The Importance of Women-Centered Healthcare Practices

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, Claire Gill sits down with Dr. Soma Mandal, a leading board-certified Internist and midlife women’s health expert, to talk about her personal path into women’s health, the evolution of menopause care, her podcast “Soma Says”, and her major new role developing a comprehensive Women’s Health Center. The conversation highlights advocacy, education, prevention, and the importance of empowering women to put themselves first. Dr. Mandal never planned to specialize in women’s health, but her patients naturally gravitated toward her—first younger women facing infertility, then midlife women navigating menopause and aging. Her own health challenges reinforced her passion for this work. Training during the Women’s Health Initiative fallout shaped her early medical approach. With hormone therapy suddenly deemed dangerous, an entire generation of clinicians avoided it. Today’s improved understanding requires re-educating both clinicians and patients Beginning in January 2026, she will be joining Hackensack Meridian Health as the Medical Director of Women’s Health at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she’ll be building a comprehensive, multidisciplinary women’s health center. The goal is integrated care coordinated across cardiology, endocrinology, gynecology, behavioral health, and primary care Key Points Covered Why Advocacy Matters — Even for Doctors - Through her own infertility and medical challenges, Dr. Mandal learned how essential self-advocacy is. She encourages women to speak up, ask questions, and push for what they need—even when clinicians are dismissive or overburdened. The Origin of Her Podcast, Soma Says is a return to her lifelong passion for educating and uplifting women. Guests discuss menopause, Alzheimer’s, incontinence, prevention, emotional well-being, and more—reaching listeners worldwide. The Challenge of Navigating a Fragmented Healthcare System - Women often get lost between specialists, especially when dealing with complex diagnoses. A coordinated center reduces confusion, prevents delays in treatment, and eases the burden on women who already juggle caregiving and work responsibilities. The #1 Thing Women Don’t Know: Heart Disease Is Their Greatest Risk - Many women still don’t realize that heart disease—not breast cancer—is the leading cause of death for women. Dr. Mandal stresses early screening, understanding family history, and taking preventive measures long before symptoms appear. The Power of Education & Community Advocacy - Podcasts, social media, and patient advocacy groups help fill major gaps in clinical education. Giving women accurate information—especially about menopause, heart health, and bone health—empowers them to take control of their wellbeing. Her #1 Action Step for Women: Put yourself first - Whether it’s scheduling a physical, taking a walk, asking a partner to cover a chore, or carving out 15 minutes to breathe—women must prioritize their own health. Most women aren’t even on their own to-do lists. This episode highlights the gaps in women’s health—and the passionate experts committed to closing them. Dr. Soma Mandal offers women a roadmap: learn, advocate, ask questions, and prioritize your own wellbeing. Connect with Dr. Mandal Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Soma-Mandal-MD-437643206820996/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandal/ YouTube Channel: