Most Impressive Women Leaders Revamping the Future of Healthcare Industry, 2024

Editorial Note

Leading the Way: Women Shaping the Future of Healthcare

he ever-evolving field of Thealthcare, women leaders is taking a transformative force, reshaping the industry with innovation and commitment to care. It is their influence that extends beyond the traditional roles, incorporating healthcare systems with fresh strategies. Thus we navigate the complex healthcare challenges, as it becomes increasingly evident how women leaders are at the forefront of future of healthcare.

One of the notable contributions of women leaders in healthcare is the emphasis on patient-centric method. Here healthcare is all about people and these leaders prioritize empathy in their decision-making ability. Thus by placing patients at the center, the aim is at improving access to care and fostering meaningful relationships. It is their not just

about holistic approach but medical needs that considers the social determinants of health at all community levels.

Also women leaders in healthcare are the catalysts for innovation, they bring along diverse skill sets to the table, pushing boundaries of treatment methodologies. Thus these leaders are propelling the healthcare industry forward. Thus by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, they are embracing healthcare delivery, making it more efficient and personalized.

More importantly, women leaders are the champions of equity, and inclusion within the healthcare workforce. By advocating for gender parity these women recognizes the value of diverse voices, and equal opportunities for advancement. All in all by fostering inclusive work environment, these women cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where everyone flourishes. It is their commitment towards diversity that enhances organizational performance and ensures that healthcare systems reflect the societies they serve.

Taking all these into consideration we at CIO Business World is reshaping the future of healthcare with our upcoming edition – Most Impressive Women Leaders Revamping the Future of Healthcare Industry, 2024. Through this edition you'll witness stories of visionary leadership, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Their impact is far-reaching not just the way healthcare is delivered but the values that underpin the industry. As we look forward, it is clear that the rise of women leaders will be instrumental to drive positive transformation for generations to come.

Finally, women leaders are driving sustainability in healthcare systems, recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship in safeguarding public health. They are the real champion in environmentally friendly practices, like reducing waste, promoting energy, and embracing eco-friendly technologies. Thus by embracing sustainability, the women leaders are not just reducing cost but also contributing to the long-term health and well-being of future generations.

Cover Story

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Norina Gâvan

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32 Optimizing ai for health Enquiry

28 Cassandra Ruela

Founder Podiatry Association

N i n a Gâv a n N i n a Gâv a n

Norina's Journey in Shaping Foot Healthcare in Romania

IntheheartofEasternEuropewherehealthcare landscapesarecontinuouslyevolving,NorinaAlinta Gâvanemergesasagroundbreakerinthefieldof podiatry.Herprofessioniswithinthemedicalsciences dedicatedtoresearch,prevention,diagnosis,andtreatment ofdeformities,pathology,andinjuriesofthefootand relatedstructures.

Recognizingthecrucialneedforspecializedfoot healthcare,Norinaharnessedherconnectionsand, alongsideadedicatedgroupoffriends,foundedthe PodiatryAssociationinApril2015.Hermissionwasclear–toadvancefootmedicalcareandestablishtheprofessionof podiatryinRomania.

Fromherearlyinitiativestotheofficialrecognitionof podiatryasamedicalprofessioninRomania,Norina'sstory exemplifiesresilience,vision,andacontinuouspursuitof progressinhealthcare.NowsheistheHonoraryPresident oftheRomanianPodiatryAssociationandfounding memberoftheDiabeticNeuropathySociety–Neurodiabin Romania.

ShehasmembershipsinInternationalFederationof Podiatry,EuropeanCouncilofPodiatry,DFoot International,RoyalCollegeofPodiatryLondon,and EuropeanAssociationforStudyofDiabetes.Sheisoften invitedasspeakerininternationalconferences,sheiscoauthorinresearcharticles,andpeer-reviewerfor internationaljournalsandcongresses.

PioneeringPodiatryforHealthierLivesinRomania

Norinaisapassionateadvocateforhealthandafirm believerinthetransformativepowerofideas.Guidedbythe valuesofhealthpromotion,herprofessionalandpersonal pursuitshavebeendedicatedtocreatingimpactfulprojects. Withastrongconvictioninthenecessityofhealthand healtheducationtoenhancehealthcaresystems,she addressesthepressingissueofdiabetes,acondition affecting1in10peopleglobally.

