Skip to content
HERstory-of-Success-header-text
HERstory-Tajma Kotoric_Headshot

Tajma Kotoric

CEO, New Jersey Association of
Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons

What inspired you to join/start your business?

Healthcare became so politicized these last two decades but nothing compared to this last decade. Caps created on residency programs, health insurance premiums rising while care is denied, America NOT getting any healthier but rather more obese and more diabetic despite the fact that we spend trillions of dollars per year on healthcare. The doctor, a professional designed to life long learning in medicine, became voiceless as nonmedical professionals became more empowered.

NJAOPS has been in existence since 1901 (officially). We represent over 6,700 practicing osteopathic physicians, medical students and residents. We welcome our allopathic physicians as well- we always enjoy the collaboration, especially at our AROC convention which is one of the largest osteopathic conventions in the world. We are proud to be CCSNJ members and we look forward to many opportunities to serve our members for many more years to come.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Respect- as a female executive in my 30's, surrounded mostly by male leaders, I had to really work hard to prove not only to my business, but leadership skills as well. From the first time taking over NJAOPS in 2016 to today, all the goals we set forth were not only met, but rather exceeded. I went from receiving tons of phone calls from various leaders to help my guide the association to being giving full authority to run the entire business, it's foundation and the political action pac.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

When the executive committee two years ago told me that hey have my back and let me make decisions for the association as needed. Full trust was established.

How do you define success?

Success is accomplishing and achieving your goals that you set forth. But success can be whatever one determines success is- not what the society deems success to be. You could not post a profit this year yet your company's engagement has increased- that's success! Where there is opportunity, there is success.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

If you make a wrong decision, just go back and make the other one...

What women inspire you and why?

I really love women who started from nothing and built an empire. Women who strive to help other woman move up with them. Women like Oprah Winfrey, Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Susan Anthony, etc.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Network - many of your opportunities comes from YOUR NETWORK. Be visible, get yourself on social media If you are not there already. Just be visible.

Describe yourself in three words.

Opportunist, Kind, Listener

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... I take a step back and reevaluate.

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… Don't stress so much. Enjoy life- everything else is going to fall right into place.

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my family.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… living life again - COVID free hopefully.

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… I got to spend some time with my two young daughters. In this position, you work many weekends and nights. Being able to enjoy them while they are still little, is something I enjoy very much.

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… go onto social media to erase my mind and become inspired.
Scroll To Top