Medical Minutes with Dr. Rob: A Message to My Daughters on Women’s History Month

Hello, I’m Dr. Rob Gillio,

Chief Medical Officer at the Force for Health Network—

but today, I’m here as a father.

This message is for my daughters—

Anna, Amy, Sophia, Maria, and Corinne—

on this Women’s History Month in March 2025.

Remember Who You Are—and Where You Come From

As we celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history,

I want to remind you of the legacy you carry forward.

You come from a line of strong women who shaped their world with resilience and courage.

👗 One of your ancestors arrived in this country as a young girl,

working in New York sweatshops sewing buttons.

She grew into my Grandmother Anna,

a suffragette who fought for the right to vote

and later became an entrepreneur and community leader.

🏡 Other women in your family helped support a war effort, build homes, fund businesses,

teach at universities, and raise strong families—

proving that intelligence, leadership, and perseverance transcend generations.

Each generation, including yours,

has stepped forward into greater opportunity—

and you are continuing that ascent.

What I’ve Learned and What I Hope You Know

I was raised by parents who valued hard work, kindness, and lifelong learning.

Thanks to a world-class public education,

I was able to attend a great college,

and I’ve had the privilege to be present during defining moments in our nation’s history.

🏥 I’ve been at Ground Zero after 9/11,

in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina,

in Boston after the Marathon bombing.

I’ve been to the White House.

I’ve built and sold companies—

and I’ve also faced failure and had to start over, more than once.

But what I’ve come to understand is this:

True success isn’t measured by wealth, but by knowing you tried, and the impact you had and the good you helped amplify.

💡 Sometimes that means doing a million units of good for one person,

or one unit of good for a million people.

You each have the power to make that kind of difference.

What Makes Me So Proud

Each one of you has had access to a good education,

the freedom to choose your careers, your partners,

and the places you call home.

I’m proud not just of your accomplishments—

but of your character.

You are strong.

You are educated.

You are passionate.

You care deeply—for your families, your communities,

your nieces and nephews, your grandparents, and each other.

👭 As sisters, you support one another with fierce loyalty.

You stand for what is right,

and you uplift the communities and organizations you’re part of.

That’s what being a Force for Good looks like.

A Tribute to Your Mother, Beth

This message is for you, my daughters—

but I can’t talk about your strength without recognizing the woman who raised you.

Your mom, Beth, left a world-class career as staff at Mayo Clinic

to become a full-time mom.

📚 She contributed to the Mayo Clinic Diet Manual used world-wide,

taught at Penn State and community colleges,

and raised or supported five incredible girls into womanhood.

She’s been an educator, entrepreneur,

and my greatest support in chasing big dreams.

You’ve had a remarkable role model.

Your Voice Matters—Now More Than Ever

March 2025 is a time of uncertainty—

politically, economically, and socially.

But I want you to remember:

Goodness isn’t just a trait. It’s a force.

Let it guide your decisions

as spouses, professionals, and global citizens.

✉️ I’ve seen you write letters to your elected officials,

shape local policies, and challenge the status quo.

Keep doing that.

You’re not just making your lives better—

you’re paving the way for those who follow.

👵 Just like your great-grandmothers Viva does at 100 years old,

and Grace at 94—

you are part of a living legacy.

Final Thought: You Are Women of History in the Making

In the end, it’s not what we acquire that defines us—

it’s what we build,

who we uplift,

and the legacy we leave behind.

You are force multipliers. First with your work, your politics, and later with your children.

You amplify what is good and right in the world.

You bring joy and inspiration to this family

and to everyone lucky enough to know you.

So today, on Women’s History Month,

I want to say thank you.

📣 Thank you for being the kind of people I’d want to be around,

the kind of people others look up to and want to follow.

You are the women of history—

right now.

And I couldn’t be prouder.

Fill my love,

Call me,

Come visit—

Or at least pretend not to be too embarrassed by this video. 😄

I’m Dr. Rob—

your dad—

and as always,

stay strong, lead with heart, and be a Force for Health.

See you soon.