The hardest promise I've kept is to stop putting work first at the expense of family. My career is important, but it's only part of a full and rewarding life.
Amy Shaw, MPS, FACHE · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Amy
Amy Shaw, MPS, FACHE, serves as Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, where she leads strategic communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, and community engagement initiatives that advance the organization's mission and strengthen its connection with patients, employees, and the communities it serves. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, Shaw began her career in health policy in Washington, D.C., before transitioning into acute care hospitals, where she has focused on supporting patient experience, patient safety, organizational reputation, and mission-driven healthcare through effective communications and strategic marketing. Her expertise spans leadership, crisis communications, issues management, strategic communications, operational excellence, community outreach, and aligning communications initiatives with organizational priorities. Before joining Adventist HealthCare, Shaw held senior communications leadership roles with Suburban Hospital, the National Quality Forum, the Marian Koshland Science Museum, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine, where she developed and executed high-impact communications strategies, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and enhanced organizational visibility. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and French from Bucknell University, a Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University, and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. A dedicated advocate for professional excellence and lifelong learning, she is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and remains actively involved in community service and nonprofit leadership. Shaw attributes her success to treating others with respect, maintaining personal integrity, and building lasting professional relationships. Guided by her father's advice to "never burn bridges," she believes that trust, professionalism, and authenticity are essential to long-term success. She emphasizes honesty, integrity, hard work, and continuous learning as the core values that shape both her professional and personal life. Her advice to young women entering the healthcare communications field is to embrace every opportunity and be willing to take risks, recognizing that even roles that may not seem like the ideal fit can provide invaluable experience and open doors to unexpected career opportunities. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to listening first, understanding the needs of others, and using strategic communications to improve organizational culture, strengthen relationships, and advance healthcare excellence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining a strong sense of integrity, treating others with respect, and staying true to my values. One of the most influential lessons I learned from my father was to never burn bridges, a principle that has guided the way I build and maintain professional relationships throughout my career. I believe in respecting both myself and those around me, and I make a conscious effort to act with honesty and professionalism while avoiding situations that compromise my principles or make me feel uncomfortable. These values have earned the trust of others and have been instrumental in my personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to know your audience before responding. Not every conversation calls for advice—sometimes people are seeking feedback, sometimes they want an opinion, and other times they simply need someone to listen. Taking the time to listen first, understand their perspective, and respond thoughtfully rather than immediately offering solutions has made me a more effective communicator, stronger leader, and more trusted colleague.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way and not be afraid to take calculated risks. Even if a role doesn't seem like your dream job at first, it can provide valuable experience, introduce you to new mentors, and open doors you never expected. Career paths are rarely linear, and some of the most rewarding opportunities come from being willing to step outside your comfort zone and remain open to where the journey leads.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is demonstrating the value and impact of a small communications and marketing team within a hospital environment, where clinical care and operational priorities naturally take center stage. With limited resources, it's essential to be strategic and highly visible. One of the greatest opportunities lies in building strong relationships by rounding throughout the organization, engaging with staff and patients, and gaining a deeper understanding of the hospital's broader environment and ecosystem. Those firsthand connections lead to more authentic storytelling, stronger communication strategies, and a greater ability to support the organization's mission.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are the foundation of both my professional and personal life. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it's difficult or goes unnoticed, because trust is earned through consistent actions. I also value hard work and a commitment to continuous learning, always looking for opportunities to grow, improve, and better serve those around me. These principles guide my decisions, shape my relationships, and define how I approach every aspect of my career and life.
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