Empowering Women in Healthcare: Yolonda Freeman

120 Podcast focuses on speaking with healthcare professionals from around the world. offering insights into how other healthcare services operate, global leadership, and diverse subjects.This podcast miniseries obtained from the 120 compressions archive looks into empowering women in healthcare In this series of interviews, where we will speak accomplished women in various areas of healthcare.Women's roles in healthcare are diverse, making up the majority of the workforce, yet remain underrepresented in senior leadership positions with global leadership roles only around 25%, according to studies from 2025.Women make up approximately 68% of physician associates (PAs) in the United States. This percentage has increased over time, transforming the profession from one that was historically male-dominated to one with a female majority. Women are increasingly in leadership roles within the Physician Associate (PA) profession, with a growing number taking on roles such as program directors, and contributing to academic and clinical leadership.However, they still face challenges like systemic barriers, implicit bias, and a lack of clear leadership pathways, though these issues are being addressed through initiatives and a greater focus on creating supportive environments. It kicks off with the founder of 120 Compressions Eric Cantor who is an active Paramedic, and instructor and has been working as an EMS provider for over 15 years speaking with Yolonda Freeman who is an associate professor for the Physician Assistant Program and is an alumnus of Detroit Mercy's Physician Assistant Program with a background being in Internal Medicine. She has conducted research on Type 2 Diabetes Adherence.