Lena Esmail, founder and CEO of QuickMed, is championing a call to action for the empowerment of women in healthcare. Recognizing the significant underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the industry, Esmail emphasizes the need for systemic change to promote gender equity and improve healthcare outcomes.
Despite women comprising nearly 70% of the global healthcare workforce, they hold less than 25% of senior leadership positions, according to the World Health Organization. This disparity highlights a critical gap in representation that Esmail believes must be addressed urgently.
“Women are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet their voices are often absent from executive decision-making tables,” Esmail stated. “To build a more effective and compassionate healthcare system, we must empower women to lead and bring their diverse perspectives to the forefront.”
Advocating for Change
Esmail’s journey from a nurse to the CEO of QuickMed exemplifies the potential women have to lead and innovate in healthcare. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Biology from Youngstown State University, a master’s degree in Family Practice Nursing from Ursuline College, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Kent State University. Her academic and professional experiences have equipped her to address complex healthcare needs, particularly in underserved communities.
At QuickMed, Esmail has implemented policies to support the advancement of women within the organization. This includes mentorship programs, leadership training, and flexible work arrangements designed to accommodate personal commitments.
“Mentorship has been a cornerstone in my career, and I aim to provide the same support to other women,” Esmail said. “By fostering an environment where women can grow and lead, we not only benefit individual careers but also enhance team performance and patient care.”
The Importance of Mentorship and Representation
Studies have shown that organizations with diverse leadership teams are more innovative and achieve better financial performance. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 21% more likely to outperform on profitability.
Esmail emphasizes that mentorship and representation are crucial in empowering the next generation of female healthcare professionals.
“When young women see leaders who look like them, it expands their perception of what’s possible,” she noted. “Effective mentorship programs can bridge knowledge gaps, build confidence, and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.”
A Call to Action
Esmail is urging healthcare organizations to:
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Implement leadership development initiatives focused on women.
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Establish transparent pay scales to address wage disparities.
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Promote flexible work policies to better balance professional and personal commitments.
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Create platforms where women’s contributions are recognized and valued.
She also encourages women in healthcare to advocate for themselves and others.
“Advocacy begins with confidence in our abilities,” Esmail said. “By supporting each other, addressing biases, and collectively voicing our ideas, we can drive meaningful change.”
Real-World Impact
Esmail shared an example from QuickMed where empowering a female colleague led to significant organizational benefits. A nurse practitioner, initially hesitant about leadership, was mentored and encouraged to take on more responsibilities. She eventually led a clinic that saw improved patient satisfaction and increased community engagement.
“Her success reinforced the value of investing in our team members’ growth,” Esmail remarked. “It’s tangible proof that empowering women leads to positive outcomes for everyone involved.”
About Lena Esmail
Lena Esmail is a healthcare entrepreneur dedicated to improving access to medical services in underserved and rural communities. Through QuickMed, she integrates telemedicine and advanced practice providers to deliver comprehensive care tailored to community needs. Esmail is a passionate advocate for health equity, community engagement, and the empowerment of women in healthcare.
About QuickMed
Founded in 2018, QuickMed is a pioneering healthcare organization committed to expanding healthcare access through innovative solutions like telemedicine and in-school clinics. Under Esmail’s leadership, QuickMed addresses critical gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Lena Esmail
Email: Send Email
City: Youngstown
State: Ohio
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lenaesmailohio.com/