Wendi Thomas – Director of Patient Care Services, Shriners Children's Northern California

What does it really take to lead in healthcare when the pressure never stops?In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Kimberly Long sits down with Wendi Thomas, Director of Patient Care Services and Nurse Executive at Shriners Children’s Northern California, to explore the realities of leadership inside today’s healthcare system.Wendi shares her 30+ year journey from emergency room nurse to executive leadership, and the defining moments that shaped her path along the way. From navigating constant change and competing priorities to staying grounded in compassion and patient care, this conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders at every level.They dive into the importance of aligning healthcare systems with academic institutions, developing the next generation of clinicians, and why “true north” matters more than ever in times of uncertainty. Wendi also shares powerful stories from the frontlines that highlight the real impact of policy decisions and why storytelling is one of the most important tools leaders have to influence change.This is a thoughtful and honest conversation on leadership, resilience, and what it means to make a lasting impact in healthcare.