Can you talk about your background and what inspired you to pursue OBGYN?
I grew up in Naples, FL. I played club soccer and a bunch of other sports. I was always interested in nutrition and exercise but planned to be a teacher (like Hilary Swank in Freedom Writers). Then I realized kids can be pretty mean. Starting medical school, I had no plans to go into OBGYN. However, I found that I loved reproductive health and loved the role of educating and empowering women. Plus, being the first person to touch a baby as it enters the world is always an awesome privilege.
Where did you attend medical school?
I went to Florida State University College of Medicine! The college prides itself on the
diversity of students and serving the underserved. I grew up in a very homogenous, affluent area, so I was exposed to much more diversity during medical school, and it really opened my eyes in a good way.
I participated in Racism Awareness Week and Cover the Uninsured Week each year. I made many friends of different backgrounds than my own.
Before medical school, I had never even tried Indian or Thai food! The world’s a much more interesting place when you leave your bubble of comfort.
What's it like being an OBGYN provider?
Being an OBGYN is a lot of changing gears. Sometimes you’re dealing with gynecological issues like abnormal bleeding or pap smears. Sometimes you’re dealing with prenatal care and ultrasounds. Sometimes you’re in surgery, and sometimes you’re delivering babies. And sometimes, multiple of these things are happening in the same day.
Were you ever worried that you chose the wrong field?
The call schedule for OBGYN is known to be a little demanding.
I wish I had enjoyed a specialty that would assure me more time with my family, but OBGYN has always what I’ve felt most passionate about.
What is the most exciting transformation you've seen so far?
Medicine has become more of a partnership between physicians and patients rather than the
physicians just instructing patients on what to do. Oftentimes times there are several
ways to get to the same goal. I think patient input helps patients feel more autonomous and responsible for their health.
What advice would you give to someone who is afraid to go to their OB/GYN or someone who doesn't think it's a priority?
I think a lot of people are afraid to see their OBGYN for two reasons.
1) I think that they feel awkward talking about certain things regarding reproductive health. But this is WHAT WE DO. We’re here to talk about the “uncomfortable” topics and it’s not uncomfortable for us, so it shouldn’t be uncomfortable for you.
2) I think they expect everything to hurt. Anxiety with gynecology is not uncommon and expressing your concerns allows us to take additional steps to make you feel comfortable (or use more lidocaine).
What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?
Westcott Fountain! My husband and I started dating when I was 15. He proposed to me at Westcott Fountain when I was 22 and in my first semester at FSU College of Medicine. Someday we plan to buy a brick to place there.
