Q: Why did you become a doctor/reproductive endocrinologist?
I have always been interested in science and discovery and remain ever curious about how things work (whether considering the human ovary or the garbage disposal in our kitchen). Centuries of research and experimentation have shaped our current understanding of human physiology and have enabled us to develop improved treatments for many conditions. While advances in basic science can be thrilling, these are often incremental and riddled with false turns and roadblocks; in contrast, the practice of medicine often yields immediate and highly gratifying results for our patients. In my career I have been fortunate to experience both sides of this equation...the methodical slog of research and the immediate reward of, say, removing an ovarian cyst or helping a couple to become pregnant; which is to say that I find my job to be both a privilege and personally gratifying.