What section are you a member of?
Pediatric Cardiology
What is your favorite part of being a doctor/healthcare worker/researcher?
My favorite part about being a provider is the dialog with the families, ensuring that they feel heard, and helping them through difficult times. Every patient I see, I try to put myself in the families' shoes and care for them as well as I would my own children.
Who or what motivated you to become a doctor/healthcare worker?
I remember being asked at a young age: "What do you want to be when you grow up?". My answer was: "I don't know, but I want to help people." I remember the look of confusion on the adults’ faces. This was clearly not the answer I was supposed to provide. Regardless, I guess that sentiment could have led me in multiple directions, but I think 6-year-old me would be happy with the choices I have made.
Who or what motivates you in your work now?
My family is what motivates me now. I love that my children saw how hard I worked for this last degree. I hope that it made them realize that we should all strive to be lifelong learners, never stop evolving, and always look forward to the next challenge.
Did you have a mentor that made an impact on you? What would you like to share about them?
Every day I work with exceptional providers within Pediatric Cardiology that guide, inspire, and motivate me through their daily practice. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this team. I know there is always someone I can turn to when I have a question, when I am unsure, or when I just need someone to listen to me work through a situation.
Do you have any advice for other women in medicine or those who might be interested in becoming a woman in medicine?
Don't let anyone make you feel as though you can't succeed. We all stumble, that is not something to be ashamed of, it’s how you learn. Be kind even if those around you are not. Make every effort to surround yourself with people that support and lift you up: it’s the only way to get through this madness.
What’s something you’re most proud of?
One of the projects I am most proud of is CTHeart Camp. It is a camp I help run that is offered to children with congenital heart disease. We provide the opportunity for these children to meet peers that have faced the same challenges. We hope to create a community to ensure they know they are not alone. Seeing these children outside of the healthcare setting is inspiring and is an excellent reminder of why what we do is so important.
What/who is your current favorite song or musical artist?
It has been Mumford & Sons for quite some time now...though I cannot lie, I do also love Taylor Swift. 🙂
What’s the last movie you saw?
It is sad to say, but I believe the last movie I watched was Mario Brothers...just one of the many joys of having two young sons.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was Rules of Civility. However, my undergraduate degree is in Literature, so I enjoy reading anything and everything.
What’s your favorite snack or treat?
Anything salty. Salty over sweet always.
What's the one item you can't live without?
Books!