Thread by @DrMStiegler

#COVID19 has disproportionately affected careers of women in healthcare and science.

As I reflect on my own experience at work as a woman, a physician, and a leader, here are some things that make a big difference, to me and to the teams I lead:

[#GiveHerAReasonToStay 🧵]

➡️ Flexibility on when, where, and how we work
➡️ Professional development activities protected as part of the job – not “on your own time” extras
➡️ Supportive culture that is committed to employee wellbeing, and employees being themselves

➡️ Private spaces for meditation, massage, and exercise - and YES, we use them!
➡️ Paid parental leave and private rooms for lactating moms
➡️ Financial and time support to level up our skills and competencies

➡️ Internal and external executive coaching programs
➡️ Respect for boundaries and separation between ‘work’ and ‘personal’ time
➡️ Expectations to use vacation to be away from work – not to ‘catch up’ on work!

When I think about my own career and professional experience these past 18 months, and I consider what employers can do to #GiveHerAReasontoStay, I can say that YES it's been really hard, BUT...

✅ I am paid fairly
✅ I’ve been promoted…twice
✅ I’ve received financial support for professional development
✅ I’ve been sponsored for accelerated career opportunities
✅ I’ve been encouraged to take time off for myself

✅ I’ve been supported – no strings attached or questions asked – in taking the time to care for my loved ones
✅ I’ve seen a ‘zero tolerance for harassment’ workplace culture in action
✅ I've seen real action and transparent commitment to gender equity

I know. I'm incredibly lucky.
But YOU know - we ALL deserve this.

It's what has allowed me to thrive, to take care of myself and my family, and to make my best contributions at work.

It's what I needed to keep showing up, doing my best. Trying.

It's what enabled me to keep giving back, mentoring, volunteering, teaching.

It's what kept me in the game, despite the challenges of pandemic safety, homeschooling, worrying about my parents, and about cancer, paying the bills, and thinking about a brighter future

And I know some say that my experience doesn't count, because my work is nonclinical these days.
But that's wrong.
We need physicians leading in healthcare everywhere.
At every table.
In every room where the decisions are made.
That's how we deliver maximum impact.

It hasn't been easy. Not by a long shot. But these are things that have made the difference.

September is #WomenInMedicineMonth so I ask:

Healthcare employers and leaders, what are you doing to make a difference?

Learn more about the campaign at lnkd.in/g4c5p7ai