Q & A

Q: Why did you become a doctor?

A: I am the first physician in my family, and I was inspired to enter this profession by a mentor I had in high school who was a pediatric intensive care physician. He had the combination of sharp intellect with dedication to his patients. He had the privilege of helping families through their most devastating moments with compassion, and this inspired me to pursue the field of medicine from an early age.

Q: Where did your interest in reproductive endocrinology come from?

A: As a medical student, I did a two-week rotation in reproductive endocrinology after deciding I wanted to go into Obstetrics and Gynecology. During this time, I saw the ultrasound of a couple who got pregnant, and it brought tears to my eyes and inspired me to pursue this career path. I had never heard of the field prior to my experience, but I knew on day one that this was the right field for me.

The mix of cutting-edge science with a very human touch hooked me right away. Breakthroughs in treatment, like in vitro fertilization, offer the possibility of children to many who would not have the opportunity without this technology. Now that I have my own child, I feel an even keener sense of the importance of my work.

Q: What about SGF makes you the most proud?

A: I wanted to join SGF because they have a strong reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centered care. While SGF is a private clinic, they also emphasize research to improve patient outcomes and teach the next generation of medical students, residents, and fellows. I appreciate the outreach SGF prioritizes in the community as this is a passion of mine. Finally, SGF feels like a family, and when you and your team enjoy coming to work, it shows!

Q: What is your approach to helping patients who are struggling?

A: I promise to take the extra minute to listen, support, and be fully present for patients no matter where they are in their journey. I will work diligently to help my patients achieve their goals and will seek answers to every question they have about this ever-evolving field. I will be there to offer a smile or hug of support, condolence, or celebration.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: I am passionate about advocating for my patients, both in the exam room and on Capitol Hill. I do this because my patients inspire me with their strength and perseverance through the challenges of infertility diagnosis and treatment. They deserve access to health care, coverage for fertility treatment, assistance with adoption, and equality with respect to marital status, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It is especially inspiring to me when patients of mine not only meet their family-building goals, but become advocates for themselves, taking back some of the power that can be lost during this process.

Q: How would you describe your personality?

A: I am a quiet extrovert, and I love meeting new patients and colleagues. I am a hard worker and always striving to improve myself. Organization makes me happy, and I enjoy planning out my days in advance. I try to find joy in the little things.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A: I love to spend time with my family and friends, many of whom live in the Midwest where I grew up. I am passionate about traveling and exploring the United States and abroad, but I have also recently started to make “bucket lists” for a few hours radius from where I live — it is fun to be a tourist in your own city! I also love going out and trying new restaurants, attending a play or orchestra concert, hiking, barre classes, boating, and watching sporting events. My husband and I have spent many years apart during our medical training and with his military commitment, so weekends together with our son are the best.