Jen W.
AWESOME OCCUPATION
Optometrist
FAVORITE SCRUBS
Rafeal™/Zamora™
FAVORITE COLOR
Chalk Pink
Q: What would give young women specifically if you could give them one little statement about following their dreams?
A: Don't forget to be unapologetically yourself.
Q: Can you tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Jen Wademan, and I'm an optometrist, and I live in Northern California.
Q: If you had to describe your relationship with medicine in one word, what would it be?
A: Resilient.
Q: What was a challenge you overcame on your path to becoming an optometrist?
A: I think the biggest thing is that I'm naturally more of an introvert! Stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning that it's okay to be genuinely and unapologetically me. I'm still learning to do that, to this day.
Q: Why did you fall in love with medicine and why did you choose to commit to medicine?
A: I think it's that doctor provider relationship. Most of the time during appointments it's just the patient sharing and me listening. I love to grow with my patients and watch them grow.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge that you face and face women in healthcare today?
A: I think just kind of unspoken biases about expected roles. Just being taken seriously sometimes by colleagues, or even patients. I always think to myself, “I'm gonna prove you wrong. I'm capable, and I can do this.” It's given me a sense of determination.
Q: Do you feel like you have a greater sense of responsibility being a woman in healthcare?
A: Yes. So many other women inspire me. My closer circle of friends encourages and empowers me. I want to do that for other women and young women. I want to be someone who can inspire, encourage, empower, have an impact of some sort.
Q: But what is your trick? How do you do it all because you’re a mom? You have two young kids, you are a TikTok star.
A: I’m not a star, but I have fun with it.
Q: How do you find balance in all of this?
A: I think that whole concept of balance is a trick, because it's really hard to obtain. You can rarely have this perfect balance. If I find it, it’s like a unicorn! Fleeting.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your family life?
A: I have two kids, two girls, and they're full of sass and energy. And I love them dearly. I’ve been married for 14 years. We've got a crazy household. It's busy, and I love it.
Q: What would you tell young women specifically if you could give them one little statement about following their dreams?
A: Don't dull your sparkle. Be unapologetically yourself. You're the only one that is you!
Q: If you had to use one word, can you describe the best part of your job?
A: Connection.
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