With compassionate care, empathy, collaboration and curiosity, women help shape our world-class institution – from our rich history to present day.
Mount Sinai Hospital, founded by women, and Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, supported by women, have a shared history of caring for those who were vulnerable and marginalized. Today, our collective expertise is richly present across our system designed to better serve the changing needs of our patients and caregivers.
On International Women’s Day, and every day, we celebrate women and their contribution to our workplace, our sector and our communities. We asked a few of the many exceptional women of Sinai Health, who are finding powerful ways to drive positive change, about their experiences in the workplace and advice for the next generation of women in health care.
What keeps you motivated on a day-to-day basis?
My young daughters keep me motivated with their love of learning. I want to set a good example for them and pursue my passions, even when things are difficult. You know you’re doing something right when your seven-year-old tells her teacher how proud she is that her mom works in science.” – Dr. Lisa Burry, Clinician Scientist, Mount Sinai Hospital
“My passion for improving our health care system and working collaboratively with others is what drives me. To stay motivated, I rely on setting goals for myself and maintaining a positive outlook to celebrate each day’s unique set of challenges and successes.” – Grace Kim, Project Manager, Operational Readiness and Transition Planning, Mount Sinai Hospital
“Being able to touch the lives of my patients, even the slightest bit, gives me the motivation I need to continue with my career choice.” – Rabia Chaudhary, Nursing Student, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare
Who are the women who have inspired you in your career?
“My preceptors. They taught me that perseverance, courage, and innovative thinking will provide the foundation for growth in any career you choose.” – Yannan Chen, Pharmacist, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare
“I’m inspired by women who have done their own thing despite social pressures. For example, the artist Georgia O’Keefe, the writer Colette, or the women who fought for the right to vote.” – Roda Contractor, Fitness Volunteer, Ambulatory Care Gym, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare
“I’ve had the privilege of working with many inspiring women and mentorship has been important in shaping my career. An interaction with an infectious disease physician during medical school inspired me to study infection prevention. Several successful women in academia encouraged me to pursue an academic career. While earning my PhD, I met an incredible critical care physician researcher who continues to guide me.” – Dr. Jennie Johnstone, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Sinai Health
What advice do you have for young women who want to get into the health care field?
“Someone once told me to consider visualizing where you want to be rather than how hard it will be to get there.” – Lisa
“Remember that health care is about looking out for those in need and being part of a community. There is immense satisfaction in supporting fellow human beings with professionalism and compassion when they are at their most vulnerable.” – Roda
“Health care is a rewarding career filled with tremendous opportunity to serve and care. I love my job in infectious disease prevention and control because I make a difference in ensuring the safety of patients and our people. I can’t imagine doing anything else and I highly recommend it.” – Jennie
Have you faced any obstacles in your career because of your gender? If so, how did you overcome them?
“Yes, I have. I would tell young women to advocate for themselves and unite with others who feel the same way to support each other and raise awareness of these obstacles.” – Yannan
“There will never be a shortage of people who will impose what they think you should do, and who you should be – especially as a woman. To overcome this, I have learned to trust my intuition, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and be my own best advocate.” – Grace