Ep. 63 - From RN to VP: Heather Woolf on Leading and Lifting Women in Healthcare (08/05/2025)

Hit play to hear how one nurse shattered ceilings on her way to the c-suite. In this episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez sit down with Heather Woolf, Vice President of Operations at the Hospital for Special Surgery, for a powerful conversation on gender equity in healthcare leadership. Heather shares her bold journey from the bedside to the boardroom, revealing the systemic barriers that still hold women back—despite making up nearly 80% of the healthcare workforce. Together, they unpack why only 30% of hospital CEOs are women, how outdated systems fuel burnout and what needs to change to build more inclusive leadership pipelines. Heather offers real-world strategies for navigating bias, advocating for yourself and staying resilient in the face of pressure. Whether you’re just starting your career or leading a healthcare system, this episode delivers inspiring insights and real-world solutions to advance gender equity in healthcare leadership. Listen, share and be part of the movement to elevate women in healthcare.