Five female health care executives shared lessons from their leadership journeys.
The leadership landscape — Strategies for women transforming healthcare
Oct. 3, 2025 — Encompass Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elissa “Lisa” Charbonneau recently participated in a panel discussion, along with four other female health care executives, hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Vituity. Becker's Vice President of Editorial, Molly Gamble led the conversation about strategies that have helped the panelists earn trust, lead change and mentor the next generation.
Among the key points made, every leader on the panel pressed for concrete sponsorship, not just advice. Dr. Charbonneau wished she had mapped her goals earlier and urged rising leaders to ask for help—inside or outside their organization.
“Whether you're on the early side of your career or more mature, I would take advantage of connecting with someone you admire who has the leadership style that appeals to you,” said Dr. Charbonneau. “Go ahead and ask because If you don't ask, then you'll never know.”
Dr. Charbonneau oversees medical operations, quality and patient care for all Encompass Health hospitals across the country. She earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the New York Institute of Technology, a master's degree in natural sciences and epidemiology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a bachelor's degree from Cornell University. She is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.