Diabetes,particularlydiabetes-relatedfootdiseases,posesa criticalcomplicationwithsubstantialsocialandeconomic ramificationsforhealthcaresystemsworldwide.The prevalenceoffootulcerationsinindividualswithdiabetes exceeds6%,equatingtoapproximately33millionpeople globallygrapplingwithdiabeticfootulcers.Norina recognizestheurgentneedforspecializedcareand educationtoaddressthisglobalhealthchallenge.

Whilesheacknowledgesthatshemaynotspeakofadream perse,Norinaisvocalabouthermissionandtarget—to advancepodiatryinRomania.Facedwithascarcityof podiatristsandalackofconditionscompliantwith internationalstandardsforspecializedcare,individualsat riskofdiabeticfootcomplicationsoftenlacktheproper preventiveandtreatmentmeasures.

Sheextendshermissionbeyonddiabetes,acknowledging thebroaderneglectoffootcareinvarioushealthconditions. Inresponse,shehastakenproactivestepstocontributeto theenhancementandpotentialresolutionofthiswidespread issue,aimingtoimprovetheoverallhealthandwell-being ofindividualsgrapplingwithfoot-relatedhealthproblems.

APodiatrist'sJourneytoEstablishingaVital HealthcareFieldinRomania

InRomania,theabsenceofpodiatrists,specialists specificallytrainedinmedicalfootcare,presentsa significantchallenge.Diabetologists,whoprimarilycarefor individualswithdiabetes,faceconstraintsintimeand resourcesduetotheoverwhelmingnumberofdiabetes patientsandbroadersystemicissueswithinthehealthcare system.

Thisdearthofdedicatedprofessionalshasresultedina notablegapinspecializedhealthcare,leavingthosewith diabeteswithoutcrucialexpertiseforcomprehensivecare andprevention.Recognizingthispressingneed,Norina undertookthemissionofadvocatingfortheestablishment andrecognitionofpodiatryasavitalfieldinRomania.

Toaddressthischallenge,shechampionedthe establishmentofthePodiatryAssociation—an unprecedentedinitiativeinRomania.Thisorganization aimstocultivateacultureoffootcarewithinthegeneral populationand,morespecifically,amongindividualswith diabetes.Italsostandsasthefirstorganizationdedicatedto theeducation,training,andpreparationoffuturepodiatry specialistsinthecountry

Throughvariousprogramsandwiththesupportof dedicatedindividualswhosharedthemission,thePodiatry Associationhasactivelyengagedwithgovernmental authoritiesinthepublichealthcaresectorandtheacademic realm.Theprimarygoalhasbeentodemonstratethe necessityofintegratingpodiatryintothepublichealthcare system,emphasizingitsbroad-reachingbenefitsforthe entirepopulation,regardlessofage.Thisemphasisholds

particularsignificanceforindividualswithdiabetes, contributingtoanimprovedqualityoflifeforalland, importantly,fosteringsocietalandeconomicwell-beingfor Romaniaasawhole.

TransformativeRecognitionandAdvocacyinRomanian Healthcare

Theofficialrecognitionofpodiatryasamedicalprofession inRomaniastandsasamomentousachievement,signaling thefulfillmentofdedicatedeffortsandadvocacytoaddress acriticalgapinhealthcare.SpearheadedbythePodiatry Association,thisaccomplishmentnotonlyenhancesthe well-beingofindividuals,particularlythosewithdiabetes, butalsocontributestothebroaderhealthcarelandscape.

Theassociation'sunwaveringcommitmentand perseverancenavigatedcomplexhealthcaresystems, securingthenecessarysupportforpodiatry'srecognition. Thismilestonebringsincreasedvisibilitytofootcare, especiallyforthosewithdiabetes,throughheightened mediaattention,fosteringabroaderunderstandingof podiatry'scrucialroleinpreventivehealthcare.Ultimately, theacknowledgmentofpodiatryreflectsacollective commitmenttocomprehensivehealthcare,positively impactinglivesacrossthenation.

