Her Story
About Belle
Dr. Belle Stricklin Heppard is a distinguished physician, surgeon, inventor, fine artist, author, educator, and entrepreneur whose career spans medicine, innovation, the arts, and scholarship. A graduate of Harvard-Radcliffe, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology magna cum laude, she went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, graduating with honors as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Irvine, one of the nation's premier training programs, before establishing a highly respected clinical practice in the Denver metropolitan area. Her academic journey also includes a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Throughout her medical career, Dr. Heppard has made significant contributions to women's healthcare through clinical research, medical device development, and surgical innovation. She led numerous investigational studies that resulted in improved medical technologies now used worldwide and developed groundbreaking solutions that transformed the treatment of common gynecologic conditions while helping many women preserve their uterus. Among her innovations are the development of the menstrual cup, the addition of "wings" to menstrual pads, and the uterine-preserving Heppard Procedure, which was recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with a procedure bearing her name. An accomplished medical author, she has written five books, including three bestselling references on high-risk obstetrics that have served as valuable resources for healthcare professionals.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Heppard is the CEO and CFO of Martha Heppard Fine Art and Belle Fine Art, LLC, where she is recognized for her mastery of watercolor batik on Japanese rice paper, impressionistic watercolor, and oil painting. She is an accomplished art educator, teaching workshops and sharing her innovative techniques through her published instructional book. Her interests also extend to philosophy and theology, having authored works on personal growth and human flourishing, including her Happy Act philosophy. Combining scientific excellence, artistic creativity, entrepreneurial leadership, and spiritual scholarship, Dr. Heppard has built an extraordinary legacy dedicated to advancing women's health, inspiring lifelong learning, and enriching lives through both medicine and the arts.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Belle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to recognizing early in life that I was responsible for creating my own future. After my father attempted to manipulate my financial aid while I was attending Harvard, I came to the difficult realization that I could not rely on my parents for support. From that point forward, I embraced the responsibility of providing for myself and, eventually, my family. That experience strengthened my resilience, independence, and determination to overcome challenges and build the life I wanted through my own efforts.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to take ownership of your career and make opportunities happen for yourself. Don't wait for someone else to open doors or validate your potential. Be proactive, believe in your abilities, and take initiative. Your determination, persistence, and willingness to create your own opportunities will be key to achieving long-term success.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are listening with empathy and ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe meaningful progress begins with understanding and respecting the perspectives of others. I am also deeply committed to advocating for women's personal care, supporting initiatives that promote better access, awareness, and overall well-being for women.
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