Where did you grow up?
I have lived overseas and traveled extensively throughout my
childhood before moving to Texas, where I finished high school. All my subsequent
education was there, including Texas A&M Medical School and Baylor Scott and White
residency.
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Both of my parents are physicians. My mother is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and my father is a pathologist. They were always very generous with their time and medical training. My mom made house calls to check on her friends’ children any time there was a need. She volunteered as a team doctor for my and my sister’s athletic teams and local charity competitions sponsored by her hospital.
Having lived abroad, I find it remarkable how similar physicians everywhere can be despite their cultural differences. They tend to bring people together by taking care of those around them. Many have a deep sense of calling to their profession. There is no other field or occupation that is so uniquely positioned to overcome cultural and social barriers and unite us.
What is your favorite part about being a physician and why?
Taking care of Veterans. My team and my Veteran patients are the main reasons I love what I do. I am fortunate to work with very kind and brilliant people, both within the VA and DoD. It is an honor and a privilege for all of us to take care of our Veterans. It also brings many people of various backgrounds and beliefs together.
Whatever our differences, I think we can all agree that our Veterans deserve kindness,
compassion, and good medical care. It is an honor to be part of an initiative to integrate some VA and DoD medical services via resource sharing. Our Skin Cancer Surgery Center has two locations, a VA hospital and a nearby Naval Medical Center. Our Mohs surgeon and Plastic Surgeon are both retired Navy physicians who have a unique understanding of our patients’ needs and challenges. They help Veterans navigate care in both systems. It’s great to see two government agencies working together for the benefit of our patients and our community.
Is there a specific event or learning experience that you had that served as an “a-ha” moment or growth opportunity?
There have been many such moments over my lifetime. The most recent memorable moment happened during an Army-Navy football game that our neighbor, a retired NASA engineer, invited us to watch in his house. I asked him a few questions about the current events and his opinion on the social media UFO discussions that were going on at the time. He looked at me intently for a moment and said: “You know, in about five billion years, the sun will engulf the planets and we will all become stardust from which we came. Now…let’s just enjoy life and watch football.”
The a-ha moments were two fold. My first lesson was not to worry too much about things outside of my control. The second one was a reminder that most people really don’t want to have a long conversation when they invite you over to watch a football game. Humbling moments like that are good reminders of universal truths from time to time.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
“Wherever you are, be there” Being present is the greatest gift we can give others and ourselves, especially as the pace of our lives seems to be speeding up with technological advancement and constant connection. That advice was offered by my cross-country coach in college. Her advice is timeless, as iPhones and social media didn’t even exist when she shared it. Another piece of advice came from my mentor at Mays Business School, Dr Len Berry. He suggested I always have a good book going.
What advice would you give to new MSV members?
Please get involved in your local, State and national medical societies. As a physician and a mom, I know that time is valuable currency and we are all very busy. We should try to make time, as any involvement is better than none at all. Relinquishing control over healthcare policy hasn’t brought great results to the medical community, and it is up to us to help change that.
We need to advocate for our profession and for the well-being of our patients. Coming together in an organized way is the best way to make improvements. Dr Brett Coldiron, one of the past AAD presidents, used to say that “if you are not at the table, you are probably being served as dinner”. I think that’s a very true statement.
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
My grandmother. Some of my earliest memories are of my grandma’s laughter. I’ll never forget the fairy tales she told me every night before bed. She was such a warm person and radiated joy. She died when I was little. I wish I had been able to spend more time with her and ask questions about her life. What was her secret to such happiness, despite many hardships she endured and obstacles she had to overcome?
What are some of your hobbies and/or passions?
I love to read, cook, swim, and to be outdoors. We live in an area with great hiking trails, beautiful parks and beaches, so that’s where we like to spend our free time. I also really like planning vacations.
Complete this statement, ”I am happiest when…”
I am with my family on Saturday mornings that are free of time commitments. We typically make breakfast, read books or watch movies. We go on walks or hikes and make a point to notice beautiful things around us.