From Pediatric ER Physician to Executive Suite: Navigating Healthcare Leadership w/ Dr Debi Dalton

In this inspiring podcast episode, Dr. Debi Dalton’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the impact of an open mind and a servant’s heart. From navigating demanding ER shifts to leading in high-level boardrooms, Dr. Dalton reveals how embracing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and serve others shaped both her career and her impact. With authenticity and insight, she encourages emerging leaders to step beyond their comfort zones, lead with intention, and recognize the influence they can have often without even realizing it. As Dr. Dalton reminds us: “Don’t be afraid to throw yourself out there; you might just make an impact on someone else without even realizing it.”Join the conversation, and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you!Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.BBioDespina ("Debi") Dalton, MD, MBA, CPE, RPh, FAAP, FACHEDr. Debi Dalton is the Chief Medical Officer for Wellstar Paulding Medical Center. Previously, she served as the CMO for Wellstar Douglas Medical Center for 10 years. Dr. Dalton is Board Certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.In the past, she has served in multiple leadership roles within the Wellstar Health system including President of the Medical Staff at Cobb Hospital, and Medical Director of both Cobb and Paulding's Emergency Departments. She has a Pharmacy Degree from Schwartz College of Pharmacy and a Healthcare Executive MBA from George Washington University. Dr. Dalton is the Immediate Past President for the Medical Association of Georgia (2024-2025) after having served in various officer roles prior to her year as President. She is also a Past President of the Greater Cobb County Medical Society (2014). She also is a current Member and Past Chair (2021) of the Georgia Composite Medical Board. She is an FACHE and a member of the ACHE-Physician Executive Committee.