Can You Talk About Your Background and What Inspired You To Pursue OBGYN?
I was born and raised in Tallahassee. Although I was the first in my family to go to college, my parents taught me the value of hard work and taking pride in the work you put into the world. As a child, my dad sparked a love of science when he would take me out in nature, hunting, fishing, identifying plants and trees, and learning about the beauty and simplicity in the world around me. My mom was a natural leader and taught me much about the human experience. I was naturally drawn to it when I found medicine as it was a hybrid of science and people.
I initi
ally thought I was going to go into pediatrics, but when I did my OB/GYN rotation in medical school at North Florida Women’s Care (Dr. Dixon!), I fell in love with the specialty and never looked back. Taking care of women throughout their lives is an honor and privilege.
I still tear up in deliveries even though I’ve done thousands upon thousands; every experience is unique and special.
Where Did You Go To Medical School and Talk About That Experience
After leaving Tallahassee for undergrad in North Carolina, I returned home and attended Florida State University for medical school. I was the fifth graduating class, and the school was small at the time and felt like family.
I had my first daughter in my third year of medical school, born at TMH with North Florida Women’s Care. I then went to Gainesville for an OB/GYN residency and spent my first nine years in private practice in Tampa, Florida, before moving back home to Tallahassee.
How Have You Seen The Medical Program Change Since You've Been In It? What's It Like Being An OB/GYN Provider?
I’ve seen a lot of changes in medicine over the past 20+ years since starting medical school – some good, some bad. Because there is information everywhere, it is often challenging to help patients differentiate between true and false information. That being said, when patients have access to more accurate information, one of the positive changes is that there can be a lot more shared decision-making. I think medical training, in general, has evolved to involve the patient more in decisions regarding their care rather than having a provider tell them what to do. 
I consider being an OB/GYN one of the greatest honors. To be allowed into some of the most vulnerable parts of people’s lives – puberty, sexual health, pregnancy, deliveries, surgeries, and menopause. That is something I don’t take lightly. Our lifestyles can be challenging and exhausting, but I genuinely love what I do and can’t imagine anything else.
Did You Picture Your Career Looking Differently?
I definitely underestimated the enormous physical and emotional investment obstetrics and gynecology is. We work nights, weekends, and holidays. We work 24+ hours without sleep and then roll into a normal clinic day where patients expect our full presence. We are up at 2 am doing deliveries and emergency surgeries. We walk out of a room with a fetal death and right into a room for the birth of another patient’s healthy baby. We work during natural disasters. We sometimes miss important things with our own families because we are helping other families. We give every ounce we have to a patient and then read a negative review they left us online. We are there to celebrate some of the most amazing days of our patient’s lives but also hold their hands during some of the most tragic. I don’t think I could have ever predicted the physical and mental toughness that this career would constantly require. It’s a heavy, important load.
Were You Ever Worried That You Chose The Wrong Field Or Career?
Not the wrong career. Just a hard one. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a normal 9-5 and not work nights, weekends, or holidays. I wonder what it would be like to always be home for Christmas or my kids’ birthdays or my anniversary. There are days I wonder what my life would look like doing something else. 
But I really feel like I was born to do this. And I also realize the unique privilege it is to be the first person to touch a mother’s baby and pass it into her arms. Or to be the person who is able to perform life saving or life changing surgery for someone who is suffering. Our job is both uniquely challenging and superbly special. And on the best days, it can be most rewarding and fulfilling job in the world.
What Is The Most Exciting Transformation You've Seen As A Doctor?
I think technological advancements in surgery that have significantly changed the patient pain and recovery experience. Hysterectomies are done minimally invasively and patients go home the same day now and sleep in their own beds! They are back to work in days, which was unheard of when I first started training. Things that used to be a 3-4 day hospital admission with a large abdominal incision are now 1 centimeter incisions and home the same day.
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?
Don’t be ashamed if it’s been awhile. We are just happy you’ve made your health a priority. Cervical cancer is one of the most detectable and preventable cancers that there is! A pap to us is just like listening to your heart for a cardiologist — we do it every day and it’s just another body part. There are so many misconceptions about women’s health, and we love to give you evidence based information. Don’t be embarrassed to ask us any questions! I promise we’ve probably heard it before and it’s really hard to surprise us.
What's Your Favorite Thing About Tallahassee?
I love the people. There is a warmth and a small town feel to Tallahassee that feels comfortable. I can almost always make a connection with someone I meet by finding a mutual friend or acquaintance. People are generally so kind and friendly here.
I love the live oaks. I missed them when I was down south.
I love the canopy roads, Florida State Football, southern accents, and hardworking, blue collar people.
Has it been quite some time since you’ve seen your OB/GYN? Or are you due for your routine annual exam? Schedule with Dr. Hinson today by clicking this link or by calling us at 850-877-7241!
