Celebrating Women in Medicine Month: Renee Hebbeler-Clark, MD

UC's Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) organization is committed to serving all female faculty and trainees from the UC College of Medicine. Dedicated to the recruitment, advancement and retention of all women faculty and trainees in the College of Medicine, our overall goal is to advance the careers and leadership skills of our WIMS members. Please visit the UC WIMS website to find a schedule of events, resources, and learn about our leadership.  

This month the AMA and AAMC celebrate Women in Medicine Month or #WiMmonth. UC WIMS has selected a few College of Medicine faculty to profile during the month of September and learn what motivates and inspires them. 

Renee Hebbeler-Clark, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine

Critical Care Medicine and Infectious Diseases

UC Health Medical Director Patient Safety 

What does a typical day for you look like? 

If I am on in the ICU then I am in the hospital before 7 a.m. and then rounds till noon with follow up on all care and procedures. Not to mention any emergencies in patient care that arise. 

When I have my administrative hat on I generally start at 7 a.m. and go until the crisis of the day is solved or stable. 

What is your favorite experience working in medicine? 

The opportunity to help bring compassion and dignity to patients and helping their families at one of the most difficult time in their life.

What is the most challenging issue you face and how to do you overcome it? 

Competing forces... i.e. wanting to be able to do it all but knowing my limitations. Reminding myself I cannot do all things for all people, setting limits, as well as goals and remembering that my family always comes first as well my faith.

What advice would you give aspiring physicians? 

Be true to the profession, stay humbled and remember that the reason we choose to be physicians is to help improve lives (cure is not always possible but care, compassion and grace is) and that the patient is always at the core of everything we do. It is truly the most noble and honored profession, as we are gifted with patients allowing us to participate in their lives when they are the most vulnerable is a true honor. If we remember this then the sacrifice is never a burden.