Colonel Lakisha Wright: The Future of Health Podcast Ep. 4
Manage episode 495915896 series 2813906
Healthcare and service converge powerfully in the journey of Colonel Lakisha Wright, Command Nurse for the United States Army Cadet Command. Her story reveals how a profound moment in an emergency room—witnessing injured soldiers more concerned about their battle buddies than themselves—transformed her civilian nursing career into a 23-year military commitment.
Colonel Wright's responsibilities span across the nation as she oversees nursing cadets throughout the United States and territories, working to bring 210 qualified nurses into Army service annually. Her perspective on leadership resonates deeply: "Leadership is about growth and development. You don't just become a leader overnight." This philosophy drives her approach to mentoring future healthcare professionals, emphasizing that leadership requires recognizing your unique value, communicating effectively, and continually developing both personally and professionally.
For students considering healthcare careers, the military offers surprising pathways many haven't considered. From ROTC scholarships covering tuition or housing to programs enabling debt-free medical education, Colonel Wright outlines numerous opportunities for advancement. The Army's commitment to family support stands out through programs like the Exceptional Family Member Program, which ensures military families receive necessary specialized healthcare. Most inspiring is Colonel Wright's passion for helping young healthcare professionals discover their potential: "When I get to work with them and can help them find a pathway, I think that's the greatest thing ever." Her story demonstrates that combining healthcare with military service creates unique leadership opportunities that benefit both individual careers and our nation's healthcare system.
Want to explore how military service might enhance your healthcare career? Listen now to discover pathways you never knew existed, and consider how your skills could serve both patients and country.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Colonel Lakeisha Wright (00:00:00)
2. Nursing and Military Paths Converge (00:02:24)
3. Building Critical Soft Skills (00:05:34)
4. Military Preparation for Healthcare Professionals (00:08:44)
5. Career Opportunities and Family Support (00:11:18)
6. Inspiring Future Health Professionals (00:14:46)
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