Becoming the Physician I Needed and Couldn’t Find
I always dreamed of becoming a primary care physician. Growing up with asthma, I spent a lot of time at my pediatrician's office. The personable, kind, and caring nature of my doctor inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Despite my pre-med advisor's warning about the challenges of medicine, I couldn't imagine pursuing any other career.
As I progressed through my medical training, I realized the truth in my advisor's words. Medicine is indeed challenging - mentally, physically, and emotionally. However, the rewards of getting to know my patients and understanding their needs far outweigh the difficulties.
From Pediatrics to Family Medicine
Initially, I was set on becoming a pediatrician. The honesty and joy of working with children always brightened my day. However, during my medical training, I discovered a passion for caring for adults as well. Now, as a family physician, I have the privilege of caring for entire families, watching children grow, and helping adults manage their health conditions
Being a parent for over a decade has added a new dimension to my work. I can truly relate to the questions and challenges my patients face as parents, allowing me to provide more understanding and empathetic care.
The Unexpected Journey into Breastfeeding Medicine
I often say that I "fell into" Breastfeeding Medicine. It wasn't a specialty I planned to pursue - in fact, I didn't even know it existed until years after completing my residency. Like many physicians, I received minimal lactation-specific education during my training.
My journey into this field began with my own "lactastrophe" as a new mother. Despite being a physician, I found myself ill-prepared for the challenges of breastfeeding. This experience opened my eyes to a significant gap in medical education and care.
Upon returning to work after maternity leave, I began applying my newfound breastfeeding knowledge to assist patients. One week after my return, I helped a new mother with a painful latch issue using techniques I had learned in my own breastfeeding support group. The immediate positive result was exhilarating and showed me the impact of this specialized care.
Becoming a Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist
Over the next decade, I immersed myself in lactation education. I discovered that Breastfeeding Medicine is a nuanced and complex field, and an actual medical specialty. Through online CME, conferences, and joining physician groups focused on breastfeeding care, I transformed my personal struggle into a professional passion.
Today, I am a specialist in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. I've spent the past 11 years becoming the doctor I desperately needed but couldn't find during my own breastfeeding challenges. My goal is to provide the advanced care and support that many parents struggle to find when usual support options fail to improve their situation.
The Shift to Direct Primary Care
Despite my love for medicine, I found myself burning out in the traditional medical system. Short visit slots and a large patient panel made it challenging to provide the comprehensive care I believed my patients deserved. I wanted to focus on underlying needs rather than just treating symptoms.
Discovering Direct Primary Care (DPC) was a game-changer. After researching and experiencing it as a patient myself, I realized this model allows for better quality care and happier physicians. The ability to spend more time with patients and truly address their health needs aligned perfectly with my vision of ideal medical care.
Ultimately, my journey from aspiring pediatrician to family physician and breastfeeding medicine specialist has been unexpected but deeply rewarding. Through DPC, I can now provide the kind of care I've always envisioned - personalized, comprehensive, and focused on long-term health and prevention. It's a path that allows me to truly embody the kind of doctor I always wanted to be - just like my childhood pediatrician who inspired me all those years ago.
If you're looking for a doctor who prioritizes your needs and offers personalized care, FreedomDoc Health might be the right fit for you. I invite you to schedule a free consultation to learn more about my services and the benefits of Direct Primary Care.
Call today at (866) 953-0642 to make an appointment, or request an appointment online.
Sincerely,
