040: Unapologetically Strong: Mastery, Community, and Calling for Women in Oral Surgery with Dr. Erin Sheffield

In this episode of The Story Project Podcast, Joanna sits down with Dr. Erin Sheffield — board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, founder of The Doctor is All-In, and a bold voice for women in surgery — for a candid conversation about mastery, resilience, and what it means to fully claim your calling. From fainting during her early surgical experiences to becoming a leader in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented, Erin shares the unfiltered realities of pursuing excellence in a male-dominated profession.   Together, they explore the challenges women still face in surgery, from pay gaps to workplace dynamics, and the power of choosing community over competition. This episode is a reminder that being "all-in" isn't about proving yourself. It's about aligning your work, your health, and your purpose without apology.     Key Takeaways Community combats isolation. Safe, collaborative spaces are essential for women navigating male-dominated professions. You can design your life. High-level careers and family priorities can coexist when you choose alignment over expectation. Belonging isn't up for debate. Women in surgery don't have to question whether they deserve their seat at the table.     Guest Information Dr. Erin Sheffield is a board certified oral maxillofacial surgeon, speaker, educator, and advocate. Her passion is reshaping the culture of surgery by amplifying the voices of women and redefining what it means to thrive in this high demand profession.    She is the founder of The Doctor Is ALL In, a wellness and leadership retreat for women in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, and co-host of The Resting Stitch Face Podcast, where she leads unfiltered conversations about the realities of life as a woman in surgery.   Through her work in mentorship, advocacy, and storytelling, Dr. Sheffield challenges outdated norms in surgery, builds community, and empowers underrepresented voices in healthcare. She practices at Quincy Medical Group, a large multi-specialty physicians group in Illinois.     How to Connect with Dr. Erin Sheffield Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.doctorisallin.com/ Instagram: @drerinsheffield     How to Connect With Joanna  Website: https://www.joannascott.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannafscott/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannafscott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-scott-052a0812/   — Welcome to The Story Project—a video-driven podcast spotlighting the voices of high-achieving women in dentistry. These are the educators, innovators, and leading voices shaping the future of the profession. Each episode offers an intimate look at the stories behind their leadership—why they chose dentistry, what drives them forward, and how they're navigating the complex intersection of purpose, business, and personal growth. We celebrate the courage it takes to lead, the challenges they've overcome, and the legacies they're building—not just in their practices, but across the industry.   This is a space for fearless, thoughtful conversation with the women redefining what's possible in dentistry. To connect or inquire about being a guest, reach out to @joannafscott or visit www.joannascott.com.