When I first started in healthcare, I never imagined I would one day be in a leadership role guiding teams and shaping operations. My journey began as a physical therapist assistant, working directly with patients in Orlando. I loved the hands-on work, helping people regain mobility and improve their quality of life. At the same time, I learned early on that healthcare is about more than patient care—it is about communication, teamwork, and understanding the systems that make care possible.
Moving from a clinical role into leadership was not an overnight change. It was a gradual process of learning, reflecting, and experimenting. Early in my career, I thought success meant doing everything myself and performing at the highest level without depending on anyone else. I quickly realized that approach was unsustainable. Leadership is not about being the strongest or most intelligent person in the room. It is about empowering others to excel and building a team that can achieve goals together.
Building Trust as a Foundation
One of the first lessons I learned in leadership is that trust is the foundation of any successful team. In clinical settings, trust is often built through competency, consistency, and empathy. Those same principles apply to managing a team. When team members trust that you are honest, reliable, and invested in their growth, they are more willing to collaborate and take ownership of their work.
I encourage my teams to speak up, share feedback, and take initiative. Early in my leadership journey, I had a supervisor who led through intimidation and control. Watching the negative impact it had on the team taught me the importance of open communication, patience, and listening before acting. Creating a culture of trust allows people to feel safe, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of punishment.
Communication is Key
Clear communication is another cornerstone of effective leadership. In healthcare, misunderstandings can have serious consequences, and the same principle applies in leadership. I document my goals, share them with the team, and regularly revisit progress to ensure clarity and alignment. This approach provides accountability and keeps everyone focused on the bigger picture while maintaining attention to daily priorities.
Equally important is the concept of radically listening. As leaders, we often think we need to provide answers, but sometimes the best action is to seek to understand our team’s perspective and ideas. Active listening builds respect and encourages collaboration, creating an environment where everyone feels valued.
Balancing Accountability and Support
Leadership requires a careful balance of holding people accountable while providing the support they need to succeed. I learned that accountability is not about micromanaging or punishing mistakes; it is about setting expectations, offering guidance, and celebrating successes. Supporting my team has meant investing in their development through mentorship, professional training, and coaching. When people feel supported, they are more motivated, engaged, and willing to push themselves to achieve their best.
One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is helping others grow. I mentor colleagues in healthcare management and operational strategies, sharing insights from my clinical work and leadership experience. Seeing others develop and succeed has reinforced my belief that leadership is not about personal achievement but about lifting others to reach their potential.
Learning from Challenges
No leadership journey is without challenges. Transitioning from direct patient care to managing teams and operations required me to step outside my comfort zone and learn new skills. There were times when I faced setbacks, difficult decisions, and moments of doubt. I learned to approach these situations with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. Every challenge became an opportunity to refine my leadership approach, improve processes, and strengthen relationships with my team.
Applying Clinical Skills to Leadership
Interestingly, many of the skills I developed as a clinician transferred seamlessly into leadership. Observation, attention to detail, and problem-solving are just as relevant in managing people and processes as they are in patient care. Empathy, patience, and the ability to read body language help me connect with my team and understand their needs. Leadership in healthcare is about guiding people and processes to achieve outcomes while maintaining a culture of respect, integrity, and collaboration.
The Importance of Continuous Growth
Even after moving into leadership, I continue to prioritize learning and professional development. Attending conferences, earning certifications, and engaging with peers keeps me informed about best practices in healthcare leadership. I also stay curious about topics outside of healthcare, such as business, psychology, and operational strategy. Continuous learning allows me to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to my team, creating a culture of innovation and growth.
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of reflection, learning, and adaptation. Moving from the clinic to the corner office taught me that leadership is not about titles or authority—it is about serving your team, empowering others, and building systems that allow people to succeed. The lessons I learned as a clinician—trust, communication, empathy, and problem-solving—have guided me every step of the way.
For anyone considering a similar transition, my advice is simple: be intentional, stay grounded, and invest in your team. Leadership is challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in healthcare. By focusing on people, cultivating trust, and committing to continuous improvement, you can make a meaningful impact both on your team and on the patients you ultimately serve.