ImpactonDiabeticFootCareinRomania

TheestablishmentofthePodiatryAssociationinRomania garneredinternationalacclaim,receivingsubstantial supportfromhealthcareprofessionalsglobally,particularly thosewithakeeninterestindiabeticfootcareandpodiatry. Collaboratingwithinternationalgroupsprovidedvaluable insightsintotheorganizationalstructuresofhealthcare professionalsworldwide.Securingsupportfrom professionalsinvolvedindiabetescarewaspivotal,leading totheinitiationofthefirstofficialtrainingindiabeticfoot careforvariousmedicalpractitionersandnurses,aprogram recognizedbytheMinistryofHealth.Themilestone momentarrivedinlate2018withtheofficialrecognitionof thepodiatryprofessionbytheMinistryofLaborandSocial Justice.Subsequently,aseriesofimpactfulevents, conferences,educationalinitiatives,andfreeconsultation campaignswerelaunched.Notableprogramsincludethe "Summer School on Diabetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot"andthe"National Congress on Diabetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot," offeringaccreditedcoursesaimedat enhancingdiabeticfootcareskillsfornurses,medical assistants,andphysiotherapists.Additionally,the"Unique Diabetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot Education

Program - UNITED" focusesonupdatingtheprofessional trainingoffamilydoctors(generalpractitioners)toreduce amputationsandenhancethequalityoflifeforindividuals withdiabetes.

Norina'sVisionforTransformativeEducationin Romania

Norinafirmlybelievesinthetransformativepowerof educationforsocietalprogressandindividualwell-being. Asanadvocateforqualityeducation,sherecognizesitsrole asafundamentalpillarinshapingthefutureofpodiatry professionalsinRomania.Education,inherview,extends beyondimpartingtechnicalskills;itinstillsaprofound understandingofthecruciallinkbetweenfoothealthand overallwell-being.

Norinaemphasizestheimportanceofcontinuous professionaldevelopment,achievedthroughworkshopsand conferences,asameanstostayabreastofthelatest advancementsandeffectivelyaddressemerginghealthcare challenges.Sheseesarobusteducationsystemasthe cornerstonefornurturingskilledandcompassionate podiatryprofessionalswhocansignificantlycontributeto improvingthehealthofindividuals,especiallythose vulnerable,suchasthosewithdiabetes.Inhervision, educationservesasthekeytoabrighterandhealthierfuture forpodiatryinRomania,withapositiverippleeffectonthe broaderhealthcarelandscape.

Norina'sProfessionalandPersonalCommitment

Norina'sencounterwiththeimpactofdiabetesandits complications,particularlydiabeticneuropathyandfootrelatedissues,hasbeenbothprofessionalandpersonal. Engagedinhealthpromotionprojects,sheactivelyfights againsttheformidablechallengesposedbydiabetes,a diseasewithsevereconsequencessuchasdiabetic neuropathyandfootcomplications.InRomania,the prevalenceofulcersandamputationsduetodiabetes remainsalarminglyhigh.

In2021,astudyconductedinCluj-Napoca,underNorina's direction,soughttounderstandtheeconomicimplications ofulcerationsandamputationsonthehospitalizationcosts ofdiabetespatients.Withover1.2millionRomanianadults affectedbydiabetes,anumberexpectedtorise,thestudy revealedastarkreality—patientswithulcersand amputationsincurredsignificantlyhighercosts,over40% morethantheircounterpartswithoutsuchcomplications. Thisshedslightonthesubstantialeconomicburdenthat

diabeticfootissuesplaceontheRomanianpublic healthcaresystem.Sheemphasizestheurgentneedfor healthpoliciesandstrategiesaimedatenhancingprevention andcareintherealmofdiabeticfootissues.

