I.M. a Health Leader: Shikha Jain, MD, FACP

What inspired you to choose internal medicine?

I started medical school thinking I’d be a pediatrician. Then during my surgery rotation, I realized I had great hands and thought for a while that vascular surgery was the path for me. But as I went through more rotations, what really stuck with me was the continuity of care in internal medicine. I loved the complex cases, but even more, I appreciated getting to know my patients and their families, seeing how loved ones come together during tough times. Helping people through some of their hardest days and navigating life-changing diagnoses—that’s when I truly felt like a doctor.

Describe your internal medicine journey and how it has shaped your career.

My journey in internal medicine started with a genuine curiosity for complex patient care and the desire to build long-term relationships with my patients. I loved my three years of residency in Chicago. I worked hard, learned a lot, and built lifelong friendships with my co-residents who became like family. During those years, I realized that all physicians are leaders—whether it's leading a code, guiding a patient through a treatment plan, leading a team of trainees and students, or advocating for patients by taking on insurance companies and pushing for systemic change at a higher level.

I always remind my trainees how much our words matter. We may not remember each patient, but the words we share with them during their most difficult moments can be ingrained in their minds forever. We’ve forever become a part of that patient’s story, and it’s something we must not only value and respect but also recognize the immense power behind our words and the positions we hold.

Internal medicine has shaped me into a physician who values patient-centered care, effective communication, and understanding the long-term impact we have on our patients' well-being. It’s taught me that being a doctor is about much more than just treating illnesses—it’s about being a constant source of support, advocacy, and compassion for our patients throughout their journey.

How has internal medicine training given you the skills, insight, and/or experience needed to become a leader?

Internal medicine training has not only equipped me with the medical knowledge I need but also taught me the importance of leading with compassion and empathy. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the concept of "lifting as you rise." As physicians, it’s our responsibility to guide and support those around us—whether it’s our patients, our colleagues, or the next generation of trainees. Leading isn’t just about making decisions or giving orders; it’s about empowering others, nurturing their strengths, and ensuring everyone on the team is aligned and working toward the same goal.

During residency, I learned how to navigate strong personalities and complex relationships, both within interdisciplinary teams and with patients’ families. It’s not always easy to get the best out of everyone, especially when tensions are high, but that’s where empathy and communication come in. I found that by listening carefully and understanding each person's perspective—whether a colleague or a family member—I could foster collaboration and trust, even in difficult situations.

Ultimately, leadership in medicine is about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to do their best. My internal medicine training gave me the tools to lead with both heart and strategy, ensuring that we provide the best possible care for our patients while also supporting one another as a team.

What advice would you share with medical students or trainees that are interested in a leadership role?

My advice for medical students or trainees aspiring to take on leadership roles is to lead with intention and empathy. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or always being in charge—it’s about understanding your team, empowering those around you, and being open to learning from every experience. Cultivate strong relationships with your colleagues, patients, and mentors, because leadership is as much about collaboration as it is about decision-making.

Don’t doubt yourself—you can lead at any level. Have confidence in your skills and abilities, even early in your career, because leadership is not about rank; it’s about how you show up, advocate for your patients, and support your team. At the same time, know when to ask for help. Recognizing when you need guidance is just as important as leading, and it’s a crucial skill in medicine.

Know your weaknesses and surround yourself with people who have strengths where you may fall short. A great leader isn’t someone who knows everything—it’s someone who builds a team that complements each other. You can learn from people at all levels, so always be open to gaining insights from your colleagues, no matter where they are in their careers.

I’d also stress the importance of communication. Your words have weight, and how you communicate with patients, and your team can shape outcomes more than you realize. Listen actively, especially in difficult situations, and always aim to lift others up as you rise. Mentorship is key—seek mentors and also be a mentor to those coming after you. This idea of "lifting as you rise" is how you build a strong, resilient community around you.

Finally, don’t shy away from challenges or strong personalities. Navigating difficult relationships, advocating for your patients, and managing complex dynamics in interdisciplinary teams are all part of the leadership journey. These moments will teach you how to get the best out of yourself and others, and they’ll help you grow as both a physician and a leader.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of medicine and how do you balance your work and personal life? Anything you have learned along the way to pass on?

Outside of medicine, my family is my top priority. Whether it's going to my kids' soccer games or spending quality time together, I make sure they come first. I also try to stay active—I used to run during residency and am working on getting back into it. I play tennis and find staying physically active is key to helping me reset and keep things in balance.

Balancing work and personal life often feel like juggling multiple balls. I’ve learned that while you can do everything, you just can’t do it all at once. It’s about realizing when to prioritize certain aspects of your life, whether it’s your family, your work, or even yourself. And it’s okay to drop the rubber balls because they’ll bounce back, but try not to drop the glass ones. I even talk to my kids about identifying whether their problems are big, medium, or little, and I apply that same strategy in my own life to figure out what needs attention in the moment.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of taking vacations. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle, but making sure you take time to recharge is essential. Being present in the moment—whether that’s with your patients, your family, or during a well-deserved break—keeps you grounded. I remind my colleagues and trainees that you need to take care of yourself too. Prioritizing time for yourself and your loved ones is the best way to avoid burnout and maintain long-term happiness and success in both your personal and professional life.