Carrie Scotland

I attribute much of my success to my experience as a single mother raising twin boys. That journey taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of continuing to move forward even during difficult times. My children have always been my motivation and my “why.” I worked hard to instill in them the same values I was raised with — accountability, work ethic, and the importance of education.

Today, my twins are in their mid-twenties and are both military veterans, having proudly served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. They have continued pursuing their education while working full-time. One will graduate in June with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, while the other earned a degree in Healthcare Administration and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Human Resources. Watching them succeed has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I intentionally focused on helping my boys reach their educational goals before completing my own degree, and that experience shaped both my leadership style and the person I am today.

The best career advice I’ve ever received in healthcare was to never stop learning and to always remember the “human” side of healthcare. Skills, knowledge, and experience are all important, but how you make people feel — patients, families, and even coworkers — matters just as much.

I was also taught that leadership is not about a title; it’s about serving others, mentoring people, and being willing to step in and help wherever needed. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. Healthcare is constantly changing, and the people who continue to grow, stay adaptable, and lead with compassion are the ones who make the biggest impact.

Another piece of advice that really shaped me was to invest in education and personal growth, even if it takes time. As a working mom raising twins, I put a lot of focus on helping my children achieve their goals first, but I never gave up on my own educational journey. That experience taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of leading by example.

For young women entering the healthcare field, my advice would be to believe in your abilities, continue learning, and never underestimate the value of resilience. Healthcare can be demanding emotionally, mentally, and physically, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers because of the impact you can have on patients, families, and communities.

Do not be afraid to take up space at the table, ask questions, or pursue leadership opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first. Find mentors who will encourage and challenge you, and when the time comes, be willing to mentor others as well. Education and professional growth are important, but so is compassion, humility, and treating people with kindness.

Most importantly, remember that your voice and perspective matter. Some of the strongest leaders in healthcare are those who lead with empathy, collaboration, and authenticity. Stay true to your values, work hard, and never stop investing in yourself and your future.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is that there is never enough time, resources, or staff to meet every need the way we wish we could. Healthcare workers are stretched thin, patients are often scared or overwhelmed, and teams are trying to navigate insurance barriers, staffing shortages, and constant change while still giving compassionate care. It can be emotionally exhausting at times.

But at the same time, healthcare is full of opportunity. Every day you have the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life — sometimes in ways you may never fully realize. Whether it’s helping a patient through one of the hardest moments of their life, mentoring a new employee, improving a process, or simply showing kindness to someone who needs it, those moments matter.

I also think one of the greatest opportunities in healthcare is continuing to build stronger teams and future leaders. When you invest in people, create supportive environments, and lead with compassion, it not only improves the workplace — it improves the patient experience too. That human connection is what makes healthcare so meaningful despite all of the challenges.

The values that matter most to me in both my personal life and my career are kindness, honesty, resilience, and genuinely caring about people. Working in healthcare has taught me that everyone is going through something, and sometimes simply taking the time to listen, show compassion, or make someone feel seen can mean more than we realize.

I believe in doing the right thing, being accountable, and treating people with respect — whether that’s patients, families, or coworkers. I also believe in working hard, continuing to grow, and helping others grow along the way. One of the things I enjoy most is mentoring and supporting people, especially newer employees and leaders, because I know how important encouragement and guidance can be.

More than anything, I value human connection. Healthcare is not just about processes and tasks — it’s about people during some of the hardest and most vulnerable moments of their lives. Being able to support others during those moments is something I never take lightly, and it’s a big part of why I love what I do.