Gwendolyn Williams

Dr. Gwendolyn Rowena Williams is a Hospital Medicine physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health, where she also serves as a member of the MCV Physicians Wellness Task Force. A first-generation American born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens to Caribbean parents, Dr. Williams brings a lived perspective of resilience, cultural humility, and purpose-driven leadership to her work.

Dr. Williams has over a decade of experience in clinical leadership and academic medicine. She spent more than nine years at Sentara Health, serving in multiple leadership roles and making history as the first female President of the Medical Executive Committee and Chief of Staff at Sentara CarePlex Hospital. Her leadership has advanced gender equity, physician wellness, and moral courage in medicine, including securing paid parental leave for physicians and implementing programs to address moral injury and burnout—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An accomplished speaker and thought leader, Dr. Williams previously presented at the 2025 Power of Women in Medicine Summit on “Stepping into Your Full Leadership Potential with Power, Presence, and Purpose”, captivating audiences with a compelling mix of personal narrative, actionable guidance, and inspiration for authentic leadership. She brings a unique ability to connect clinical, ethical, and societal perspectives, often framing complex challenges—such as moral outrage, moral courage, and equity in healthcare—in ways that motivate individuals and institutions to act with integrity, compassion, and resilience.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Williams serves as a Board Member of Project NANA, advocating for seasoned women’s health and cancer prevention. She has received numerous honors, including the Society of Hospital Medicine Unsung Hero Award, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award, and recognition as one of Hunter College’s inaugural Top 40 Under 40. She is also a contributing voice on national conversations about moral courage, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.

Dr. Williams keynotes, presentations, and engaging workshops focus on leadership development, ethical decision-making, wellness and resilience, advancing women in medicine, and cultivating inclusive, compassionate environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. Audiences leave inspired not only to lead with clarity and courage but also to embody generosity, empathy, and actionable moral courage in their professional and personal lives.