International Women’s Day Highlight: Whole Person Care Clinic
This International Women's Day, we're proud to highlight Whole Person Care Clinic (WPCC), a growing network of healthcare clinics in California, led by remarkable women who are reshaping the face of health equity. Mary Baker, Dr. Jennifer Cohen, and Nora Sarte stand at the helm, showcasing the power and necessity of female leadership in the medical field.
Mary Baker's journey from nursing student to Executive Director of WPCC is nothing short of inspiring. A single mother who fought through hardships, Mary's relentless pursuit of accessible healthcare is a testament to her belief that unnecessary suffering can be mitigated. Her words resonate with a deep understanding of life's struggles:
“I came from a difficult background growing up. I've always felt like there's a lot of suffering in this world that doesn't need to happen.”
— Mary Baker
Dr. Jennifer Cohen, leading the charge of WPCC's street medicine teams, left a lasting impression with her dedication to serving the underserved. Her transition from a volunteer to the Medical Director exemplifies her commitment to direct, impactful healthcare, far from the confines of traditional hospital settings.
Nora Sarte, as the Chief of Staff, brings her expertise from the for-profit sector to WPCC, driven by a desire to align her work with her values. Her story is a testimony for those seeking meaningful impact, underlining the clinic's role as a haven for community health improvement.
These leaders navigate through industry challenges, including gender bias, with unwavering resilience. Their leadership is a reminder of the critical importance of diversity and inclusion, especially in healthcare.
Nora shares a personal connection with the clinic's mission, reflecting on the impact of WPCC's services:
“I wanted to work somewhere where I felt like the goal was to make a difference. Personally coming from a single-mother background, a lot of the services and resources WPCC provides I wish I would have had access to when I was in that situation myself.”
— Nora Sarte
WPCC's forward-thinking initiatives, like expanding mobile addiction medicine services, highlight their innovative approach to healthcare, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and empathy.
The significance of International Women's Day is not lost on these leaders. It's a day to celebrate achievements and recognize the hurdles women in all sectors overcome. Dr. Jennifer Cohen's call for unity speaks volumes:
“We need to see each other as sisters and not competition... I think that the more we can be a sisterhood, and then the better everything will be.”
— Dr. Jennifer Cohen
WPCC's impact is profound, championing female leadership in healthcare and setting a precedent for inclusivity and effectiveness. Let's honor the work of Mary, Dr. Cohen, and Nora this International Women's Day as they continue to make strides in community healthcare and leadership.
