Jessica Shepherd, MD ’05, an OB-GYN, is on a mission to empower women to take charge of their health.
Patients Have Power
Dr. Shepherd’s passion for patient advocacy stems from personal experiences and the stories of women who have faced barriers to quality care. Her advocacy extends beyond her practice to national platforms, raising awareness about women’s health issues on a bigger scale.
“There’s a community waiting for someone to advocate for them, and I strive to be that person,” she says.
Through her work, Dr. Shepherd aims to empower patients to advocate for themselves while building a collaborative relationship.
“The best way a patient can advocate for themselves is by learning how to do it and leaning on me to support them. This journey is a partnership.”
Dr. Shepherd talks about self-advocacy in “How to Be Heard in the Doctor’s Office and the Corporate Office.”
Patient-Centered Education
Dr. Shepherd credits her time at Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) as pivotal in shaping her career and preparing her to be a more patient-centered healthcare leader. She was drawn to RUSM for its reputation as a diverse and inclusive institution, a quality that stood out in a field historically lacking representation.
“Ross University [School of Medicine] honored who I was as an individual. The diversity throughout my four years there made me proud to be part of a collective that truly valued inclusion.”
That sense of belonging became the foundation of her work, fostering her commitment to creating equitable healthcare environments and advocating for patients no matter their background or needs.
Dr. Shepherd launched her private practice in 2020, aiming to address not just physical healthcare for her patients but also lifestyle and emotional well-being. “Patients may come to me as a gynecologist, but wellness is about the whole picture — healthy habits, mental health and more,” she explains.
Dr. Shepherd answers questions on how menopause affects the brain, what you can do about it, and more in Adtalem Answers: How Can Menopause Affect My Mental Health?”
For more information, email the Adtalem Global Communications Team: adtalemmedia@adtalem.com.
The above was a paid testimonial representing a genuine and independent personal experience about the educational experience.
