March 8th is International Women’s Day! And after a year in which women have stood at the front lines of the Covid-19 crisis, it’s time to celebrate their accomplishments. Here are three women in healthcare who can inspire us all with their career stories.
Dr. Patrice A. Harris
Dr. Patrice A. Harris served as the first African American woman president of the American Medical Association (AMA) from 2019 to 2020. A native of Bluefield, West Virginia, Dr. Harris earned her B.A., M.A. and medical degree from West Virginia University. After completing her residency and a fellowship at Emory University Hospital, she started a private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout her career, she has worked as a public health administrator, patient advocate and medical society lobbyist. During the pandemic, Dr. Harris helped to raise awareness about the alarming health inequities of in communities of color. In her farewell address as outgoing AMA president, she challenged, “Great leaders are NOT those interested in the title or the corner office. Great leaders are about the work.”
Amy O’Sullivan
In 2020, Amy O’Sullivan made Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People. If you’re having trouble placing the name, O’Sullivan wasn’t a famous actress, a powerful businesswoman or an innovative entrepreneur. She was an 18-year veteran ER nurse at Wyckoff hospital in Brooklyn where she treated the first Covid-19 patient. O’Sullivan also became sick early in the pandemic, and she spent four days on a ventilator. But less than two weeks later, she was back on the job. When asked about the experience, O’Sullivan responded, “I just wanted to come back to work and be a nurse. This is where I have to be.” O’Sullivan is a powerful and inspiring example of the millions of healthcare workers who risk everything to help others.
Dame Emma Walmsley
Dame Emma Natasha Walmsley currently is leading one of the world’s largest Covid-19 vaccine efforts. Born in Barrow-in-Furness, England, she received her M.A. from Oxford University. Walmsley spent 17 years at L’Oréal, before joining the multinational pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. In 2017, she took over as CEO, thus becoming the first woman to run a major pharmaceutical company. Walmsley’s was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2020 for her services to business and the pharmaceutical industry. As for career advice, Walmsley encourages others to make the leap. She comments, “People regret far more what they don’t do rather than what they do.”
Celebrate International Women’s Day by Advancing Your Healthcare Career
BOS Medical is now hiring CNA, LPN and RNs for positions throughout the state of Georgia. Our recruiters can help you discover the right career-building opportunity. Browse all our available openings today!
