Q: Why did you become a doctor/reproductive endocrinologist?
I originally went into OB/GYN to practice Gynecologic Oncology. I loved surgery and women’s health, so I thought this specialty would be ideal in marrying my interests. As the intern, I spent much of my time on the GYN-Oncology service taking care of patients who were admitted to the hospital. I got to know them and their families well. I was intimately involved in their care plans. Their successes were my successes. Their failures were my failures. By nature, I am the ultimate optimist, never giving up hope. Sadly, I learned, that sometimes cancer wins. A good oncologist knows when to stop fighting. I could not accept this for my patients.
In my second year of residency, I spent more time in the operating room, often spending days with reproductive endocrinologists who did minimally invasive surgery. One of them invited me to join him in office hours. I loved it. Here is a field where optimism is the key ingredient to success. A field that allows me to mix my love of medicine, surgery, and persistent passion in helping almost anyone walking through the door achieve the most sought after treasure on earth, a family. I still maintain an interest in Oncology. I see young patients diagnosed with cancer often, but now I get to talk to them about the FUTURE and the life and family they will build AFTER cancer.
