Leah Ramos, DNP, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC, embodies the essence of leadership with a heart rooted in service. As the Associate Chief Nursing Officer for the Adult Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, Leah leads strategic planning, operations, and the delivery of high-quality nursing services across diverse care settings. Her journey from the Philippines to a top executive role in the U.S. is both inspiring and deeply grounded in the values she carries from her culture, family, and professional experiences.
Leah’s career spans over 25 years, from her early days as a staff nurse in acute and critical care to roles in education and administration. Her passion for nursing leadership was sparked by witnessing firsthand the transformative impact leadership had on team culture and patient outcomes. “I realized the impact of strong leadership on team culture, patient outcomes, and advocacy for both staff and patients. I was drawn to that impact,” she shared. This realization ignited a lifelong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and innovation.
What keeps Leah passionate after decades in healthcare is the opportunity to shape environments where nurses feel empowered and supported. “Watching a team grow, adapt, and thrive, even in tough times, reminds me why I chose this path,” she reflected. For Leah, leadership is not about titles—it’s about service, vision, and resilience, qualities that shine through in every aspect of her work.
Her leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by her Filipino background. Leah credits the cultural values of pakikisama (getting along with others), bayanihan (community spirit), and respect for others as central to her leadership approach. “These values have made me lead with empathy, inclusiveness, and collaboration,” she explained. This cultural lens doesn’t just inform her leadership style—it also shapes her approach to patient care, where she embraces a warm, family-centered ethos. “Filipinos often treat others like extended family, and I carry that mindset into my practice by building strong, trusting relationships with the team that I serve,” she added.
In her role at MUSC, Leah’s priorities are clear and focused. First, she is committed to workforce development and retention, addressing the pressing national nursing shortage by recruiting, retaining, and supporting high-quality nursing and ancillary staff. Second, she is focused on enhancing patient-centered care and safety, working to improve care delivery models to ensure patients receive the best care possible with consistent quality across all units. Finally, Leah is a champion for workforce wellness, streamlining workflows and optimizing staffing models to reduce workload at the bedside while promoting staff well-being. Her holistic approach recognizes that when nurses are well-supported, they can better care for others.
A recent trip back to the Philippines had a profound effect on Leah, both personally and professionally. “Visiting the Philippines was an incredible experience,” she shared. Personally, it was an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends she hadn’t seen in five years, reminding her of the importance of connection, gratitude, and perspective. Professionally, it reinforced the value of operational efficiency and broadened her understanding of cross-cultural dynamics. “I gained a deeper appreciation for adaptability and innovation from different perspectives,” she noted. The visit left her with a renewed commitment to humility, openness, and listening to voices closest to operations.
Leah’s family has played an integral role in her journey, inspiring and supporting her every step of the way. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue this path, even during the most challenging moments,” she said. Her parents, both teachers dedicated to giving back to their community, modeled compassion and resilience. This foundation fuels Leah’s advocacy for patients, health equity, and her commitment to uplifting the nursing profession.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Leah has received numerous awards, including the Earl B. Higgins Leadership in Diversity Award from MUSC Health, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Circle of Excellence Award, the South Carolina League for Nursing Excellence Award, and the prestigious South Carolina Palmetto Gold Award. Yet despite these accolades, Leah remains humble and focused on her purpose: creating environments where nurses thrive, and patients receive the highest quality care.
When asked what message she would share with Filipino nurses across generations, Leah offered words of gratitude, encouragement, and solidarity. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and strength,” she said. She encouraged Filipino nurses to continue uplifting each other, advocating for the profession, and honoring the legacy of those who came before. “Never forget the deep roots of care and community that define us as Filipino nurses. We’re stronger together, and our impact is far-reaching and lasting,” she affirmed.
Leah’s leadership journey is a testament to the transformative power of service, culture, and compassion in nursing. Her vision extends beyond her own accomplishments—she is invested in building a future where nurses are empowered, healthcare systems are equitable, and leadership is defined by empathy and collaboration. Whether mentoring a new graduate, collaborating with interprofessional teams, or leading system-wide improvements, Leah’s work is a beacon for what it means to lead with both strength and heart.
In a world where healthcare faces growing challenges, Leah Ramos stands as a role model for nurse leaders everywhere. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about hierarchy—it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change, anchored in values, community, and a deep commitment to service. For Leah, the journey continues, guided by her enduring passion for nursing, her love for family, and her unwavering belief in the collective power of nurses to make a difference.
“I was drawn to the impact,” Leah said of her journey into leadership—a phrase that perfectly captures the heart of her story. And as she continues to uplift teams, advocate for patients, and nurture the next generation of nurse leaders, the impact she’s making will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