IntegratingTechnologyandCompassionforAdvanced PodiatricCare

Norinaunderscoresthetransformativepotentialofcuttingedgetechnologiesinrevolutionizingdiagnosticaccuracy, treatmentapproaches,andhealthcareoutcomeswithin podiatry Whileembracingadvancementslike3Dscanning, augmentedreality,andtelemedicineformoreprecise assessmentsandaccessiblehealthcare,sheemphasizesthe continuedimportanceofapatient-centeredapproachand personalizedcare.Recognizingthepivotalroleof individualswithdiabetesinmanagingtheirhealth, especiallyconcerningdiabeticfootissues,sheenvisionsthe integrationofwearabledevicesandsmartsensorsfor continuousmonitoring.Thesetechnologies,combinedwith dataanalyticsandartificialintelligence,promisetooffer valuableinsights,optimizepreventivecarestrategies,and enhanceoverallpatientoutcomesinpodiatricpractices.

AVisionforGrowthinCentralandEasternEurope

Recognizingthesocialneedandprofessionaldemand,there isaconfidentbeliefthatpodiatrycanbesuccessfully developedinCentralandEasternEurope.Tofosterthis development,crucialstepsinvolveexpandingacademic education,increasingpublicawarenessaboutfoothealth, investinginresearchandinnovation,collaboratingwith healthcaresystems,fosteringnetworkingthrough professionalassociations,ensuringserviceaccessibilityand affordability,advocatingforpolicyrecognition,and engagingininternationalcollaboration.Thisholistic approachaddresseseducational,societal,andhealthcare systemaspects,contributingtotheintegrationand advancementofpodiatryfortheoverallhealthandwellbeingofthepopulation.

In2023,theupdatedversionoftheIWGDFGuidelineon thepreventionandmanagementofdiabetes-relatedfoot diseaseswaslaunched,providingrecommendationsforfoot careinpeoplewithdiabetes.TheAssociationforPodiatry, alongwithdedicateddoctorsinvolvedindiabetescare,is activelytranslatingtheentireguidelineintoRomanian.The goalistocompletethistranslationbyMarch2024,witha nationallaunchplannedinRomania.However,successful implementationoftheguidelinerequiresanationalstrategy,

widespreadacceptance,clearplans,andmonitored investmentsbyauthorities.Economicbarriersshouldnot serveasanexcuse,emphasizingtheurgencytomovefrom discussionstopracticalapplicationforthebenefitofthe population.

Testimonials:

“Having had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Norina Gâvan in the past several years, I can attest to her exceptional dedication to the field of podiatry. She has played a pivotal role in the legislative aspects of the podiatry profession and, moreover, she has been instrumental in nurturing and mentoring the next generation of podiatrists. Colleagues from all around the world admire her passion as well as respect her knowledge and wisdom”.

(DanielAharonWeisz,PresidentofInternationalFederation ofPodiatrists)

Norina Gâvan has contributed to health care throughout her career She has been the voice for Podiatry in her country for several years making collaborations with various countries and lead experts to try to introduce this much needed profession in her country. With years of success, professionalism, experiences, challenges, commitment and leadership, Norina Gâvan continues to strive hard to achieve her dream of introducing the Podiatric Education”.

(Prof.CynthiaFormosaPhD,AssociateProfessorPodiatry Department,FacultyofHealthSciencesMaterDei Hospital,UniversityofMalta)

“Dr. Norina Gâvan had pioneered the development of podiatry and the implementation of conservative management of the diabetic foot complications in Romania. This is highly relevant, as diabetic foot complications, particularly the diabetic foot ulcers, a consequence of diabetic neuropathy, are a leading cause of nontraumatic amputations in people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is promoting and working to broadly implement a team approach in the management of people with diabetes and foot complications, and podiatrists are critical team members”.

(RodicaPop-BusuiMD,PhD-President,Medicineand Science,TheAmericanDiabetesAssociation)

Addressing Challenges and Promoting Equity in Healthcare

Inthepursuitofuniversalhealthcoverageandequitable

accesstoqualitycare,numerouschallengespersist, posingsignificantbarrierstohealthandwell-beingfor millionsaroundtheworld.Fromsocioeconomicdisparities tosystemicinequities,thesechallengesdemandurgent attentionandconcertedeffortstoensurethateveryonehas theopportunitytoattainthehighestlevelofhealthpossible. Addressingthesechallengesandpromotingequityin healthcarerequiresamultifacetedapproachthataddresses therootcausesofdisparitieswhileadvocatingforpolicies andpracticesthatprioritizefairness,inclusivity,andsocial justice.

