Women Executives in Telehealth American Telemedicine Association ATA2017

Susan Dentzer, Charlotte Yeh, Janet McIntyre, and Janae Sharp at the American Telemed Women Executives in Telehealth Panel

One of the highlights of the American Telemedicine conference in Orlando Florida was excellent coverage of women in telemedicine and leadership.  They had a panel of women in leadership which focused on promoting women in telemedicine and had the best moderation of a panel I’ve seen at a conference.  Highlights of great advice for women in HealthIT were from that panel, and from speaking with women that were tasked with going to the conference as buyers in the telemedicine space.

Charlotte Yeh acted as moderator of the panel. She framed what the panel would cover and what they were not concerned with. She mentioned that we would not cover work life balance since that also applies to men and has been covered on many platforms.  Framing a conversation within the conference and healthcare setting made a huge impact.  Promoting women in telemedicine and HealthIT needs to have a specific framework.

Susan Dentzer, President and CEO of the Network for Excellence in Healthcare innovation suggested making an award for advancing women in leadership in Telehealth.  I’m a huge fan of medals for participation. Every day I get up and when I work out I suspect that I deserve a medal.  The medals for best contribution for advancing women next year should be an amazing ceremony at ATA.

Susan quoted Madeline Albright that “there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women.” Think deliberately about creating something you want to be a part of. This year I’ve personally seen Max Stroud of Doyenne Connections simply create something she wanted to be a part of.

Julie Hall-Barrow invited leaders to find a young woman and become their mentor. Some of the women in leadership in healthcare are happy to promote other women but the promotion seems more strategic than like actual concern. Leaders should purposefully craft their ideal mentor relationship. ATA discussed creating a group dedicated to what women and companies in the telemedicine space would like to do with collaboration.

Paula Guy, when asked what she would tell a younger self, said “first of all I would tell myself not to get married so many times.” Her advice was hilarious and focused on not letting people tell you no. There is a power in knowing what you are capable of and surrounding yourself with other women who are also in that space. Paula’s advice was also to be part of a group that promotes mentors and other women working together.

Kristi Henderson spoke about not being afraid to push boundaries. Never settle until you get where you want to go. The advice and positive belief that women are capable of breaking through boundaries and leveraging their social connecting makes women poised for success despite being underrepresented.

Janet McIntyre, The Vice President of Professional services of the Colorado Hospital association, decided to approach Patrick Kennedy about coming to Colorado to help with the opioid epidemic there. He shared his family story and personal conviction about making a difference and Janet decided to invite him to help with her state.  Women need to be fearless in their ask and expect that people will want to help them succeed.

Rachel Dixon, director of Telehealth for AccessCare services, pointed out that women should have a safe space to discuss gender issues in their work. We can create a place to discuss which companies are working well with women in the telemedicine space and which ask about an older man partner or lack professionalism. I shared a story with her about a potential employer asking if he should consider my job only a work proposition.  Gender issues for a younger woman in leadership can be complex in navigating personal relationship. A soft intelligence network about how a company treats women is valuable for investors and employees.

I was impressed with the positive planning of women in healthcare leadership in telehealth. The thought leadership at this conference was one of the best organized in terms of giving organizations and individuals actionable plans for increasing female technology talent in leadership positions.

About the author

Janae Sharp

Healthcare as a Human Right. Physician Suicide Loss Survivor.
Janae writes about Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Data Analytics, Engagement and Investing in Healthcare. Founder of the Sharp Index.
twitter: @coherencemed

   

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