Name
05. Elevating Women: The Emerging Healthcare Leadership Pathways
Description
Hospital and health system executives highlight strategies to advance women in leadership roles. This panel explores mentorship, sponsorship, and organizational initiatives that empower women to lead, innovate, and shape the future of healthcare at every level.
Speakers
Polly Davenport, DSc, RN, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension IL
Lisa Birdsall Fort, MD, Assistant Chief Medical Information Officer, System Medical Director, Quality and Safety, Emergency Medicine and System Medical Director, Virtual Care Center, Ochsner Health, Ochsner Health
Vesta Sandoval, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Lovelace Health System
Cherie Smith, PhD, MBA, RN, President, Dublin Methodist and Grady Memorial Hospitals, OhioHealth
Lisa Birdsall Fort, MD, Assistant Chief Medical Information Officer, System Medical Director, Quality and Safety, Emergency Medicine and System Medical Director, Virtual Care Center, Ochsner Health, Ochsner Health
Vesta Sandoval, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Lovelace Health System
Cherie Smith, PhD, MBA, RN, President, Dublin Methodist and Grady Memorial Hospitals, OhioHealth
Moderated by
Elizabeth Gregerson, Writer/Reporter, Becker's Healthcare
Date & Time
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1:20 PM - 2:00 PM
Location Name
Grand L (East Tower - Ballroom Level)
Session Type
Panel