Oneoftheforemostchallengesinhealthcareequityisthe pervasiveimpactofsocioeconomicfactorsonhealth outcomes.Incomeinequality,lackofaccesstoeducation, employmentopportunities,andsafehousingallcontribute todisparitiesinhealthstatusandaccesstocare.Toaddress thesechallenges,itisessentialtoadoptsocialdeterminants ofhealthapproachthatrecognizestheinterconnectedness ofsocial,economic,andenvironmentalfactorswithhealth outcomes.Byinvestinginsocialprograms,poverty alleviationinitiatives,andcommunity-basedinterventions, wecanmitigatetheeffectsofsocioeconomicdisparitiesand createenvironmentsthatsupporthealthandwell-beingfor all.

Additionally,systemicinequitieswithinhealthcaresystems perpetuatedisparitiesinaccesstocare,treatmentoutcomes, andqualityofservices.Discrimination,bias,andcultural incompetenceoftenresultinmarginalizedpopulations receivingsubstandardcareorbeingexcludedfrom healthcarealtogether Topromoteequityinhealthcare,itis imperativetoaddressthesesystemicinequitiesthrough policyreform,culturalcompetencytraining,andthe implementationofanti-discriminationmeasures.By fosteringinclusivehealthcareenvironmentsthatrespectthe dignityandrightsofallindividuals,wecanensurethat everyonereceivescarethatisrespectful,responsive,andof thehighestquality

Furthermore,geographicdisparitiesinhealthcareaccess presentsignificantchallengestoachievingequityinhealth outcomes.Ruralandunderservedcommunitiesoftenlack adequatehealthcareinfrastructure,includinghospitals, clinics,andtrainedhealthcareprofessionals.Asaresult, residentsoftheseareasfacebarrierstoaccessingessential healthcareservices,leadingtopoorerhealthoutcomesand increasedmortalityrates.Toaddressthesedisparities,itis essentialtoinvestinruralhealthcareinfrastructure,expand accesstotelemedicineandmobilehealthservices,and incentivizehealthcareprofessionalstopracticein underservedareas.Byensuringthateveryone,regardlessof wheretheylive,hasaccesstotimely,affordable,and culturallyappropriatecare,wecannarrowthegapinhealth outcomesandpromoteequityinhealthcaredelivery.

Moreover,addressingchallengesandpromotingequityin healthcarerequiresacommitmenttodata-drivendecisionmakingandevidence-basedinterventions.Collectingand analyzingdisaggregatedhealthdataallowsustoidentify disparities,monitorprogress,andtailorinterventionsto addressthespecificneedsofdifferentpopulations.By investinginhealthinformationsystems,strengthening healthsurveillance,andconductingresearchonhealth disparities,wecandeveloptargetedstrategiestopromote equityinhealthcareandimprovehealthoutcomesforall.

Inconclusion,addressingchallengesandpromotingequity inhealthcareisacomplexbutessentialendeavorthat requirescollaboration,innovation,andunwavering commitmentfromgovernments,healthcareproviders,civil societyorganizations,andcommunitiesalike.By addressingtherootcausesofdisparities,addressing systemicinequities,expandingaccesstocare,and leveragingdataandevidencetoinformdecision-making, wecancreateafuturewhereeveryonehastheopportunity toliveahealthyandfulfillinglife,regardlessoftheir backgroundorcircumstances.

Empowering W Healthcare

Women in

Ineverycorneroftheglobe,womenplayindispensable rolesinhealthcare,servingascaregivers,clinicians, researchers,administrators,andleaders.Despitetheir significantcontributions,genderdisparitiespersistwithin thehealthcareindustry,hinderingthefullrealizationof theirpotentialandthedeliveryofequitablecare. Empoweringwomeninhealthcareisnotonlyamatterof justiceandequalitybutalsoastrategicimperativefor drivingchange,innovation,andprogressinthefield.

