Her Story
About Tracy
Tracy Youngston is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in occupational health, urgent care, telehealth, workers’ compensation, and women’s health, based in California. With 17 years of experience in nursing, including six years as a Nurse Practitioner and four years dedicated to occupational health, she brings a broad clinical background and a strong commitment to patient advocacy, education, and workforce wellness. Tracy is a member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), where she continues her professional development through on-demand coursework. She also holds certifications related to Department of Transportation examinations, audiogram testing, and respiratory fit testing.
Throughout her career, Tracy has been particularly passionate about supporting patients in construction and skilled-trade industries who may face language barriers, fear of job loss, or difficulty navigating workers’ compensation systems. She is also committed to expanding access to mobile, on-site occupational health services for government agencies and other organizations, helping bring essential healthcare directly to the workplace. Beyond clinical care, Tracy values the opportunity to educate young adults about their health and encourage individuals as they work toward important personal milestones, including sobriety. Her approach is grounded in integrity, exceptional customer service, and servant leadership, as she believes in standing beside patients, meeting them where they are, and guiding them with compassion and respect.
Tracy attributes her professional philosophy to the importance of keeping the main thing the main thing: remaining focused on the patient and continuously developing expertise in the areas where she can make the greatest impact. She believes healthcare professionals must remember that patients are not there to meet the provider; providers are there to meet the patient. As an advocate for women entering healthcare, she encourages them not to be discouraged by the physician-led nature of the industry but to embrace their unique role, pursue their goals with confidence, and never allow others to project their limitations onto them. Through her clinical expertise, leadership, education, and dedication to service, Tracy continues to make a meaningful impact in occupational health and the broader communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tracy
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to keep the main thing the main thing and not allow distractions to take me away from my purpose. I have learned to stay focused on my core responsibilities, continuously develop my skills, and remain committed to excellence in the work that matters most. In healthcare, this also means remembering that the patient is not there to meet me; I am there to meet the patient. That perspective keeps me grounded in service, empathy, and the responsibility to put the patient’s needs first.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is not to become discouraged by the fact that it is often physician-led and dominated by medical doctors. If you are passionate about what you do and committed to advocating for others, there is absolutely a place for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact. Take hold of every opportunity, pursue your goals with confidence, and do not look back. Most importantly, never allow someone else to project their limitations onto you. The sky is truly the limit when you believe in your abilities, remain dedicated to your purpose, and continue moving forward.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the growing demand for mobile, on-site occupational health services for government agencies, which allows smaller organizations to provide convenient, specialized care directly where it is needed. At the same time, challenges include navigating complex administrative requirements, including background logistics and NAICS codes, as well as competing with larger organizations that have greater resources and the ability to outbid small businesses. Despite these challenges, I believe there is significant potential for organizations that remain adaptable, understand the government contracting landscape, and continue delivering high-quality, responsive services.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, exceptional customer service, and servant leadership. I believe in standing beside the patient, listening to their needs, and guiding them with compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to their well-being. For me, leadership is not about being above others; it is about serving, supporting, and helping people feel confident and cared for throughout their journey.
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