Archive for category: News You Need to Know

Abigail Solorio, MD, (PGY 2; Family Medicine)

Abigail Solorio, MD, (PGY 2; Family Medicine) encourages her fellow residents to embrace the learning process and to remember that the experiences that may feel like setbacks are often the ones that propel you forward.

She also stresses the importance of keeping patients at the center of everything you do.

“A lot of the learning comes not only from our attendings but our patients as well. It’s not just about the medical knowledge, but rather about understanding your patients’ stories—connecting with them and helping them navigate a healthcare system that can sometimes feel impersonal and disconnected.”

Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Solorio observed the language and cultural barriers that many people face when seeking medical care. She also came to understand the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly those without access to quality medical care.

“These valuable insights fueled my desire to become a physician—someone who could be a voice for people like my family, my neighbors, and my community,” she explains.

Dr. Solorio enjoys building relationships with her patients, navigating their challenges together, and empowering them to take control of their health. As a bilingual family medicine physician, she’s thankful for her ability to communicate with patients in their native language, which she says fosters a level of trust and understanding that can be the difference between a successful treatment plan and a missed diagnosis.

In her role as education chief for the MedStar Health—Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center Residency Program in Family Medicine, Dr. Solorio organizes weekly didactic sessions for residents and medical students. She also works closely with faculty to promote wellness and create a learning environment where residents feel comfortable sharing challenges and successes.

“Prioritizing mental health and well-being is something we must be intentional about,” she says. “Making space for rest, reflection, and open conversations about well-being allows us to stay connected to the passion that brought us into medicine.”

Dr. Solorio uses her time off to recharge and experience the world outside of work. Sometimes this means relaxing on a beach somewhere or traveling to a new city or country. Other times, it’s discovering a new workout studio in D.C., taking a Pilates or boxing class, or enjoying the peace and quiet of a museum like the National Portrait Gallery.

Adam Hood, MD, (PGY 2; Family Medicine)

Adam Hood, MD, (PGY 2; Family Medicine) says the beauty of family medicine is being able to make a significant impact in a patient’s life by taking an interest in who they are and attempting to understand and treat the person, not just the disease.

As a family medicine resident at MedStar Health–Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center, Dr. Hood describes his day-to-day as taking care of patients, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, across all walks of life and all demographics—everyone from pregnant patients and their babies to young children and the elderly. Being able to interact with and serve so many different types of people is what Dr. Hood loves most about his job.

This aspect of his work, however, has also helped shape his hope for the future of medicine in the United States—one where there is greater health equity. Dr. Hood acknowledges that a lot of good work has already been done on this front, but there is still significant progress to be made.

“I have patients who have to choose between paying for medications or paying for food or rent, or who would benefit from a certain medication but, because of their insurance or lack of insurance, aren’t able to afford it,” he says.

While Dr. Hood may have briefly considered careers outside of medicine—or even other specialties—where he landed may have, ultimately, been predestined. After all, both of his parents are primary care physicians in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas.

Prior to beginning his residency at MedStar Health, Dr. Hood says he had never lived outside of the state of Texas. But he emphasizes how fortunate he feels to have ended up in his program, where, he says, everyone is committed to helping each other become the best family medicine physicians they can be. He’s also thankful for his cohort of supportive residents, who help each other grow personally and professionally.

Dr. Hood says that his cohort regularly checks in with each other, whether through quick texts or more intense heart-to-hearts, and the advice he offers his fellow residents is to make sure they are prioritizing their health.

“Our jobs are to focus on the health of others, so our own health and well-being can get brushed to the side. You will be the best version of yourself as a doctor if you prioritize your own physical and mental health. As one of our attendings, Dr. Kirk, likes to say, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’”

Outside of work, Dr. Hood “fills his cup” by staying active, exploring all of DC’s amazing parks and museums with his wife, and discovering new area restaurants.

Hannah Gaynier, MD, (PGY 2; Pediatrics)

For Hannah Gaynier, MD, (PGY 2; Pediatrics) it was a passion for public health that led her to medicine. Fewer barriers and greater access to care, especially for the pediatric population, are on her wish list for the future. “Healthcare within all school systems is a dream of mine,” she says.

She also craved a career where she could develop personal relationships, like those physicians are able to establish with their patients. Now in her second year of residency at MedStar Georgetown, Dr. Gaynier appreciates the perspective that her patients provide.

“Even in the more difficult times, pediatric patients always seem to find ways—like a silly drawing they’re proud to show off—to remind providers of the all the joy that exists.”

Away from the hospital, Dr. Gaynier finds perspective by being outside, and she says nature is an important balance to the clinical setting.

“A walk in Rock Creek Park is all my mind needs sometimes to remember that a whole life exists outside of residency,” she says.

She likes to remind her colleagues to maintain perspective, too. Dr. Gaynier encourages her fellow residents at MedStar Health that no one expects them to be an expert on everything. “Give yourself permission to admit to yourself (and sometimes even to your patients) that you are uncertain. And use that uncertainty as a motivator to learn more,” she says.

Dr. Gaynier’s interest in learning doesn’t just apply to her day job. She also loves to bake and enjoys testing out new recipes from her favorite baking blogs on her (very lucky and, likely, very willing!) colleagues at least once a month. “Fortunately, my residency program has agreed to be my guinea pigs!”