Attheheartofempoweringwomeninhealthcareliesthe recognitionoftheirinherentvalueandexpertise.Women bringuniqueperspectives,skills,andexperiencestothe table,enrichingthefabricofhealthcaredeliveryand decision-making.Byleveragingtheirdiversetalentsand insights,healthcareorganizationscanfostercreativity, enhanceproblem-solvingcapabilities,anddriveinnovation acrossthecontinuumofcare.Fromdevelopingcutting-edge treatmentstodesigningpatient-centeredinterventions, womenareattheforefrontofdrivingtransformativechange inthehealthcarelandscape.

worldwide.Women'shealthencompassesabroadspectrum ofissues,includingreproductivehealth,maternalcare, chronicdiseases,andmentalhealth,amongothers.By amplifyingwomen'svoicesandperspectivesinhealthcare decision-making,wecanensurethatpolicies,programs, andservicesareresponsivetotheirneedsandexperiences. Empoweredwomeninhealthcarearepowerfuladvocates forgender-sensitiveapproaches,promotingaccessto comprehensivecare,reproductiverights,andhealth educationinitiativesthatempowerwomentomake informeddecisionsabouttheirhealthandwell-being.

Empoweringwomeninhealthcarealsoentailsdismantling systemicbarriersthatimpedetheiradvancementand leadershipopportunities.Genderbias,discrimination,and structuralinequitiespersistinmanyhealthcaresettings, limitingwomen'saccesstoleadershiproles,career advancement,andprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities. Addressingthesechallengesrequiresamultifaceted approach,includingproactivepolicies,mentorship programs,andorganizationalcultureshiftsthatpromote inclusivity,diversity,andequalrepresentation.Bycreating environmentswherewomenfeelvalued,supported,and empoweredtoexcel,healthcareorganizationscanunlock theirfullpotentialanddrivepositivechangeatalllevels.

Furthermore,empoweringwomeninhealthcareisessential foraddressingtheuniquehealthneedsofwomenandgirls

Empoweringwomeninhealthcarealsoholdsthekeyto fosteringamoreinclusiveandequitableworkforce.By breakingdownbarrierstoentryandadvancement,wecan cultivateahealthcareworkforcethatreflectsthediversityof thepopulationsitserves.Thisdiversitynotonlyenhances culturalcompetenceandresponsivenessbutalsodrives innovationandexcellenceincaredelivery.Moreover, empoweredwomenleadersserveasrolemodelsand mentors,inspiringthenextgenerationofwomenhealthcare professionalstopursuetheirpassionsandrealizetheirfull potentialinthefield.

Inconclusion,empoweringwomeninhealthcareisessential fordrivingchange,innovation,andprogressintheindustry

Byrecognizingandaddressinggenderdisparities, dismantlingsystemicbarriers,amplifyingwomen'svoices, andfosteringinclusiveworkplaces,wecanharnessthefull potentialofwomeninhealthcaretocreateahealthier,more equitableworldforall.Aswecontinueoureffortsto empowerwomeninhealthcare,letusreaffirmour commitmenttogenderequality,diversity,andinclusion, recognizingthattheempowermentofwomenisnotonlya moralimperativebutalsoastrategicimperativefor advancingthefutureofhealthcare.

WBUSINESS PROFILE

The Inspiring Leadership of Cassandra Ruela in the Health Sector

hateveryouwishforemotionally,youhaveto givefirst,andonlythenyouget.Cassandra Ruela,atrailblazerinthehealthcareindustry,is embarkedonherjourneywiththesamethought,making herwayasanExecutiveDirectorofParamountWellness Retreat.

Overcomingage-relatedchallenges,Cassandra'sleadership hasbeeninstrumentalinestablishingandgrowingthis innovativesubstanceabuseaddictiontreatmentfacility.Her visionextendsbeyondhercurrentrole,aspiringto contributetotheintegrationofmedicalandbehavioral healthinhealthcare'snexttransformativephase. Cassandra'simpactfulleadershipexemplifiesthe convergenceofclinicalexpertiseandexecutiveacumen, shapingthefutureofwellnessandrecovery.Inordertoget morefromher,weatCIOBusinessWorldinterviewedher toknowmoreaboutherlifestory

Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatParamount WellnessRetreatWhatchallengeshaveyouhadto overcometoreachwhereyouaretoday?

