President and CEO, MyMichigan Health
As a Girl Scout in the fourth grade, Dr. Lydia Watson was asked to complete the coveted first aid badge. This exciting quest uncovered her desire to become a doctor, to help and heal others. Her journey continued when during her medical education, Dr. Watson served six years in the Army National Guard 207th EVAC Hospital allowing her to attain clinical and leadership experience. She later practiced as an obstetrician-gynecologist, delivering thousands of babies while authoring articles and books along the way.
Dr. Watson took time to help those in need in her community. While caring for patients who were physically or sexually abused, she realized the strength community organizations could provide. She got involved in agencies such as Midland’s Shelterhouse, assisting the vulnerable to become strong. Over her 11-year chapter as a volunteer medical director for Shelterhouse’s Sexual Assault Nursing Exam (SANE) program, she helped hundreds of women.
Dr. Watson also served as a board member for The Legacy Center, Strosacker Foundation, and Midland Center for the Arts. She even dedicated time to mentoring and coaching fellow physician leaders in obtaining their Certified Physician Executive degrees through the American Association of Physician Leadership (AAPL).
Now, as the President and CEO of MyMichigan Health, Dr. Watson has been given a badge far greater than the merit-filled Scout sash she earned as a young girl. Today she provides the opportunity to humbly lead more than 10,000 employees, providers, volunteers, and other personnel to care for people living in 25-counties across the State of Michigan.
