MEDICAL MASTERMIND

MONICA REED, M.D. is the dynamic president and CEO of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, leading transformative growth and elevating care across the greater Chicago area. With more than 30 years of groundbreaking experience and a history of leadership at AdventHealth, she’s a trailblazer in whole-person care and a prominent health care advocate. An accomplished author and media contributor, Dr. Reed brings her expertise to a broader audience, supported by degrees from Loma Linda University, Oxford Saïd Business School, and HEC Paris.

How do you inspire others? Years ago, I established my personal mission statement of being a joyful expression of the gifts I’ve been given and to use those gifts to influence and empower others. To the extent that I can, whether by sharing failures, successes, or something I’ve learned along the way, I hope that someone will be touched and inspired.

Best piece of advice for anyone starting out? There are two affirmations that I live by that are excellent words of advice for anyone starting out. The first says, “Live above the line.” Everything you do should be done with integrity and your best effort no matter how lofty or lowly the assignment. You will reap dividends, guaranteed. The second is, “Do it afraid.” There are so many opportunities we talk ourselves out of personally and professionally because of fear. Don’t let fear stop you from experiencing something new or unknown.

Traits you think great leaders possess? I believe great leaders are great learners. They never think they have all the answers. They are both seekers and doers. I also think the most effective leaders know how to engage the hearts and minds of people in a way that inspires them to actions they might otherwise not have committed to or thought possible.

For more information, visit uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org and follow @uchicagomedadventhealth on Instagram and @uchicagomedicineadventhealthhinsdale on Facebook.