What happens when a woman stops trying to fit the mold and starts creating her own?
Dr. Jessica Emery sits down in this podcast episode with Dr. Erin Sheffield, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, mom of three, retreat founder, and all-around powerhouse to talk about what it really looks like to lead from the inside out.
From marine biology to oral surgery, IVF to motherhood, imposter syndrome to empowerment – Dr. Erin’s story is full of heart, humor, and healing. And her mission? To create spaces where women in medicine feel seen, supported, and fully themselves.
Whether you’re in the dental field or not, this is a conversation every woman needs to hear.
From the Operating Room to the Retreat Room
Dr. Erin never set out to be a surgeon. In fact, she originally studied marine biology and imagined her life diving off the coast of California. But an unexpected nudge from her twin sister plus a pivot into dentistry led her down a path she never anticipated but ultimately fell in love with.
Her journey into oral surgery wasn’t without resistance. As one of the few women in a male-dominated field, Erin often felt like an outsider. But she found her power by leaning into her authenticity, not by hardening, but by softening. And it’s that same energy she now brings into her work as a retreat host and community leader.
“I’d never even seen a woman dentist.”
One of the most powerful themes of this podcast episode with Dr. Erin Sheffield? Representation.
Dr. Erin opens up about growing up in Utah without ever seeing a woman in dentistry or surgery and how powerful it would have been to have a mentor who looked like her. That realization sparked her passion for being that model for others.
“We need people who look like us, live like us, and feel like us, so we can imagine new possibilities for our lives.”
IVF, Miscarriage & Breaking the Silence
In one of the most emotional parts of the interview, Dr. Erin vulnerably shares her journey with infertility and IVF. From feeling shame around sharing her experience to discovering the deep healing that came from opening up, her story is a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be.
The truth? So many women are navigating fertility challenges in silence.
Dr. Erin’s advice: Find one person you can talk to. You don’t have to blog it. You don’t have to broadcast it. But don’t carry it alone.
Creating the Space She Always Needed
After years of feeling isolated in her field, Dr. Erin launched a retreat for women in surgery and medicine, a space where titles are checked at the door and humanity is what’s celebrated.
Her event, now rebranded as The Doctor Is All In, is about dialing in to who you really are, not just the degrees you hold or the roles you play, but your truth, your power, your softness, and your joy.
“I created what I needed when I was in residency. A space to belong. A space to exhale.”
Imposter Syndrome in the OR
Despite being wildly capable and respected in her field, Dr. Erin shares the internal struggle of feeling like she didn’t belong, especially in academic or male-dominated environments. She recalls conferences where she felt invisible, overlooked, and questioned everything.
But over time, she learned that most people were simply projecting.
The guys who seemed overly confident? Not necessarily better – just louder.
Her advice for women in professional spaces:
- Don’t shrink to fit in.
- Your softness is not a weakness.
- You don’t need to prove your worth, just show up as you.
Real Talk on Motherhood & Support
From commuting 75 miles each way with newborn twins to navigating childcare, nannies, and professional guilt, Dr. Erin’s motherhood journey is refreshingly honest.
Together, she and Dr. Jessica talk about releasing the shame so many women carry around outsourcing support and how showing up for your family includes showing up for yourself.
Because when women are fully supported… we rise.
Final Words of Wisdom
If there’s one thing Dr. Erin wants every woman to know, it’s this:
“Your authentic self is the best thing you have to offer to your patients, your family, your friends, your business. You don’t have to follow someone else’s rules. You just have to be you.”
Ready for More Conversations Like This?
Watch the full interview with Dr. Erin Sheffield on YouTube
Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
👉 Follow Dr. Erin on Instagram: @drerinsheffield
💖 Learn more about what Happy CEO has to offer for mentorship, community, and coaching: https://www.happyceocoach.com/Happy-CEO-Haus
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