What section are you a member of?
Hospital medicine
What is your favorite part of being a doctor/healthcare worker/researcher?
My favorite part is when I see the impact I have on a patient and their family. When I was younger, I thought this meant curing the patient or saving them from a life-threatening illness. Luckily in pediatrics, I often am able to make them better. But as I became more experienced, I realized that sometimes just being able to be there with them at a very challenging time and helping them navigate the situation is just as important.
Did you have a mentor that made an impact on you? What would you like to share about them?
I have had so many and I feel so blessed by that. But one is my karate master, Sabumnim Straga. I was able to get to 3rd degree black belt. I am a very soft-spoken person. He pushed me to show my confidence and speak up (sometimes loudly) when needed. If the answer is specifically in medicine, I would say Dr. Mark Joffe. He believed in me and provided me with so many opportunities and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve also had several female mentors including Dr. Peg Orcutt- Tuddenham and Cynthia Sparer who have served as examples of strong women leaders. Dr. Tuddenham inspired me to grow in my leadership journey and learn negotiation skills. Cynthia has shown me a powerful example of how to use my voice firmly when needed to speak up for my patients and how to balance my responsibilities.
Do you have any advice for other women in medicine or those who might be interested in becoming a woman in medicine?
Amplify the accomplishments and voices of other women and don’t be afraid to own and share your accomplishments.
What’s something you’re most proud of?
I’m so proud of my recent promotion to professor of pediatrics. It represents, to me, being recognized for many years of hard work. And it puts me into a position to have a seat at the table to elevate my peers and important issues for my patients.
Is there anything else you think is important for readers to know about you or your experience as a woman in medicine?
Being a woman in medicine has not been easy. Even now, after 25 years in practice and being a leader at the hospital, I am still mistaken for the nurse by families even after I introduce myself as Dr. Dias. I love and respect my nursing colleagues, but it’s hard when the family says they never saw a doctor today despite multiple visits. There is still a lot of bias.
Who/what is your current favorite song or musical artist?
This is easy: Seba. My son just graduated college and is a singer and music producer. He just produced Son of Paper’s most recent album, "From a Rooftop in Chinatown".
What’s the last movie you saw?
"Barbie". I saw it with my daughter. We both loved it.
What’s the last book you read?
"Demon Copperfield"
What/where is your favorite CT restaurant?
Pepe's