What section are you a member of?
General Pediatrics
What is your favorite part of being a doctor/healthcare worker/researcher?
I tell people all the time I have the best job in the world- being a general pediatrician has allowed me to be a part of my patient’s lives and have an impact in ways that I never dreamed possible. Most days I go home feeling really good about the job I did.
Who or what motivated you to become a doctor/healthcare worker?
My dad, who told me I could do anything; my mom, who was a pre-k speech teacher - she showed me what it meant to be a working mom and also the impact you can have working with children and families; and my pediatrician, Dr. McGuirk, who always made me feel special. I thought if I could be like her, that would be amazing.
Who or what motivates you in your work now?
I am now at a point in my career where I am taking care of the babies of my patients! It’s humbling and amazing.
Did you have a mentor that made an impact on you? What would you like to share about them?
My residency program director was an amazing mentor- I still ask her for advice to this day. I remember her saying to us on rounds “Don’t say it’s not your job” especially when it came to patient care. I hear her voice in the back of my head on the more difficult days and it helps to get me through!
Do you have any advice for other women in medicine or those who might be interested in becoming a woman in medicine?
Find your tribe and support each other. I have been so fortunate to have wonderful work colleagues that have become like family- we have watched our families grow up, we have found ways to keep touch when our lives move in different directions. We all struggle with something at different times in our careers- when you lift someone else up, they will be there when you need the same.
What’s something you’re most proud of?
The example I have tried to set for my children.
What or who is your current favorite song or musical artist?
My heart will always belong to Jon Bon Jovi 😊
What’s the last movie you saw?
Barbie
What’s the last book you read?
The Museum of Ordinary People
What/where is your favorite CT restaurant?
Viron Rondo in Cheshire
What’s your favorite snack or treat?
Reese’s PB Cup
What's the one item you can't live without?
My reading glasses lol!