At Hayes Locums, we honor the remarkable women who have shaped the landscape of medicine, breaking through barriers and making a profound impact on patient care.
We asked some of the inspiring women in our provider community to share their experiences—the challenges they’ve faced, the mentors who’ve guided them, and the achievements they’re most proud of.
Here’s what they had to say:
On the women who have inspired them:
“Mentorship is crucial in the medical field, because visualizing other women physicians be successful in their fields made my career goals feel more attainable…I’ve drawn inspiration from strong women role models throughout my training, which inspired me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a physician. I am thankful for all of the strong women during my education and training who encouraged me to become the physician I am today.”
—Dr. Alexis Tchaconas, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
“I didn’t have any inclination that there was any room for a woman to become a urologist, certainly not a Black woman. I didn’t see myself as a surgeon either, because I didn’t have representations of diversity in these specialties at all. But [then in medical school] I was amazed and starstruck [to meet] a Black woman who was a urologist. [Through shadowing her], I learned about how fun and cool urologists really are. And I thought, this is what I want to do with my life.”
—Dr. Fenwa Milhouse, Locums Urologist
On finding balance between loving what they do and loving life:
“One of the great things about being an NP is being able to choose the job and schedule that works best for you and your family. Having a supportive partner helps tremendously. Family is of utmost importance and being there for special events helps—organization and planning ahead is important so you can be there for important events.”
—Barbara Richardson, Locums NP
“Maintaining hobbies and personal interests despite a hectic work schedule keeps me grounded. I make sure that I can spend at least one day a week enjoying my hobbies and spending time with loved ones, which serves as an important recharge for my professional battery.”
—Dr. Alexis Tchaconas, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
“Locums gave me more time to pursue and cultivate other passions, [in addition to medicine]. I’ve always been passionate about writing and literature, and now I’m able to do that in addition to practicing medicine. I still consider pediatrics my first love, but now I have all these other ways that I’m able to serve and to be creative. It certainly is allowing me to live the life that I want to live.”
—Dr. Oneica Poole, Locums Pediatrician
On what they wish more people understood about the experience of women in medicine:
“Historically, NPs have been primarily women and PAs dominated by men, so NPs often did not have the same pay as PAs. I hope this is changing as these roles encompass more diversity.”
—Barbara Richardson, Locums NP
“There are often assumptions made about my role on the care team as a woman clinician. I have learned to use these instances as teaching moments and motivation to continue challenging gender biases in the workplace.”
—Dr. Alexis Tchaconas, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
On what they’re most proud of in their medical career:
“I have cared for an uncountable number of patients in my 23 years as an NP. I have saved some lives and helped others achieve their highest level of health.”
“I value the ability to fill gaps in workforce coverage and work with different patient populations to learn about their unique health care needs. The appreciation my patients and their families express for the care I provide [is what I’m most proud of].”
—Dr. Alexis Tchaconas, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
