Dr. Cheryl Geoffrion’s journey into medicine was not straightforward and was marked with determination to make a meaningful impact. After spending four years working in the kidney transplant laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital and pursuing a doctorate at Harvard Extension School, Dr. Geoffrion realized that physicians received the recognition she sought for her research contributions. Motivated by this insight, she changed direction, pursued admission to medical school, and established a career that contributed to advancing the field and positively impacting the medical profession.
Breaking Barriers and Leading by Example
Entering medicine in the 1990s, Dr. Geoffrion faced a workforce dominated by men. She quickly learned that respect and equal pay were not freely given to women physicians. Her promotion to chief resident marked a pivotal moment, affirming her place in the field and her ability to lead. Dr. Geoffrion recalls confronting sexism directly, including a memorable incident in which she challenged a colleague’s dismissive nickname in the operating room, earning applause from peers. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated the importance of setting a high standard for others to follow. “I like to be an example. I like to be the person who’s doing the job better than everybody and lead by example,” Dr. Geoffrion said. Her commitment to excellence and leadership has paved the way for others, inspiring colleagues and mentees to strive for their best.
Balancing Career and Family
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Dr. Geoffrion became one of the country’s first hospitalists, working night shifts for 15 years so she could raise her three children. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “I had three children under the age of five, and I was able to work nights and then still be, you know, like a stay-at-home mom for them with a lot of help, family support. So, for me it was a career where I could do two things that I love the most, right? To be a mom and a doctor. As a matter of fact, my license plate is ‘Doctor Mom.’ I just wanted to be able to have a family, but at the same time have a career that was challenging.” Dr. Geoffrion credits her supportive spouse and careful planning to help her prioritize quality family time, even when quantity was limited.
Meaningful Impact and Continued Advocacy
Throughout her career, Dr. Geoffrion found profound meaning in caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments, cherishing the opportunity to comfort families, advocate for patients, and make a difference in critical times. As her journey progressed, she transitioned into the role of Physician Advisor and expanded her advocacy by helping hospitals navigate complex systems and ensuring patients receive the care they needed. Joining Brundage Group in 2022, marked a new chapter, bringing renewed inspiration through collaboration with passionate colleagues. On this environment, Dr. Geoffrion said, “I think it’s great to be around people that all have the same passion to, you know, help hospitals. You know, I think I would say that it inspires me every day. We just learn something new every day at this job.” The intellectual stimulation and sense of shared purpose at Brundage Group continue to motivate her each day.
Progress for Women in Medicine
Dr. Geoffrion has witnessed significant progress for women in medicine, noting that women now outnumber men in medical school classes and are increasingly taking on leadership roles. She has played an active part in building supportive communities, from organizing networking groups to mentoring young physicians. Dr. Geoffrion believes women physicians excel at networking and supporting one another, creating spaces for growth and shared success. She fondly recalls, “We started a women physicians potluck and we did it every other week, and we would all meet and just talk about the challenges of medicine and leadership.” These gatherings offered camaraderie and a valuable space for sharing experiences and supporting one another, helping female physicians navigate the unique obstacles they faced in the medical field.
Advice for Future Generations
Her advice to future generations is clear: pursue medicine with empathy, passion and perseverance. Dr. Geoffrion encourages women not to take shortcuts, and to embrace the challenges and rewards of a fulfilling career. “I love teaching, and so I always encourage women to go into medicine. I don’t tell people not to do it. I think it’s a fantastic career.” Dr. Geoffrion believes medicine is a calling, and those who feel drawn to it will find satisfaction and purpose.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Cheryl Geoffrion’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership and unwavering commitment to her patients, colleagues and family. As we celebrate National Women Physicians Day, Dr. Geoffrion stands as a role model and inspiration — showing what is possible when determination meets compassion in the world of medicine.
