By: Nichole Guillory George, MD

As we celebrate Women Physicians Day, we are honored to share the words and wisdom of Dr. Nichole George. In this insightful Q&A blog, Dr. George opens up about the hurdles and triumphs she's celebrated as a woman carving her path in the medical field. Join us as we explore the moments that shaped her career and the inspirational advice, she has for those following in her footsteps. 

Q: Why did you become a physician and specifically a Family Medicine physician?

A: The joy of being of service to others was the driving force of becoming a physician, especially a family medicine physician. I knew I was smart and wanted to challenge my abilities while also serving those I love and care for. I try to reflect as much as I can on the saying by John Wesley, "Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can." I am not perfect, but at the end of the day, I want to make sure that patients understand the options they have in front of them and what direction they would like to go that fall in line with their values and goals. If I can provide at least a slightly better understanding than a patient has had before our interaction, then I hope I am making a difference.

Q: What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of, and how do you think they contribute to empowering other women in the medical profession?

A: I am very proud that I am a good communicator and listener. It brings me joy when a patient says, "She listened." It may not seem as obvious to say that listening is an accomplishment, but an accomplishment is a goal that you have obtained with success. Listening has allowed me to connect with patients on a deeper level which enhances the doctor-patient relationship. Listening seems like an easy skill, but listening not only involves hearing the words spoken, but also understanding the undertones, inflections, body language and things unspoken. I can now thankfully do this without increased anxiety about completing the day or getting to the next patient.

This is an empowering skill for women because it allows you to control the narrative, even the situation. By listening, you can gather a full picture and respond with a thoughtful idea rather than a broken conversation clouded by assumptions and interjections. Recent studies by NIH and JAMA have shown that patients with female physicians have a lower 30-day mortality rate and readmission rate. I believe that listening, which is a key component of communication, has a part in why women make good, if not great physicians.

Q: Balancing personal and professional life can be challenging in the medical field. How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what advice do you have for fellow physicians?

A: My support systems both professionally and personally hands down receive the credit for why my personal and professional life remain stable frequency. I say frequency because, as all people know, work life and personal life fall in waves that at most times are out of our control. The resiliency it takes can only be supplemented by a strong support team both at home and at work. I am a good physician alone, but I am a great physician because of the many individuals who support my goals and hopes for better outcomes for those I service. From Kendra, an outstanding Ochsner medical assistant, to Edna, an outspoken and dedicated nurse, to Jasmine, a cheerful and intelligent nurse practitioner. At home, it is my husband Bryant and daughter Abigail. These components at work as well any many others bolster and sustain my resolve to a healthier Louisiana now rather than later.

As far as advice goes, you must intentionally and actively surround yourself with people that want to see you succeed. They will not always knock on your door or even say they want to help. As an introvert, that is challenging. I had to learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is a growing pain that changes with time but ultimately enhances who you are as a doctor.

Q: Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development. Have you had any influential mentors throughout your journey, and how have they shaped your approach to medicine?

A: Changes always occur in medicine. You must adapt to the change, but that does not mean you must sacrifice your core identity. You need to see how it can be applied in a way that does not alter your true self. A great mentor will recognize that and connect with you on that level. They inspire you to stretch more in your uncomfortable zone. One of the best mentors/leaders I had helped me to recognize the importance of leaning into the issue without an intention to sacrifice my beliefs, but rather embrace a new perspective.

Q: What message or piece of advice would you like to share with aspiring female physicians who are just starting their careers?

A: The most important approach in medicine is that it should be FUN. We, as physicians, take very complicated and confusing information, often in an extremely difficult and distressing time, and explain it in a way that provides relief, and sometimes peace for our patients. I am excited when I know I can explain an issue to a patient and provide reasonable solutions. I would advise you to never lose the joy that you had in medical school when medicine was brand new and full of opportunity. Never lose the excitement when you learn as a resident that you can and will make a positive impact on patient lives even if you can't directly see it. Never lose hope that those after will continue to improve upon the art of medicine. There will be those who will say that medicine doesn't need to change because that's not the way they know medicine. We know we can and will make medicine better.

On Women Physicians Day, we pay tribute to incredible women in medicine. Their journeys are reflections of everyday heroes in healthcare. Thank you to Dr. George for sharing your journey and offering inspiring advice to the next generation of physicians.