On National Women Physicians Day, we celebrate the women doctors who lead, heal, and advocate for patients every day. At HOPES, this recognition carries special significance.
The majority of our physicians are women, and our medical team is led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Faith Whittier – a powerful reflection of who we are and how we deliver care. But beyond representation, it’s the way our women physicians practice medicine that truly sets HOPES apart.
Mission‑Driven Care, Led by Women
HOPES serves some of the most medically complex patients in our region—individuals navigating chronic illness, behavioral health needs, food insecurity, housing instability, and other barriers that impact health. Providing care at this level requires more than clinical expertise; it requires leadership, collaboration, and deep compassion.
Our women physicians lead HOPES’ clinical efforts with a steadfast commitment to whole‑person, patient‑centered care. They work across departments every day – partnering with case managers, nutrition services, behavioral health teams, pharmacy, outreach staff, and care coordinators – to ensure patients receive the support they need to achieve better health outcomes.
This team‑based model allows physicians to look beyond symptoms and diagnoses and instead address the full reality of a patient’s life.
Leading the Way: Dr. Faith Whittier, Chief Medical Officer
At the helm of HOPES’ clinical care is Dr. Faith Whittier, Chief Medical Officer, whose leadership helps shape every aspect of how medicine is practiced across the organization. As a woman physician leading a predominantly female medical team, Dr. Whittier sets the tone for a culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and compassion.
Dr. Whittier leads with both clinical excellence and deep humanity, guiding interdisciplinary teams that prioritize communication, coordination, and dignity in care. Under her leadership, physicians are empowered to work closely with support teams to remove barriers, adapt treatment plans, and meet patients where they are.
Her vision reinforces what makes HOPES unique: care that doesn’t stop at the exam room door, but extends into every system that supports a patient’s health.
Going the Extra Mile for Patients
The physicians at HOPES consistently go above and beyond for patients – whether that means coordinating complex care plans, advocating for access to services, following up outside of scheduled visits, or collaborating across disciplines to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
They show up for patients with integrity and consistency, even when the work is challenging. And because HOPES serves patients with some of the most complex medical needs in Northern Nevada, that dedication often makes a life‑changing difference.
Women, Physicians, Humans
Beyond their roles as physicians and leaders, the women doctors at HOPES bring their full selves to this work. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, mentors, and community members. They balance demanding clinical careers with caregiving, leadership, and service – often carrying invisible labor alongside professional responsibility.
Their lived experiences inform how they practice medicine, helping them lead with empathy, resilience, and understanding. They are role models for colleagues, patients, and future healthcare professionals alike.
Thank You for Leading With Heart
On National Women Physicians Day, we honor the women physicians who make HOPES what it is – a place where collaboration thrives, patients come first, and care is delivered with dignity and respect.
Thank you to all the women physicians at HOPES for your leadership, your expertise, and your humanity. We are proud to be led by you, and grateful for the care you provide to our community every day.