Beginningasanunlicensedclinicianin2013,Iworked withinresidentialandoutpatientprogramswhilewantingto moveforwardinmycareer.In2017,Itookontheroleofa leaderatCTRenaissance'soutpatientclinic,workingto impartmypriorityofclientcaretomyclinicians.From 2017to2021,IheldthepositionsofLeadClinician, ClinicalSupervisor,ProgramDirector,DualProgram

Directorandfinally,AssistantDirectorofClinical OutpatientServices,prioritizingstaffdevelopment,revenue growth,andserviceexpansion.InMayof2023,myjourney ledmetobecometheClinicalDirectorofParamount WellnessRetreat,whereIsuccessfullyestablisheda residentialfacilityfromscratch.Beingapartofastart-up withsuchsignificanceplacedonclientcarewasideal.In Julyof2023,IwaspromotedtotheroleofExecutive DirectorofParamountWellnessRetreat.Myagehasalways beenachallengeformetoovercome.Iam33yearsoldand anExecutiveDirectorinmyfield.Ihadtolearnearlyinmy careertoignorethepeoplewhowouldtellmethatI'mtoo youngandthatIneedto“waitmyturn.”MyturniswhenI decideitisandbelievinginmyselftodothesethings,no mattermyage,ishowIhavebecomethepersonIamand therolemodelIwantmykidstolookupto.

TellussomethingmoreaboutParamountWellness Retreat.anditsmissionandvision.

ParamountWellnessRetreatisa3.7and3.5levelofcare forsubstanceabuseaddictiontreatment.Ourmission statementis“CarewithPurpose.”Withalowstaff-topatientratioof1.5:1,ourcliniciansandproviderscanoffer anunmatchedlevelofcareandattentiontoeverypatient. Individualizedtreatmentprogramsaredevelopedfor everyoneandwillincorporateavarietyofindustry-leading andalternativemodalities.Ourfocusisonhealingthe wholepersonandnotjustalleviatingthesymptomsofthe disorder Wepairevidence-basedtherapywithholistic programming,recoverycoaching,andtherapydogsto allowgueststodeterminetheirownbestpathtorecovery

Howdoyoubuildandmanageamotivatedandeffective team?

Oneofmysignificantsupervisorssaidsomethingtome oncethatIhaveneverforgotten:“Ifyounevermakea mistake,itmeansyouhavenevertriedtomakethings better.”Ibelievethatfosteringateamthatunderstandsthat perfectionisnotthegoalisthekeytoallowingpeoplethe gracetobehuman.Ifmyteamfeelsthattheycanmake mistakeswithoutjudgement,thenmyteamwillbringme newandinnovativeideastomakethingsmoreefficientand effective.Willtheyallbekillerideas?No.Butwillmy teambefilledwithindependentthinkers?Ireallyhopeso.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforParamountWellness Retreat?

Inthelongrun,IplantoremainExecutiveDirectorfor ParamountWellnessRetreatandfinishmybookoutlining mychallengesIhavefacedwiththeglassceiling(gender andage)andprovidingtherapyinanon-confirmativeway Additionally,Iplantomovetowardanadjunctprofessor rolewhenmychildrenareoldenough.IfIhadmyway, Paramountwouldcontinuetoexpanduntilwecouldn'tdoit anymore.Ourphilosophyandteamshouldbeaccessibleto allwhostrugglewithaddictionandwantaninnovative approachtotheirwellness!

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theHealthcare?HowisParamountWellnessRetreat preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Thenextchangeinhealthcareistheimperativeintegration betweenmedicalandbehavioralhealth.Itisunacceptable thatprovidersdonotcollaborateinthewaythatthey should,anditneedstoberectifiedasimmediatelyas possible.PWRguestshavedailyaccesstoourMedical Director,PA,and/orAPRNandournursingstaffisinunit 24/7.Additionally,PWRjustpartneredwithPoplar Wellnessandrolledoutawearabledeviceforalldetox clientstowear(awatch)24/7.Thisfeedsvitalsignstoour monitorinthenursingstationandallowsourteamto monitoranychangesinreal-time.Thistypeofintegrationis justthebeginning,andIamdedicatedtobeinga frontrunnerincollaboration.

