- Title/Role: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chief Administrative Resident
- PGY: 4
- Program/Location: Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital
What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
My first hands-on clinical experience came when I started working as a nursing assistant in college. I was responsible for all aspects of patient care, including bathing, toileting, walking, and collecting data such as vital signs and inputs/outputs. I spent a great deal of time with patients in this role – more than I do now – and while I loved providing direct patient care, I also found myself questioning the “why” behind their disease processes and treatment plans. I craved an understanding of the underlying pathology and realized how empowering it can be for patients to understand their own disease. This ultimately led me to pursue medicine. I also experienced firsthand how social determinants of health directly impact outcomes and disease burden, and I developed a strong desire to help reduce health disparities.
Describe what your daily life is like as a resident.
Every day looks different! If I’m on Labor & Delivery, I manage pregnant patients throughout all phases of pregnancy and the postpartum period. We see triage, antepartum, and labor patients. I also participate in all vaginal deliveries and C-sections and support my junior residents along the way. When I’m covering the Gynecology service, I care for inpatients, perform gynecologic surgery, see consults in the emergency department, and see patients in our continuity clinics.
What do you enjoy most about your specialty?
Many of our Ob/Gyn patients are seeking care for particularly vulnerable or personal reasons. It is a privilege to care for people during these memorable and impactful moments. I have purpose each day, knowing we are actively advancing and advocating for women’s health. Ob/Gyn is also a dynamic field that combines surgery, medicine, acute care, and outpatient care.
What has helped you succeed at MedStar Health?
My amazing co-residents, faculty, and program director have provided a truly supportive community. I have also found joy in participating in professional activities outside clinical work, including research and leadership roles.
Why did you want to join the PLC, and what do you hope to accomplish as a resident member?
PLC offers a true look behind the curtain at the administrative processes that enable a large healthcare system to function successfully. Understanding the how and why behind certain programs, processes, and decisions is key to improvement. My goal is to give medical trainees a voice, as they often serve as the backbone of large healthcare systems. Medical trainees have the most firsthand experience with the day-to-day realities of clinical life and can offer practical insight into what is working and what needs refinement. I am grateful that the PLC acknowledges this and encourages resident participation.
What's something that most people may not understand about medical training?
A career in medicine requires a true commitment to lifelong learning. Studying, test-taking, and professional development do not end after medical school but continue throughout your career. Medical training can be marked by uncertainty and self-doubt, yet it also fosters tremendous growth. Medical trainees often work extremely long hours and have limited control over their schedules. If you have a loved one in training, please thank them for their hard work! A little positive reinforcement can go a long way.
What ways do you prioritize your wellbeing and/or help your colleagues do the same?
Getting outside, spending as much time as possible with friends and family, and exercising. I try to remind myself and my colleagues that life goes on outside the hospital, that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and that to show up for your patients, you first need to show up for yourself.
What would be your top piece of advice for other residents and fellows?
Community is everything—support your peers, ask for help when needed, and rely on one another to get through hard times. On a particularly tough day, I try to remind myself that I am now in a position I once only dreamed of. And while days can be long, they are full of purpose. Always remember how far we’ve come and be proud of what you’ve accomplished!
What do you envision for the future of medicine? How do you see yourself in that future?
I anticipate that the increased use of AI will drive many advancements in research and technology and, hopefully, improve the efficiency of documentation and data collection. I hope to continue balancing clinical work, research, and leadership opportunities while providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Where are your favorite weekend spots and activities outside of residency?
I love going out to dinner, trying new restaurants, hiking, and spending time with my family in the area. If time allows, my husband and I will explore nearby towns such as Leesburg and Middleburg, VA, or take a trip to the Shenandoah Valley or the Delaware beaches. One podcast I love is Armchair Anonymous, but I highly recommend giving “The Retrievals” a listen.
Anything else that you would like to share?
I would be remiss not to include an extra plug for prioritizing women’s health in research and clinical practice. We need your support to continue providing excellent patient care and to ensure women’s voices are heard and validated!