Authentic Leadership in Healthcare with Dr. Sandy Balwan: Staying True To Yourself While Making A Difference
Wed Nov 05 2025
In this episode of Coaching Health Care Leaders, Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Sandy Balwan, Chief Medical Officer at Northwell Direct. Dr. Balwan shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to healthcare leader, emphasizing the balance between clinical practice and leadership. They discuss strategies for supporting providers, empowering patients—especially women — as family health leaders, and simplifying communication. Dr. Balwan offers practical leadership advice on authenticity, passion, and setting boundaries, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and prioritizing patient and provider needs in healthcare transformation.
Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast, its mission, and Dr. Sandy Balwan’s background and roles.
Dr. Balwan’s Leadership Journey (00:03:01) Dr. Balwan shares her immigrant background, education, and career progression in medicine and leadership.
Day in the Life of a Healthcare Leader (00:05:41) Dr. Balwain describes balancing clinical practice, supporting providers, and serving employers and patients.
Balancing Clinical Practice and Leadership (00:08:50) Discussion on the importance and feasibility of maintaining both clinical and leadership roles.
Leading by Example in Healthcare (00:09:20) Dr. Balwan explains why clinical experience is essential for credibility and effective leadership.
Supporting and Influencing Teams (00:12:49) Strategies for supporting providers, influencing teams, and fostering collaboration in healthcare settings.
Communicating Value-Based Care to Providers (00:13:12) How to explain value-based care concepts and motivate providers to adopt new practices.
Challenges in Healthcare: Access and Communication (00:16:51) Discussion of major challenges in healthcare, including patient access and effective communication.
Patient-Centered Communication Strategies (00:19:26) Importance of tailoring communication to patients’ needs and using relatable explanations.
Women’s Role in Family Health (00:22:56) Highlighting the critical role women play in family health and strategies to support them.
Tips for Thriving as a Healthcare Leader (00:25:33) Dr. Balwan shares three tips for leaders to thrive and maintain self-care amid adversity.
Personal Reflections and Looking Forward (00:27:38) Dr. Balwan discusses personal growth, setting boundaries, and aspirations for the future.
Closing Remarks (00:29:02) Dr. Lisa and Dr. Balwan conclude the episode with gratitude and well wishes.
If you are looking to accelerate your leadership career and learn how to influence and impact teams, join us for our Coaching Intensive Weekend, taking place December 12-14, where you will learn the foundational skills to communicate more effectively with your team and coach them to success.
Learn more here
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In this episode of Coaching Health Care Leaders, Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Sandy Balwan, Chief Medical Officer at Northwell Direct. Dr. Balwan shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to healthcare leader, emphasizing the balance between clinical practice and leadership. They discuss strategies for supporting providers, empowering patients—especially women — as family health leaders, and simplifying communication. Dr. Balwan offers practical leadership advice on authenticity, passion, and setting boundaries, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and prioritizing patient and provider needs in healthcare transformation. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast, its mission, and Dr. Sandy Balwan’s background and roles. Dr. Balwan’s Leadership Journey (00:03:01) Dr. Balwan shares her immigrant background, education, and career progression in medicine and leadership. Day in the Life of a Healthcare Leader (00:05:41) Dr. Balwain describes balancing clinical practice, supporting providers, and serving employers and patients. Balancing Clinical Practice and Leadership (00:08:50) Discussion on the importance and feasibility of maintaining both clinical and leadership roles. Leading by Example in Healthcare (00:09:20) Dr. Balwan explains why clinical experience is essential for credibility and effective leadership. Supporting and Influencing Teams (00:12:49) Strategies for supporting providers, influencing teams, and fostering collaboration in healthcare settings. Communicating Value-Based Care to Providers (00:13:12) How to explain value-based care concepts and motivate providers to adopt new practices. Challenges in Healthcare: Access and Communication (00:16:51) Discussion of major challenges in healthcare, including patient access and effective communication. Patient-Centered Communication Strategies (00:19:26) Importance of tailoring communication to patients’ needs and using relatable explanations. Women’s Role in Family Health (00:22:56) Highlighting the critical role women play in family health and strategies to support them. Tips for Thriving as a Healthcare Leader (00:25:33) Dr. Balwan shares three tips for leaders to thrive and maintain self-care amid adversity. Personal Reflections and Looking Forward (00:27:38) Dr. Balwan discusses personal growth, setting boundaries, and aspirations for the future. Closing Remarks (00:29:02) Dr. Lisa and Dr. Balwan conclude the episode with gratitude and well wishes. If you are looking to accelerate your leadership career and learn how to influence and impact teams, join us for our Coaching Intensive Weekend, taking place December 12-14, where you will learn the foundational skills to communicate more effectively with your team and coach them to success. Learn more here