This #WomenPhysicianDay, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in healthcare. Across the globe, women physicians demonstrate unparalleled dedication, resilience, and compassion, transforming lives and advancing medicine every day. In honor of this special day, we’re thrilled to feature Dr. Carolyn McDonald, MD, in our latest blog. As a respected leader and trailblazer in the field, Dr. McDonald shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future of healthcare.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable women shaping the world of medicine.
What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
“I had wanted to be a doctor since childhood. It wasn’t until I became an EMT after graduating high school, and later served as a student athletic trainer for my college athletic teams, that I gained the hands-on experience that convinced me I not only had the ability but also the passion to become a physician.”
Can you share a bit about your journey—education, training, and how you got here?
“I began my journey in patient care right after high school, working as an EMT and a student athletic trainer at my college. I was fortunate to be mentored by two incredible individuals: a physician at the Mayo Clinic and a Major General in the Air Force Reserve. Their guidance helped shape my path as I entered the medical field. After being accepted directly into the Creighton School of Medicine from college, I joined the Air Force on a scholarship. I completed my residency at a joint Army-Air Force program in San Antonio and was later stationed in Washington, D.C. During my active-duty service, I had the privilege of deploying with a Mobile Forward Surgical Team and serving as a professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After leaving the Air Force, I worked part time with Kaiser in D.C. while raising my young children. In 2019, we relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and I joined the Emerus team.”
How is Emerus adapting to the ever-evolving healthcare world, and what makes us thrive?
“At a previous workplace, we had an observation unit staffed by hospitalists to care for patients for up to 48 hours. I appreciated the concept of managing care in smaller settings, without requiring long admissions to large hospitals whenever feasible. That experience at Kaiser inspired me to pursue employment with Emerus and their micro-hospital model. I also enjoy working in the small emergency department setting. While it comes with its own challenges—having only a few staff members in the building—we rely on each other and build stronger connections than I experienced in larger hospital environments.”
Do you have advice for young women (or anyone) considering a career in medicine or healthcare?
“The world needs dedicated individuals who aspire to become great doctors to care for those who need us most. Specifically for women, I would remind them that while being a doctor is a noble profession and a true calling, our families only have one mom, wife, or daughter. For me, my family is my priority, and when they’re taken care of, I can be a better doctor when I’m on shift.”
How can we celebrate and recognize women physicians, not just on this day but year-round?
“All physicians—especially women physicians—have sacrificed so much to reach their positions and face the daily challenge of balancing the demands of medicine with the demands of home life. I’ve observed that physicians are sometimes the last to be acknowledged by hospitals. Yet, having an organization that recognizes and respects every member of its staff is essential to employee satisfaction and group cohesion. I deeply appreciate Emerus’ focus on supporting our women physicians and look forward to seeing our company continue to acknowledge and celebrate all roles within the department, including our physicians, for the vital contributions they make.”
What made you choose Emerus?
“Emerus is taking a unique approach to emergency medicine, one that differs from what most of us are accustomed to. It provides physicians the opportunity to care for patients in a smaller, more intimate setting, enabling us to connect more deeply with both our team and our patients. This environment allows for greater focus on patient care and education. Working in this setting enables me to be the kind of physician I aspire to be, without the pressure of rushing patients through the system.”
At Emerus, we provide physicians with a unique opportunity to join a national network dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care while fostering a highly rewarding work environment. By pioneering a healthcare model centered on economically efficient hospital facilities, we empower our physicians to focus on what truly matters: our patients.
If Dr. McDonald’s journey has inspired you, we invite you to explore nationwide physician opportunities at our neighborhood hospitals. Discover how you can make a difference and thrive in your medical career.
