International Women’s Day Q&A

Far Rockaway, New York, March 9, 2026 — To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke with some of our inspiring female doctors and residents about the women in healthcare who have influenced them. We invite you to read reflections and insights from: Jacquline Lutchmidat, LCSW, MBA – Director, Social Work Department, Saira Shahab, MD – Chief, Infectious Diseases, Siobhan Kates, RN, BSN, ANCC – Emergency Room, Sharon Kennedy, RN, MSN – Associate Chief Nursing Officer, and Hilrette Davis, RN – Tower 11 Nurse.

Jacquline Lutchmidat, LCSW, MBA – Director, Social Work Department

Who is a woman in healthcare who has inspired you? Mother Teresa is a profound inspiration to me. Her unwavering dedication improving the health and well-being of others is deeply humbling. As a woman in healthcare and Social Work, my own practice is guided by her words: “Peace begins with a smile”; “If you can’t feed a hundred, then feed just one”; Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love”. These are just a few examples of my day-to-day actionable practices that is incorporated into my service delivery modality, my driving force that directs my moral compass as a service person in healthcare.

Can you share a story of a female colleague who has empowered you? A female colleague who has empowered me is not a person in a leadership role, but a woman who has exhibited the qualities that I admire. Her invaluable work ethics is not only valued to patient care but also to the institution. She performs her duty with genuine delight, often goes above and beyond the call of duty, while never hesitating to ask the “difficult questions” on behalf of her patients and for the institution. She once told me “I don’t know what and where you find your moral compass but keep doing what you’re doing. It makes a difference.” Such positive words and positive feedback and her commitment to EHS leaves an empowering impression on me and our entire team.

What about EHS motivates you to come to work every day? My daily motivation stems from several factors: the meaningful work I do as a Social Worker, the humbling experience that comes from the patients and community we serve at times, and the strong motivational bond I share with the Social Work team. I also valued collegial relationship I’ve developed at EHS throughout the years. Furthermore, I am motivated by our Executive Leadership team’s commitment to ensures diversity, equity and inclusion as the central part of our EHS culture, as evidenced by the many women currently excelling in leadership roles.

Saira Shahab, MD – Chief, Infectious Diseases

Who is a woman in healthcare who has inspired you? I am inspired by each and every woman across the healthcare from leaders and physicians to nurses and housekeeping staff who demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their commitment to caring for patients while facing fear and uncertainty, and while balancing responsibilities to their own families, continues to shape my professional values.

Can you share a story of a female colleague who has empowered you? During COVID-19, I worked alongside many women who left their families at home each day to care for critically ill patients and guide our hospital’s response. Supporting one another through uncertainty created a powerful sense of solidarity that empowered me to lead and mentor with the same compassion.

What about EHS motivates you to come to work every day? What motivates me most is our shared mission at EHS to provide compassionate care to our community. Especially during challenging times, I witnessed colleagues put aside their own fears and personal needs to focus entirely on caring for patients. That selflessness and dedication continue to inspire me every day.

Siobhan Kates, RN, BSN, ANCC – Emergency Room

Who is a woman in healthcare who has inspired you? As a child growing up in Ireland, my parents’ business was located next door to a 20 bed Nursing Home. I followed my neighbor “Nurse Power” with her daily routine in the care of her patients, these patients became my friends. I was inspired by the way she cared for her patients and knew them so personally; I have vivid memories from my childhood and nursing care that I witnessed.

Can you share a story of a female colleague who has empowered you? When I joined our ED family, I was empowered by a co-worker who has since passed on, Ms. Laphane Tracey. She was knowledgeable, kid and treated all her patients the same no matter what circumstances were involved. She is missed by all who knew her.

What about EHS motivates you to come to work every day? I joined EHS 1991 and did not realize the family I had joined. I have endured some hardships during the last two years and would not be here without the love, strength and support I received from all of you, I am forever in your debt.

Sharon Kennedy, RN, MSN – Associate Chief Nursing Officer

Who is a woman in healthcare who has inspired you? I am greatly inspired by Dr. Keisha Ann Wisdom, SVP/CNO of EHS. Her transformational leadership style has influenced me to accomplish much more than I ever dreamed possible. She consistently motivates and encourages myself and others to reach our full potential. I admire the way she leads by example; she is a dedicated worker who possesses the emotional intelligence and expertise to successfully lead any healthcare organization.

Can you share a story of a female colleague who has empowered you? Annette Hyde, a Hemodialysis facility administrator for several large Dialysis centers, has empowered me by sharing her vast knowledge of the hemodialysis specialty. Ms. Hyde is always available to assist me in meeting the requirements of various regulatory agencies and is quick to share any new developments in the field. She understands that knowledge is power and continues to empower others by unselfishly sharing her expertise.

What about EHS motivates you to come to work every day? I share the vision and goals of Dr. Keisha Ann Wisdom, which is to make this institution an outstanding organization in the eyes of the community and all that it serves.I am not satisfied with mediocrity; I am deeply invested in ensuring that our patients receive the highest standards of care to achieve optimal outcomes.

Hilrette Davis, RN – Tower 11 Nurse

Who is a women in healthcare who has inspired you? Mary Eliza Mahoney. She was the first African American woman, from humble beginnings, to earn a Professional Nursing License. Also, Patricia Edwards, RN (my aunt) who through her brilliance, resilience and tenacity pursued a career in Nursing and inspired me to do the same.

Can you share a story of a female colleague who has empowered you? A female colleague who empowered me as a younger nurse encountering many challenges in the face of adversity. She constantly encouraged and motivated me to keep pushing to achieve my goals and continually striving to achieve excellence in Nursing.

What about EHS motivates you to come to work every day? I am motivated to come to EHS every day because I feel a sense of pride, purpose and belonging. Nursing is my passion and through the years I have built and strengthened relationships and have become an integral part of a very dynamic, caring and supportive team.