Celebrating Wins: Women Leading the Charge in Health IT and Redefining Work-Life Harmony

Welcome back, besties! As the sun sets on another vibrant summer, we find ourselves gearing up to dive into the hustle and bustle of the fall season here at Like A Girl Media. It's the perfect time to talk about celebrating big and small wins, especially for those navigating the intricate dance of career and parenthood in Health IT. Whether you've launched a new project, survived another school break, or made it through the day with your sanity intact, every victory deserves recognition.

As women in Health IT, our journeys are as diverse as they are inspiring. From coding while cradling a baby to drafting policy changes between soccer games, our lives are the epitome of multitasking. This fall, we'll explore some stories from women who have not only navigated these challenges but have thrived, achieving remarkable success in their careers while balancing the beautiful chaos of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and life. Here's a sneak peek:

Sylvia Romm: We're all that mom

Sylvia Romm, MD, MPH, stands out as a revered leader known for her pioneering work in telehealth and digital health innovation. As a former pediatric hospitalist and a digital health strategist, Sylvia has made significant strides in transforming how healthcare is delivered, ensuring that cutting-edge technology effectively meets the needs of patients and communities. Her efforts have reshaped healthcare delivery and inspired a new generation of women leaders in the tech and healthcare sectors.

Despite her professional success, Sylvia Romm navigates the complex landscape of work-life harmony, a challenge familiar to many women in demanding careers. Like many of us, she balances her career with family responsibilities, often finding herself amidst the hustle of managing both worlds. Reflecting on her experiences, Sylvia shares, "I travel a lot for work; my husband is the CEO of a start-up, and we have a six-year-old and a four-year-old, so we’re often hustling to keep things together. For example, a few months ago I was leaving for a flight, and as I was headed out the door, my four-year-old yelled, 'Don’t forget to order bananas on Amazon!' And I thought, 'Yeah, I’m THAT mom.'" (Dear Doctor)

This candid acknowledgment of her personal life resonates with many who strive to balance their professional aspirations and family commitments. Sylvia's story reminds us that even those at the pinnacle of their careers face similar day-to-day challenges, and her ability to manage these demands with humor and grace is truly inspiring.

Balancing Act: The Research

According to a Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) study, women now make up 30% of the health IT workforce. This is a significant increase, but challenges remain, such as work-life balance and recognition in male-dominated environments. More than 40% of women in the industry report feeling burnt out, yet they continue to push boundaries and achieve remarkable feats. We'll talk about HIMSS's struggle with gender equity in a future post; stay tuned.

Celebrating Wins: A Community Approach

The journey to success is often solitary, but it doesn't have to be. Creating a community of support can make all the difference. This is where platforms like Likeagirlmedia.com come in, offering a space for women to share experiences, tips, and triumphs.

Whether through online forums, networking events, or mentorship programs, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can inspire and motivate you to keep pushing forward. Celebrate not just your wins but those of the women around you. After all, success is sweeter when shared.

Let's have each other's back.

As we navigate our health IT careers, let's make a pact to celebrate every win—big or small. Whether a personal achievement or a professional breakthrough, each step forward is a testament to our resilience and capability.

Stay tuned with Likeagirlmedia.com this season for more stories, insights, and inspiration. Let us be your companion in this journey as we explore the topics impacting women in healthcare and health IT. Follow us for updates, and together, let's continue breaking barriers and celebrating our triumphs.

Here's to recognizing and rewarding ourselves in the journey of career and parenthood. Cheers to every woman making her mark in Health IT!