What motivated/inspired you to pursue becoming an OB/GYN? I decided to become a physician no later than age 8. My dad was a pediatrician and I admired him tremendously. When I was in medical school, I considered internal medicine, pediatrics and psychiatry in addition to OBGYN. I was given the advice to go into a field that I would have a lifetime interest in reading the literature. Even in college, I was fascinated by reproductive physiology and OBGYN has a nice mix of medicine, surgery and psychiatry. I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of being an OBGYN for the last 25 years.
What does the field of obstetrics and gynecology have to learn from Public Health? Everything. All of the theories we learned in MCAH public health (life course, social determinants of health, weathering) are very pertinent to OBGYN. Reproductive decisions, fetal life, birth, breastfeeding, menopause all have long term effects on not only that individual's life but the next generation. Our efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health cannot improve in any significant way without addressing the structural and social determinants of health. We can provide all the first-aid we want, but meaningful change to communities and the next generation are public health issues.
What prompted you to come to the MPH program? I had an intentional clinical career and did enjoy individual patient level care. But after so many years, I felt like I needed to approach the same problems on a larger, systemic platform to make a bigger difference to our communities.
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