Joleen Lonigan – Associate Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director, Patient Care Services, UC Davis Health

What does it really mean to lead with purpose in healthcare?On this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Kimberly Long sits down with Joleen Lonigan to explore a leadership journey rooted in service, adaptability, and human connection.Joleen shares how her career evolved from a clear clinical path into executive leadership - and the pivotal “pulse check” moments that shaped that transition. From navigating feedback that pushed her toward continued education, to learning how to hold space for teams during emotionally challenging times, this conversation is packed with real-world insight for leaders at every level.They also dive into the power of connecting work to purpose - how initiatives like sustainability and patient care innovation can drive engagement, improve outcomes, and create meaningful impact across organizations and communities.If you’re leading in healthcare (or aspiring to), this episode is a powerful reminder: leadership isn’t just about strategy - it’s about people.