Ep 50: A Lifeline for Public Health with Leana Wen, M.D., Professor of Health Policy and Management, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Meet Dr. Leana Wen:
Dr. Leana Wen is an emergency medicine physician, a professor of health policy and management at George Washington University, and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. She is a contributing columnist for The Washington Post and a CNN medical analyst. She has published two books; her most recent is a public health memoir, “Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health.” She previously served as Baltimore’s Health Commissioner.
In This Episode:
Dr. Leana Wen adds a personal touch to the importance of public health. The inspiration for her career and most recent book stem from her challenging childhood, having faced eviction and living in shelters. Public health is valuable, but its invisible nature leaves it underfunded. We discuss work life balance, and how Dr. Wen stepped into the role of Health Commissioner. She shares advice for aspiring writers, early career professionals, and female leaders.
Key Moments:
- Don’t write unless you want to. (14:13)
- Work-life balance is dynamic. (17:35)
- Draw on your strengths. (21:36)
- Focus on who you are working with, not just what you are working on. (25:04)
