Celebrating Women’s History Month: Staff Reflections

This Women's History Month, we proudly celebrate our female providers, physicians and support staff who positively impact our patients and community—this month and every month. Inspiring the next generation of women in healthcare, some of Overlake's own medical trailblazers share their inspirations, advice and greatest accomplishments.

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What does Women's History Month mean to you?

• “It means being proud of the great women who have stood before us, not defined by society or the bodies they were born in, and who have made their dreams a reality. We honor women who have made our lives possible today through their courage and intelligence.” – Maria, MA, apprentice
• "Women in history have often been minimized, overshadowed or erased completely. Women’s History Month shines a spotlight on their contributions and achievements. It reminds us that women have played a massive role throughout history." – Christy Chan, MD
• “Women's History Month to me, is a celebration of achievements women have made to overcome barriers in society placed on them due simply to gender. It is a reminder that no aspect of biological makeup should be a barrier to forward motion and success.” – Lauren, Overlake Clinics team member
• “Women's History Month is a time for people to reflect on the incredible journey women have taken throughout history. It is a celebration of their bravery, resilience and strength. This month is a time to honor and remember the women who paved the way for us.” – Amaya, MA
• “Women have value in this world and a valid and equal voice at the table.” – Annie, Overlake team member
• “It means a reflection of how far we have come in the world. I know we will go so much further.” – Christina, Overlake Clinics team member 

What led you to pursue a career in healthcare?

• "I have two sisters with severe cerebral palsy. My family’s experience navigating the medical system for help with their inscrutable condition was harrowing. I wanted to learn all I could to help make it less mysterious and frightening for others.” – Christy Chan, MD
• “Healthcare was a pathway to help others. It took on many forms for me, from surgical assisting to leadership, and I found that I could lift others, including women, best by leading and showing there is a way forward.” – Lauren, Overlake Clinics team member
• “I chose to pursue a career in healthcare to dedicate my abilities to helping others with their health and well-being.” – Amaya, MA

What is the biggest challenge facing women in your field today?

• "Balancing life and work. Working in medicine requires devoting so much of yourself—your time, your passion, your struggles—that it can be difficult to also make time for family." – Christy Chan, MD
• “In leadership, the biggest challenge is balancing having a successful career and being a present mother.” – Lauren, Overlake Clinics team member
• “Women are not always treated fairly with things such as wages, job possibilities and so much more. Overlake has shown women so much growth potential in a number of careers.” – Christina, Overlake Clinics team member

Which pioneering woman in healthcare inspires you and why?

• “Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell—she was the first woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. With her degree, she dedicated her practice to supporting female patients as well as employing other female physicians.” – Amaya, MA
• “Hedy Lamarr. Though technically not directly involved in healthcare, she came up with the idea for the technology that is the foundation for modern day Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi. These communication technologies have made electronic health records (EHRs) a possibility. Today, people remember her as an actress, but to me she is an iconic woman in STEM.” – Maria, MA, apprentice  
• “Two prior active-duty rear admiral/senior nurses I knew in the Navy. Their poise, inner grit, determination, passion for care and compassion for their junior staff demonstrated to me what I needed to be as I rose in ranks.” – Annie, Overlake team member

What advice would you give to other women in your profession?

• “Never give up. Never stop speaking up. Never feel inferior. Never feel less than. Know that there are those of us who have gone before you, and we are here to cheer you on so you may continue to carry on the legacy of greatness!” – Annie, Overlake team member
• "Don't be afraid to be who you are and show what you are made of." – Christina, Overlake Clinics team member