Women in Healthcare: Melissa Rosales

Q: You are a successful woman in the healthcare industry. What has been your experience in the sector as a female decision-maker?

A: Most decision-makers in the pharmaceutical and medical services industries are men. When I first started my journey in the sector, it was not easy. I had to fight to demonstrate my ability and talent to climb the ranks. When I noticed that there was no more room for growth for me, as a person who usually thinks outside the box and does not care for injustice, I decided to create my company. RM Pharma now employs women in different conditions from those I had to face. I have tried to exercise a different kind of leadership than the one I experienced when I was subordinate to women because misogynist and violent behaviors can also be practiced by women.

Q: What could the industry do to favor the inclusion of women in the industry?

A: The industry can support women by providing them with opportunities, not for being women but for their ability and talent. That way, the gender gap that exists today could be reduced since it is well-known that the percentage of women in managerial positions is very low compared to men. A discrimination-fee environment should be encouraged as it improves productivity, including the creation of equality programs, inclusion and compliance programs where bullying issues are addressed by specific departments within a company.

At RM Pharma, we create a comprehensive program that includes the protocols and complaints channels that women can use so they remain at peace. Training continues, as well as mentoring. The wage issue is also important as many times, women are hired at the same time as men but salary tabulators change and wage disparity is created.

At the education and professional life levels, we must continue growing our alliances with universities to give young women an opportunity before they graduate. They can start their careers as interns, while attending conferences and workshops to familiarize with the working life and decide in which company they feel better treated, where there can build a career plan and a life-work balance, among other factors.

Q: What advice would you give to women in healthcare with ambitions to grow and reshape the sector?  

A: Never underestimate your potential. Be determined and persevering. Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and take risks to reach that goal or dream you have set. If we fall, the learning process will help us to lift us up. Knowledge is also key; it is necessary to always be prepared and attend courses, conferences and seminars to be up to date on topics such as technology and innovation in health. However, do not pretend to do everything alone. Ask for help and know how to work as a team. Network to meet other women and men who may be your mentors or your allies. Share your knowledge and experiences with other women and give them a hand if they need support. Even one woman, from her own trench, can help to change lives and to create small differences that add up.