Physician Spotlight
Blog Date: May 12th 2025
Dr. Omaima Degani: Leading with Heart
Listen on Spotify
A Voice of Leadership and Inclusion in Nephrology
In a recent episode of Nephrology Today, host Michelle welcomed a compelling voice in kidney care—Dr. Omaima Degani, a seasoned nephrologist and emerging leader within the medical community. What followed was an insightful, honest, and inspiring conversation about leadership, gender, personal growth, and how physicians—especially women—can shape the future of healthcare.
From Clinician to Leader: A Journey of Growth
Eighteen years ago, Dr. Degani stepped into her first leadership role as a medical director. At the time, leadership was unfamiliar territory. Like many physicians in training, she had spent her early years focused on following best practices and providing excellent care—not necessarily leading others. But stepping into that role, she found herself learning the dynamics of team management: understanding the strengths and weaknesses of staff, uniting technicians, nurses, and patients under a shared vision, and defining what it means to lead with both compassion and purpose.
What began as an uncertain step into leadership became a path of continual growth. Today, Dr. Degani holds multiple leadership positions—serving on hospital committees like the Physician-Nurse Council, the Quality Review Committee, and the Medical Executive Committee of Condell. At NANI, she sits on the Compliance Committee, the Value-Based Care Committee, and recently joined the organization's board.
Her motivation? A deep desire to improve patient care from the inside out.
"I feel like being a lifelong learner is very important," Dr. Degani explained. "The more things I can experience… ultimately, it's about how can I take these things back to my own practice and improve care for my patients and colleagues."
The Reality of Being a Woman in Leadership
While her leadership portfolio is impressive, Dr. Degani didn't shy away from acknowledging the challenges she's faced as a woman in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
"Sometimes it feels like a boys' club," she admitted. "There's an expectation that if one of them says something, it must be right."
Yet she made it clear that women bring an essential perspective to the table—one that is collaborative, intuitive, and often more holistic.
In many of the leadership rooms she enters, she's still the only woman. But her response has never been to shrink—only to speak, contribute, and lead by example.
"I do feel that our opinions are important. And even if they're not always welcomed at first, they become valued when we stand behind them with knowledge, preparation, and integrity."
Balancing Leadership, Practice, and Personal Life
Dr. Degani candidly addressed one of the most personal challenges female physicians face: work-life balance.
"I wasn't able to take on leadership roles when my children were younger," she shared. "My priority then was to be present with them when I wasn't working. Now that they're older, I have the time and space to pursue more."
Her story underscores a critical truth: leadership doesn't have to happen all at once. There are seasons of life, and for many women, leadership opportunities can and do come later. And when they do, lived experiences—especially those from motherhood—bring powerful insight and empathy to the table.
On Mentorship, Inclusion, and Speaking Up
Dr. Degani is a passionate advocate for women in nephrology to engage more fully in leadership roles—not just by waiting for the opportunity, but by creating it. Whether it's joining a committee, responding to an email, or showing up to a meeting, she emphasizes the power of participation.
"You don't have to be a trailblazer overnight," she said. "Just be engaged. Be willing to be part of the conversation."
Her advice for aspiring female leaders?
- Join professional groups like Women in Nephrology (WIN).
- Start with one committee.
- Voice your opinion, even when it's uncomfortable.
- Don't delete that email—respond and contribute.
Most of all, she encourages women to not underestimate their voice. "There's this idea that our opinion doesn't matter, or it might ruffle feathers. But the truth is, our insight does matter. And we can't let fear of conflict silence us."
Leadership with Integrity
Throughout the conversation, one word came up again and again: integrity.
"Whatever you say, make sure it has meaning," Dr. Degani emphasized. "Be genuine. Be a good listener. And above all, do what you think is right."
These aren't just qualities of a good doctor. They are the marks of a true leader—one who listens more than she speaks, collaborates rather than divides, and brings heart to every decision.
A Role Model in Medicine
Dr. Degani may not have set out to be a trailblazer—but that's exactly what she's becoming. By showing up, speaking up, and leading with grace and courage, she's paving the way for a more inclusive and balanced future in nephrology.
For women physicians—young or experienced, hesitant or hopeful—her message is clear: There is a place for your voice in leadership, and it starts with showing up.
Listen to the full episode of Nephrology Today on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
To learn more about NANI and their physicians, visit: https://nephdocs.com
©Nephrology Associates All rights reserved.