Dr. Gail Jackson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who has dedicated her career to women’s health, particularly menopause and regenerative medicine. With decades of experience at leading institutions such as Cedars-Sinai, she has been a pioneering voice in bringing compassionate, patient-centered care to women. Her journey—from being one of the few women in medicine at the start of her career to becoming a published author and advocate for women’s leadership—embodies resilience, courage, and purpose.
Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Dr. Jackson, whose story inspires women to embrace their strength, lead with empathy, and redefine what success truly means.
Q: Dr. Jackson, what first sparked your journey into medicine?
Dr. Jackson: Medicine has always been in my family, and I was excited when my grades and ambitions aligned with that path. Initially, I leaned toward internal medicine, but a chance encounter changed everything. As a medical student, I once examined a patient who later told me it was the first time anyone had listened to her and treated her without pain. That moment gave me chills—and the very next day, I switched my residency to obstetrics and gynecology. I knew I wanted to ensure women’s voices were heard and their pain acknowledged.
Q: What challenges did you face in the early stages of your career?
Dr. Jackson: When I started, there were very few women in medicine. Navigating a male-dominated field meant there were limited role models and support systems. Often, the audience wasn’t receptive when I advocated for women. But I refused to accept the status quo. Today, it’s incredible to see how far things have come—OB-GYN is now largely female-led, with more focus on listening, safety, and compassionate care.
Q: You’ve achieved so much—what milestone stands out most to you?
Dr. Jackson: Two come to mind. First, publishing my book Absolutely Fabulous, a guide for women over 40 navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. My mother and my patients encouraged me to write it so women would know they have options. Second, becoming a grandmother. Watching my daughter—who is also a physician—pursue her own path in medicine, with much greater support than my generation had, has been an extraordinary gift.
Q: What is your perspective on women in leadership today?
Dr. Jackson: Women bring natural strengths to leadership—we negotiate, multitask, and seek solutions that benefit everyone. Unlike ego-driven leadership, women often approach decisions with balance and fairness. That makes us powerful changemakers, especially in healthcare and entrepreneurship.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring women leaders?
Dr. Jackson: When you walk into a new situation, resist the urge to make an immediate impact. Instead, sit quietly, observe, and understand who holds influence in the room. Build allies before making bold moves. That patience and strategy make your leadership more effective.
Q: Finally, what does success mean to you?
Dr. Jackson: Success is raising good citizens. As women, we only get one chance to raise a human being for the world, and that’s the most important legacy. Beyond that, I’ve learned you can’t give 100% to everything—work, family, and personal life. Instead, aim for balance, maybe 80% in each area, and be intentional with your quality time. For example, I made it a priority to pick my daughter up from school once a week and have dinner together. Years later, when she told her classmates that I was “always there,” despite being a busy OBGYN, I knew I had succeeded.
“Women can’t give 100% to everything, but by focusing on what truly matters, we create impact that lasts far beyond our careers.” – Dr. Gail Jackson
Connect with Dr. Gail Jackson: http://drgailjackson.com/
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