Last Friday, one of our awesome female physicians came to see me. She is leaving and wanted me to know that while she has practiced for 24 years, I was the first CEO to say thank you face to face. While every day is an opportunity to say thank you, February is the month that we honor our women who have chosen the field of medicine. Below is the letter I wrote to our women physicians in Bakersfield.
“As we honor and celebrate National Women Physicians Day, I wanted to acknowledge your leadership and commitment to our hospital, clinics, outpatient clinics and especially to our patients.
In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the United States’ first licensed female physician after having been famously allowed to attend medical school as a joke. My, how times have changed!
Today, because of women like you, girls see BRILLIANT examples of intelligence, compassion and courage. Your positive influence shows our daughters, granddaughters and all women that they, too, can enter the science fields – whether that is in direct patient care, medical research or anything else that inspires them.
You also offer a special bond with patients, who often specifically seek out a female physician because they feel more comfortable in your care. Imagine the powerful impact you have on people receiving medical treatment who may not otherwise have followed through on a screening, procedure or other therapy.
Our mission at Adventist Health Bakersfield is: “Living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.” In that spirit, I thank you for the inspiration that you provide and celebrate your success. I am honored that you have chosen to care for patients with our organization.”
There is no leadership without people. There is no business with out people. So, let’s agree to say more thank-you’s and to do so face to face!