Where did you grow up?
Lima, Ohio
Why did you become a doctor and why did you choose your specialty?
I grew up in a family of doctors but resisted the path as a rebellious teen. I studied History in college, and was an AmeriCorps volunteer the following year, providing cancer education and support to underserved families. Through that experience, it became clear to me that I could impact the lives of so many people by being a physician. I have always loved working with kids but a defining experience was as a counselor at a camp for chronically ill children. While battling serious illness, my 9 year old kids were doing ropes courses, making jokes, fishing, hiking, putting on plays, and having meaningful conversations with their fellow campers. It was hard to NOT be impressed. I chose nephrology because the types of conditions affecting kids in this field are really fascinating, require critical thinking, and can often have a good outcome. I love my colleagues in the field as well; pediatric nephrologists are a special breed of doctor – they love kids, love to teach and explain things about a sometimes mystical organ, collaborate well, and don’t mind talking about urine all day long.
How long have you practiced in the Washington, DC area and what do you like most about it?
I have been in the DC area since 2010 and love having colleagues at all the different children’s hospitals in the area. Also, the traffic is not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
What do you most enjoy doing outside of your clinical practice, when you’re not working?
I’m lucky to have a wonderful husband and three great kids. My parents also live nearby so I’m able to spend time with them. My kids play soccer (who doesn’t in Northern VA) and we also enjoy wide open spaces, cooking together, and creating messes.
Do you volunteer? If so, where?
I am an active volunteer in the PTA in my kids’ schools, and am involved in their school health screenings as well as various STEaM initiatives.
Describe your proudest accomplishment as a provider and/or in your personal life:
This is a difficult question. I think all of the small things matter, so any good outcome that my patients have, any sincere thank you from a parent, any small child who leaves our office smiling (especially if we got a great blood pressure measurement on them) is a small victory. Similarly, with my family – the everyday hilarious and touching moments matter.
If you weren’t a doctor, what profession would you most likely be doing and why?
If I wasn’t a doctor, I would want to do something that created useful, tangible and lasting results – like refinishing furniture, writing novels, or photojournalism. I have zero skills in these areas, so I think I’ll stick to pediatric nephrology.
Personal Sketch:
3 - Children
