Archive for category: People Profiles

For Flavia Tejada Frisancho, MD, (PGY 2; Internal Medicine), leaving her home country of Peru to pursue her dreams may not have been easy. But every challenge has made her stronger, she says, and she hopes to inspire others—especially women and minorities in medicine—to chase their goals fearlessly.

Medicine has always been a part of Dr. Tejada Frisancho’s life and her family’s story. Her grandfather, a surgeon, met her grandmother, a scrub nurse, right in the operating room. And Dr. Tejada Frisancho was born during her parents own medical residencies—her mom’s in ophthalmology and her dad’s in oncology/head and neck surgery. (“Honestly, I have no idea how they managed—shoutout to all the parents going through residency!” she adds.)

Seeing firsthand the impact her parents had on their patients, Dr. Tejada Frisancho knew she wanted to dedicate her life to something just as meaningful. She says the cherry on top was getting to apply science—her favorite subject—to real life in the most impactful way.

“I always thought I would follow in my family’s footsteps and pursue a surgical specialty. After all, surgery is practically in my DNA,” she says. “But during medical school, everything changed when I rotated through internal medicine, especially critical care and cardiology.”

Dr. Tejada Frisancho loved the critical thinking required in internal medicine and, sometimes, the opportunity to play detective. She also liked the chance to build long-term relationships with her patients and advocate for them throughout their journey.

Dr. Tejada Frisancho says the unwavering support from her program, mentors, and colleagues has helped her succeed at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She appreciates that MedStar Health encourages growth and innovation, whether through hands-on learning, participating in committees, or engaging with diverse patient populations, and she’s eager to pursue opportunities to be more involved this year.

“I believe that leadership and advocacy are essential in medicine, and I Iook forward to finding ways to contribute beyond clinical care,” she says.

Along with her residency program’s book club, Dr. Tejada Frisancho is currently reading “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde. “It explores vanity and the consequences of unchecked ambition—something that can even resonate in medicine at times!” she says. When she’s away from the hospital, Dr. Tejada Frisancho also enjoys painting and loves to explore art galleries and discover local artists.

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.

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!”

Brandon Albert, MD, (PGY4 Chief Pediatric Resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital) was inspired to go into the field of medicine because of the opportunity to influence others through what he calls the gift of service. The concept of service is a consistent thread throughout his time at MedStar Health.

“MedStar’s inspiring community – environmental services, nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, attendings, co-residents, and others have all helped me succeed,” he says. “I have been fortunate enough to make several friends in the hallways on my commute to the floor and those brief interactions consistently uplift me.”

Originally from Springfield, Virginia, Dr. Albert finds deep fulfillment in collaborating with families to achieve shared health goals, appreciating the unique opportunity to work with all members of a family toward common objectives. He envisions a future where medicine in the United States is easily accessible and equitably integrated across all demographics.

Like other specialties, pediatrics is a field that requires clinicians to take care of themselves before they can care for others. To prioritize their wellbeing, Dr. Albert reminds his colleagues and himself of the remarkable impact they have on patients and encourages them to allow themselves grace in all aspects of their job.

He also encourages residents and fellows to maintain their individuality. “Never lose yourself in this process,” he says. “You are what got you here, and your patients benefit greatly from interacting with your true, authentic self.”

Spending time with friends and family is one way Dr. Albert pays attention to his personal wellbeing. He and his wife, Lauren, enjoy cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Los Angeles Lakers. His hobbies also include attending concerts, playing basketball, and photography.

Nearly halfway through his final year of residency, Dr. Albert says it has been a privilege to work alongside his colleagues at MedStar.  “Thank you, everyone, for playing such a huge role in this pivotal part of my life.”