Natasha Malone

I attribute my success to early life experiences and influences — inspired by my grandmother’s compassion and dedication as a nurse in elderly care. In addition, the nurses and social workers who supported me during a difficult childhood helped develop my outlook on delivering meaningful healthcare. Those early lessons planted a deep commitment to patient-centered, transformative care. Over a 25-year career in healthcare, I have learned from remarkable leaders and colleagues whose compassion, dedication, and excellence shaped my values and approach. Their guidance taught me the power of listening, empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose — principles that guide every day of my work.

One of my greatest achievements has been extending care beyond hospital walls — supporting families in meaningful ways that make a tangible difference in their lives. For me, success means truly hearing the needs of the patients, nurses, and healthcare teams, then empowering them to deliver the highest quality care possible.

Don’t give up — and don’t underestimate your voice. Use every available resource and stand up for yourself. Even when it feels like no one’s listening, your voice matters. Reach out to mentors or supportive colleagues. Be open and honest about your ambitions; share your goals and ask, “How can I get there?” That conversation may unlock opportunities, offer guidance, and help you chart a path forward.

I believe the greatest opportunity lies in today’s competitive healthcare market — and that thinking creatively and innovatively is the driving force behind delivering high-quality care right to the communities’ doorstep. By embracing novel approaches, leveraging new technologies, and rethinking traditional models — for example mobile clinics, telehealth, community outreach, or partnerships — we can overcome barriers to access, bring preventive and primary care to underserved areas, and meet people where they are. This kind of outside-the-box thinking is essential for transforming healthcare delivery, improving outcomes, reducing costs, and truly strengthening public health at the local level.

I believe one of the greatest challenges facing healthcare today is widespread mistrust — often stemming from existing policies and systemic barriers. We must foster safety and build genuine trust so we can educate patients and deliver high-quality medical care. Only by establishing transparency, empathy, and integrity can we earn confidence and create environments where patients feel secure, heard, and empowered to engage in their care.

I believe the values that create a healthy balance—both personally and professionally—are being people‑focused, embracing a growth mindset, and practicing empathy and service. Being people‑focused means placing individuals—whether patients, colleagues, or community members—at the center, honoring their needs and recognizing their humanity. Embracing a growth mindset means staying open to learning, adapting, and improving, so I can respond to changing challenges with creativity and resilience. Practicing empathy and service means approaching every interaction with genuine understanding, kindness, and a commitment to supporting others. Together, these values guide how I live and work — fostering trust, promoting growth, and delivering care and service with integrity and compassion.