Mega Doctor News
The American workforce is more diverse than ever, with women helping lead that transformation.
While women represent nearly 51% of the U.S. population, they account for nearly 57% of the nation’s workforce, according to the U.S. Census.
Through their talents, experience and leadership, women continue to drive innovation, enhance organizational performance and contribute to economic growth.
In healthcare, their influence is even more pronounced. Women make up more than 77% of the healthcare workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, serving in critical clinical, administrative and leadership roles that shape the delivery of care and advance the healthcare industry.
“Whether serving as frontline caregivers, physicians, administrators or healthcare leaders, women bring invaluable expertise, compassion and diverse perspectives to the workplace,” said Carolyn Petties, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, System Director of Human Resource Operations for South Texas Health System (STHS). “Their contributions strengthen healthcare organizations, improve patient experiences and help drive positive outcomes across the continuum of care.”
At STHS, the Rio Grande Valley’s largest integrated network of care, women make up 67% of the workforce and hold 58% of leadership positions, including two of the health system’s three Chief Executive Officer roles.
“Their impact is evident across the organization’s 12 facilities and regional operations center, from direct patient care and clinical operations to strategic planning, administration and executive leadership,” said Petties. “Their dedication, skill and leadership help advance our mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the communities we serve.”
It’s this commitment to gender equality, fairness and inclusion that has earned STHS national recognition. The healthcare system has been named one of Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Women 2026.
A distinction awarded in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, the recognition is based on a nationwide analysis of more than 2.6 million online employee reviews from workers at 4,700 midsize companies across the United States.
Organizations were evaluated using 120 key performance indicators, with additional emphasis placed on factors that drive workplace satisfaction, including culture and belonging, work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to creating an environment where women can build meaningful careers, advance professionally and make a lasting impact in healthcare,” said Petties. “We’re proud to support and empower women at every level of our organization, and this honor reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in a culture of inclusion, equity and opportunity.”
In announcing the rankings, Newsweek noted that while gender equality has made meaningful strides in the workplace, women continue to face systemic barriers, including unconscious bias in hiring and promotions and gender stereotypes that can hinder career advancement.
“We hope this ranking highlights the organizations setting new standards for women in the workplace and serves as a valuable resource for those seeking employers aligned with their professional goals and values,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief, Newsweek.
The recognition places STHS among an elite group of just 10 Texas organizations to earn a five-star designation in Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Women 2026 ranking and among only 35 workplaces statewide recognized on the list.
As one of the largest employers in the Rio Grande Valley, STHS remains committed to fostering a workplace culture where all employees feel valued, supported and empowered to grow. By promoting inclusion, professional development and opportunities for advancement, the system continues to invest in the people who make its mission of delivering quality, compassionate healthcare possible each day.
For more information on STHS’ commitment to excellence in healthcare, visit southtexashealthsystem.com. To learn more about career opportunities at STHS, visit the jobs.uhsinc.com/south-texas-health-system.
