Struggling in digital health as a young women

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I don’t even know how to put this into words anymore, but I’m going to try my name is Angela.

I’m a young woman in digital health, and on paper I’m “somewhat of a national leader” – years of experience, complex national projects, national roles, the whole thing. I’ve done the work, I’ve led major work, I’ve proven myself over and over.

But day to day, I still feel like I’m treated as lesser.
I’ve worked under so many managers in digital health with zero real background in data or health, watching them get handed roles I’ve spent years applying for and never being given the opportunity.

I sit there thinking: I have the experience, the qualifications, the lived understanding of the sector – why am I still the one being talked over, second‑guessed, sidelined?

I am constantly being talked down to. People explain basic things to me like I’m new, question my judgment. And after years of this, it’s not just annoying – it’s starting to hurt me psychologically.

I’m at the point where I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve proven myself in every way I know how: hard work, technical depth, leadership, national impact. But I’m still treated like I’m lucky to even be in the room, instead of someone who deserves to be leading in that room. It’s messing with my self‑worth, my confidence, and honestly my mental health.

I don’t want to give up on digital health. I care deeply about equity, safe systems, and using data well. But I’m exhausted from feeling invisible and underestimated while watching people with far less relevant experience get trusted, promoted, and listened to.

I guess I’m posting this because I need to know: has anyone else felt this? How did you get through it or change it? Because right now, it feels like no matter how much I prove myself, I’m still being treated as smaller than I am, and it’s starting to break me down.

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Hi Angela,

I’m really sorry to hear this, but it is pretty common I’m afraid.

The AIDH run a programme https://digitalhealth.org.au/womenindigitalhealth/ This might not be exactly what works for you, and seems to be primarily Oz-based, but I think it’s worth reaching out to some of the graduates of the programme.

Best wishes

Dave

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Kia ora Angela, ka pai you for being brave and asking for ideas and support. In case it fits, you could join us over at Women in HealthTech, Women in HealthTech New Zealand: Overview | LinkedIn. We’re a fantastic and committed network of wāhine, from all across the sector, all stages and phases, and the Committee offer lots of forum to connect, kōrero, and whakapiki one’s spirit. :female_sign: :elevator:

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Hi @AngelaM. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry it’s been so emphasised in your life recently.

Your experience reminds me of ‘intruder paradox’ and it might be worth reading this article to see how it works.

LaDonna, K. A., Cowley, L., Field, E., Ginsburg, S., Watling, C., & Pack, R. (2025). Introducing the intruder paradox:“It’s not the imposter syndrome, it’s you don’t want me in the field”. Medical Education, 59(10), 1058-1066.

Let me know if you can’t access it and I’ll make a plan for you to get a copy.

Question is, what do we do about this paradox? I suspect a lot of people experience it and, as you’ve said in your post, not found effective ways to deal with it. A first step might be to reach out to the first author and get her to do a workshop with those of us who have struggled with the intruder paradox.

Your thoughts?

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