HowhaveyoumadeanimpactintheHealthcare industry?Anyimpactonanyindustryisaresultof manysmallstepsthatsomeonehastaken.

Inventuringintothisrole,Ihavemademanysmallchanges thatIbelievewillhelpthosewhocomeafterme.Ihopethat continuingtopushintoleadershipinthisrealmwillallow thenextgenerationtocontinuetopushnomattertheir genderorage.Currently,IaminapositionwhereIleada medicallevelofcareandaclinicallevelofcareinthesame building.

BeingtheExecutiveandClinicalDirectorofPWR,Iwork closelywithourMedicalDirector,DirectorofNursing,and ourChiefExecutiveOfficer Allowingtheserolestomeet withmyroleasthecatalystinspirescollaborationbetween realmsoftheHealthcareindustryanddemonstrateshow muchstrongertheresultscanbe.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehealthcaresector?

Myadviceistonotallowyoureducationorother professionalstodictatewhatpathyoucantake.Inever picturedmyselfbeingaleaderinanagency,corporation,or thefieldbecauseitwasalwaysdictatedtomethatasa LicensedProfessionalCounselor,Icouldonlybea therapist.IfIhadboughtthatinformation,Iwouldneverbe inapositionwhereIcanbeatherapistandanexecutiveat thesametime.Additionally,Iwouldtellanyonethatyou canbeaworkingwomanwhohasitall.Ihavean incrediblyrewardingjob,ahusband,threekids(3and under!)andamworkingonabook.Findyourselfapartner, afamily,ateamthatcansupportyourgoals.Iwouldtell themthattheyaren'twrongforwantingmore,evenifthey alreadyhavethemost.

The5Key Ingredients

Atremendouspotentialtoimprove healthcareandpublichealthoutcomes. Butifnotdevelopedthoughtfullywithequityin mind,AIrisksexacerbatingdisparities.Hereare fivethingstoknowaboutensuringAIpromotes healthequity:

AIcanrevealhealthcaredisparities.

Byanalyzinglarge,diversehealthdatasets,AI systemscanuncoverdifferencesinaccess, treatment,andoutcomesacrossdemographics thatmayotherwisegounnoticed.Forexample,an algorithmmayfindracialdisparitiesincardiac carebyminingelectronichealthrecords.These insightsallowtargetingofsolutionsto disadvantagedgroups.

AImodelscanperpetuatebias.

BecauseAIlearnsfromdata,modelstrainedon historicallybiaseddatasetsmay disproportionatelymisdiagnose,underserve,or negativelyimpactmarginalizedpopulations. Studieshavefoundautomatedsystemsthat exhibitgenderandracebias.Ongoingbias monitoringandmitigationiscrucialthroughout developmentanduse.

Human-AIcollaborationcancounteractbias.

AIsystemsthatcombinehumanexpertisewith machinelearningnotonlyimproveperformance buthelpaddressalgorithmicbias.Humans providecontextandequity,whileAIaddsspeed andscale.Thisbalancedapproachprevents marginalizedgroupsfrombeingoverlooked.

Diversityindataandteamsenablesequity.

TodevelopequitableAI,diversereal-worlddata andperspectivesareneeded.Inclusivedata collectionandhavingrepresentativeteams involvedindesign,validation,andevaluation helpsbuildsensitivitytodifferentpopulations intosystems.

Post-deploymentauditsupholdfairness.

Ongoingtestingfordiscriminationandregular algorithmicimpactassessmentsafter implementationarekeytoensuringAIfairnessin practice.Thisallowspromptidentificationand correctionofemergentbiasesassystemsareused inchangingrealenvironments.

TheincreasinguseofAIinmedicineholdsvast potentialtoimprovecare,butthoughtfully embeddingequityconsiderationsthroughits developmentandapplicationiscrucialtotruly benefittingallpatients.Thisrequires conscientiouseffort,buttherewardswillbemore informed,just,andcompassionatehealthcarefor