Unapologetically Strong: Mastery, Community, and Calling for Women in Oral Surgery
Dr. Erin Sheffield
In this episode of The Story Project Podcast, Joanna sits down with Dr. Erin Sheffield — board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, founder of The Doctor is All-In, and a bold voice for women in surgery — for a candid conversation about mastery, resilience, and what it means to fully claim your calling. From fainting during her early surgical experiences to becoming a leader in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented, Erin shares the unfiltered realities of pursuing excellence in a male-dominated profession.
Together, they explore the challenges women still face in surgery, from pay gaps to workplace dynamics, and the power of choosing community over competition. This episode is a reminder that being “all-in” isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about aligning your work, your health, and your purpose without apology.
Key Takeaways
Guest Information
Dr. Erin Sheffield is a board certified oral maxillofacial surgeon, speaker, educator, and advocate. Her passion is reshaping the culture of surgery by amplifying the voices of women and redefining what it means to thrive in this high demand profession.
She is the founder of The Doctor Is ALL In, a wellness and leadership retreat for women in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, and co-host of The Resting Stitch Face Podcast, where she leads unfiltered conversations about the realities of life as a woman in surgery.
Through her work in mentorship, advocacy, and storytelling, Dr. Sheffield challenges outdated norms in surgery, builds community, and empowers underrepresented voices in healthcare. She practices at Quincy Medical Group, a large multispecialty physicians group in Illinois.
How to Connect with Dr. Erin Sheffield
