare," was a riveting and inspirational event that celebrated Women's History Month by featuring an all-female panel of healthcare executives. These leaders not only shared their personal journeys but also provided insights that painted a vivid picture of the evolving role of women in healthcare leadership.
Journeys of Resilience and Adaptation
The webinar opened with each panelist describing her unique path to the top, shedding light on the varied landscapes of healthcare they navigated.
Linda Wilgus, Co-Executive Director of the RBMA, described her unconventional path through the healthcare industry. Starting her career manually completing healthcare forms, she climbed the ranks to CFO and now leadership, emphasizing, "It’s those unexpected turns that really test and build your resilience, preparing you for leadership."
Jamie Dyer, Chief Outpatient Operations Officer at Central Oregon Radiology and President-elect of RBMA, shared her journey from human resources to healthcare operations. She stressed the importance of seizing opportunities, "Every role taught me something vital, pushing me to ask, 'What’s next?' and always be ready for the answer."
Julie Forde-Smith, Principal at Rev4ward, LLC and Vice Chair of EDPMA, spoke about her transition from neuroscience to healthcare management, a move inspired by direct patient care experiences. "There’s something profoundly impactful about being there in someone’s time of need that reshapes your career goals," she reflected.
Shaina Howe, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Ventura Health and an Executive Committee member of EDPMA, highlighted the importance of career longevity and adaptability. "Over thirty years, it’s been about embracing every challenge and transforming it into an opportunity," she noted.
Nicole Jones-Gerbino, President of PBS Radiology and current California RBMA Chapter Co-Chair, discussed her diverse roles across the healthcare sector. "Navigating through clinical settings to management has equipped me with a comprehensive view that informs my leadership every day," she stated.
Each story not only provided inspiration but also practical insights into the dynamic paths women can take toward leadership in healthcare.
Empathy and Empowerment in Leadership
The panelists discussed the unique strengths women bring to leadership roles, highlighting empathy, communication, and mentoring.
Nicole Jones-Gerbino shared, "A leader's job is to foster growth and confidence in their team. This means providing constant feedback and holding each other accountable, which are pillars of strong leadership."
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
The conversation turned to the challenges specific to women in healthcare. Each leader shared how these obstacles served as springboards for growth and advocacy.
Jamie Dyer remarked, "Every stereotype and every challenge has strengthened my resolve and shaped my leadership style. It’s about turning barriers into bridges."
ImagineSoftware's recent webinar, "Putting 'Her' in Healthcare," was a riveting and inspirational event that celebrated Women's History Month by featuring an all-female panel of healthcare executives. These leaders not only shared their personal journeys but also provided insights that painted a vivid picture of the evolving role of women in healthcare leadership.
Journeys of Resilience and Adaptation
The webinar opened with each panelist describing her unique path to the top, shedding light on the varied landscapes of healthcare they navigated.
Linda Wilgus, Co-Executive Director of the RBMA, described her unconventional path through the healthcare industry. Starting her career manually completing healthcare forms, she climbed the ranks to CFO and now leadership, emphasizing, "It’s those unexpected turns that really test and build your resilience, preparing you for leadership."
Jamie Dyer, Chief Outpatient Operations Officer at Central Oregon Radiology and President-elect of RBMA, shared her journey from human resources to healthcare operations. She stressed the importance of seizing opportunities, "Every role taught me something vital, pushing me to ask, 'What’s next?' and always be ready for the answer."
Julie Forde-Smith, Principal at Rev4ward, LLC and Vice Chair of EDPMA, spoke about her transition from neuroscience to healthcare management, a move inspired by direct patient care experiences. "There’s something profoundly impactful about being there in someone’s time of need that reshapes your career goals," she reflected.
Shaina Howe, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Ventura Health and an Executive Committee member of EDPMA, highlighted the importance of career longevity and adaptability. "Over thirty years, it’s been about embracing every challenge and transforming it into an opportunity," she noted.
Nicole Jones-Gerbino, President of PBS Radiology and current California RBMA Chapter Co-Chair, discussed her diverse roles across the healthcare sector. "Navigating through clinical settings to management has equipped me with a comprehensive view that informs my leadership every day," she stated.
Each story not only provided inspiration but also practical insights into the dynamic paths women can take toward leadership in healthcare.
Empathy and Empowerment in Leadership
The panelists discussed the unique strengths women bring to leadership roles, highlighting empathy, communication, and mentoring.
Nicole Jones-Gerbino shared, "A leader's job is to foster growth and confidence in their team. This means providing constant feedback and holding each other accountable, which are pillars of strong leadership."
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
The conversation turned to the challenges specific to women in healthcare. Each leader shared how these obstacles served as springboards for growth and advocacy.
Jamie Dyer remarked, "Every stereotype and every challenge has strengthened my resolve and shaped my leadership style. It’s about turning barriers into bridges."
Looking to the Future: Human Touch in the Age of Technology
Discussing the future, the panelists expressed optimism about technological advancements but stressed the enduring need for human compassion in healthcare.
Julie Forde-Smith noted, "Technology will never replace the human touch. It’s about using tools to enhance our ability to care, not replace it."
Concluding Thoughts
The webinar was not only a platform for sharing experiences but also a celebration of the impact that women have in healthcare. It reinforced the importance of mentorship, the strength in diversity, and the critical need for strategic vision in leadership.
As the session concluded, there was a collective commitment from the panelists to continue fostering a supportive community for women in healthcare. Linda Wilgus summed it up: "We must continue to lift each other up, share our stories, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in healthcare."
This webinar was a beacon of encouragement and a testament to the dynamic and pivotal roles women play in shaping the future of healthcare.
Missed the live discussion or want to revisit the powerful insights shared by our panelists? Watch on demand to experience the compelling stories, strategic advice, and inspiring messages from leading women in healthcare.
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