Business Spotlight: Dr. Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito

Dr. Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito

A leading Radiologist and Clinical Director, is a trailblazer in women’s health with over 24 years of expertise, heading Women’s & Breast Imaging (WBI) in Western Australia.

Dr. Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito is a leading Radiologist and Clinical Director of Women’s & Breast Imaging (WBI) in Western Australia. With over 24 years of expertise in Breast Imaging and other specialties, she advances women's health through innovative diagnostics. She is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer, shaping future healthcare leaders, and a recognized speaker and award-winner, including Filipino-Australian of the Year 2023. Dr. Vanessa’s advocacy, education, and leadership inspire positive change in healthcare, promoting self-care and purpose-driven lives.

"I first discovered 21 Scrubs at the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards in 2022, where I was a finalist, and 21 Scrubs won an award. Inspired by their story, I began following their journey. Their unique products resonated with me, and I knew they were something I wanted to wear and support.

Since then, 21 Scrubs has transformed my morning routine. I no longer have to think hard about what to wear to work each morning. I have donated two-thirds of my wardrobe and now exclusively wear scrubs every day. Stylish, comfortable, and practical—I own six pairs of 21 scrubs and love every piece. I receive compliments constantly, and it's been life-changing as a healthcare professional."

Get to know Dr. Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito:

1. What’s your role, and what does your day-to-day work involve?

As a radiologist and business owner, my role is multi-faceted. I lead a dedicated and passionate team at WBI, focusing on providing personalised, high-quality care aligned with our mission to empower individuals through compassionate and cutting-edge imaging services. My daily work includes interpreting 3D mammograms, performing breast ultrasounds, conducting procedures like FNAs, core and vacuum-assisted biopsies, and draining cysts or abscesses. We also offer general ultrasound services, including men's health, pediatric, obstetric, and gynecological scans, musculoskeletal assessments, and more. I attend multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure comprehensive patient care. Leading a heart-centred team, we recently expanded our services to include general ultrasound, covering men's health, pediatric, obstetric, and gynecological scans, musculoskeletal assessments, and more.

2. What advice would you give to yourself when starting?

Embrace self-leadership and trust your journey. Take control of your path by cultivating a proactive mindset and responding positively to challenges. Remember, you are in control of your journey. Don't be afraid to take risks, stay curious, and persist through obstacles.

3. Can you share 4 tips for others in your field?

Absolutely! Here are key takeaways from my 9-Step Self-Leadership Framework:

a. Embrace Self-Leadership

Feel: Empowered to take control.
Do: Cultivate a proactive mindset; take ownership of your path; respond positively to challenges.
Say: “I am in control of my journey.”
Message: By mastering self-leadership, you become the driver of your success. Your mindset shapes how you navigate obstacles, allowing you to face challenges with resilience and adaptability.

b. Transform Setbacks into Opportunities

Feel: Confident that setbacks are stepping stones, not failures.
Do: Reframe challenges as growth opportunities; learn from each experience.
Say: “Every setback is a lesson bringing me closer to my goals.”
Message: Challenges are inevitable but not insurmountable. Each obstacle is a chance to learn, grow, and move closer to your goals. This perspective turns failures into fuel for success.

c. Foster an Optimistic Outlook

Feel: Inspired to choose positivity intentionally.
Do: Be a positive influence at work and home; embody optimism and resilience.
Say: “I choose to be the rainbow, not the energy sucker.”
Message: You have a choice—to uplift or drain energy. By choosing optimism, you lead yourself with hope and inspire others to embrace the same mindset.

d. Seek Work-Life Integration and Harmony

Feel: Balanced and fulfilled.
Do: Apply strategies to integrate work and personal life harmoniously.
Say: “I create harmony between my professional and personal life.”
Message: Work-life balance isn't about splitting time equally but blending your passions and responsibilities in a way that brings harmony and fulfilment.

4. How do you balance work and personal life in healthcare?

I believe that work-life integration and harmony are key. I apply my 9-Step Self-Leadership Framework from my "Women Leading the Way" anthology to navigate my professional and personal life. This framework helps me maintain balance, stay grounded, and lead with purpose. Time management, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care enable me to fulfil my roles effectively without sacrificing personal well-being.

"Thank you, 21 Scrubs, for creating scrubs that not only enhance my professional life but also align with my journey towards empowerment and self-leadership. Your products have been a game-changer!"