Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Health
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Elizabeth Buskirk
Pediatrician, Wilmington Health
What are some of your career highlights so far?
“It is very rewarding to help families throughout all the stages of raising children. From navigating the stressors of caring for a newborn, to completing that same child’s sports physical when they’re a teenager, establishing relationships with my families is a major highlight. It feels like we grow together. Because of this connection, when challenges arise, there is a bond already established; this helps put families at ease during hard times.”
How do you impact people?
“I impact people in a variety of ways: supporting good health, treating medical and psychiatric problems that come up, and acting as a stable, supportive presence during the roller coaster of raising children. As a pediatrician, I don’t just treat diseases, but I promote healthy habits to help prevent the conditions that can arise over time. This may be with nutritional guidance, vaccine counseling and administration, or helping adolescents navigate our increasingly virtual world.”
Anything else you want us to know about you?
“A current project is helping Lower Cape Fear LifeCare develop a pediatric palliative care program. It will be the only program in Southeastern North Carolina. I work three days a week at Wilmington Health, so I am able to raise my daughter Claire, serve on the board of Good Shepherd Center, volunteer with refugee families, volunteer as a camp doctor, and now embark on this new journey with palliative care and reach some in the greatest need.”
Charin Hanlon
VP of Medical Education, Novant Health Coastal Region
Describe your role and work that you do.
“I am responsible for 109 physicians in training at Novant NHRMC as well as all the faculty who provide their education. In addition, I am responsible for developing and implementing new healthcare training programs and ensuring all are fully accredited. I like to say that I help build the doctors of the future.”
What sparked your interest in health?
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of thirty-six and unfortunately passed away due to progressive cancer at forty-two. We lived in very rural West Virginia and had little access to care. Her general practitioner initially dismissed her breast lump because of her young age. Her journey really highlighted the need for highly trained physicians, close to home. That need was the impetus for my career not just in medicine, but medical education.”
Anything else you want us to know about you?
“Medicine has historically lacked strong female mentorship. I consider it part of my duty and privilege to also serve as a mentor to women in medicine. Learning to harness your self-confidence and be bold can be challenging. I find it can change a female trainee’s confidence simply by quietly pointing out they should look me in the eye when they share their plan.”
Cary Ramsay
Owner & Therapist, Roots and Branches Counseling PLLC
Describe your role and work that you do.
“I’m a licensed clinical mental health counselor at Roots and Branches Counseling in Wilmington. I provide individual and couples therapy. I also offer small group therapy and training on a variety of topics. My work focuses on families of autistic and neurodivergent kids, adults healing from trauma, women navigating life transitions, and couples rebuilding connection.”
What are some of your career highlights so far?
“Over the years, I’ve founded an educational program for impoverished girls in Ethiopia, worked with an amazing team in an HIV project in Ethiopia, served on the board of directors for Love Justice International, and built trusting relationships with survivors of human trafficking through the years. I’ve also coached dozens of families preparing to move into international ministry roles, helping them navigate the transition overseas.”
What sparked your interest in health?
“For decades, I’ve worked with people in all kinds of capacities – teaching, coaching, cross-cultural ministry, and trafficking survivor support. Through it all, one thing became clear: People need a safe place to process their experiences and struggles. A mentor eventually pushed me to pursue licensure as a therapist, and that nudge is what brought me here – turning years of walking alongside others into a career built around it.”
Kebrina Redd
Family Centered Treatment Coordinator, Coastal Horizons Center
Describe your role and work that you do.
“I’m dedicated to helping families build stronger, healthier relationships, and empowering clinicians to provide compassionate, high-quality care. As a licensed clinical social worker and family centered treatment coordinator, I mentor and support therapists, promote best practices, and work alongside families to navigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and create lasting, positive change in their lives and communities.”
What sparked your interest in health?
“I am passionate about advancing health by promoting mental wellness, strengthening families, and improving access to quality behavioral healthcare. As a yoga instructor, I bring a holistic perspective to my work, helping individuals build resilience, reduce stress, and connect mind and body.”
Anything else you want us to know about you?
“Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am a devoted parent who understands the importance of resilience, compassion, and strong support systems. I actively contribute to numerous professional and community organizations, where I continue to learn, lead, and serve others. These experiences strengthen my commitment to mentoring future leaders, advancing behavioral healthcare, and creating lasting, positive change for individuals, families, and the communities I serve.”
Maria de Lourdes Sturchler
Founder & Medical Director, J2V MD Wellness & Aesthetic Institute/Senior Medical Director of Inpatient Palliative Medicine and Hospice, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Describe your role and work that you do.
“I consider myself a physician leader, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to improving quality of life for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. … I lead clinical and strategic initiatives that advance compassionate care, workforce development, healthcare quality, and innovative wellness solutions.”
How do you impact people?
“I make an impact through both compassionate patient care and leadership. As a physician, I strive to deliver exceptional care that improves quality of life for patients. As a leader and educator, I am passionate about helping others discover and develop their unique strengths, build confidence, and reach their full potential.”
What sparked your interest in health?
“From a very young age, I felt called to a career in health and medicine. I was fascinated by the human body, an extraordinary machine whose complexity sparked my curiosity and love of science. That passion ultimately led me to medicine, where I have the privilege of caring for patients, advancing learning, and helping others thrive.”
To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.
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