Physician Q & A

Why did you decide to become a physician?

I grew up in a rural community where I observed the family physician embrace the community and provide health care 24/7. I always felt such awe and respect for him. My mother always wanted to be a nurse and did not have an opportunity to do that and I think she made sure I was able to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician. With five siblings we always had someone in the emergency room (fortunately it was usually not me) and I loved the excitement and workings of the hospital.

What are your clinical areas of interest?

I do more of a general ob-gyn practice although I have a special interest in breast cancer patients and their gynecology follow-up. I am also interested in looking at a more specialized focus on adolescent gynecology care as I feel the first experience with the gynecologist is very important in how patients access their care in the years to come.

What is your philosophy of patient care?

I really try to get the patient involved in short term goals and long range planning. I work hard to make sure patients understand the recommendations for health care maintenance from breast evaluation, bone density scans to colonoscopy and their general blood work as well as immunizations.

How do you spend your free time? (family, hobbies, interests, volunteer activities, etc.)

I am an avid scrapbooker and enjoy riding the bike trails. Most of my free time is dedicated to my family. I am celebrating 25 years of marriage to Mike who is also a physician. We have two daughters, Jill, 22, who started her first year of medical school, and Ashley, 19, a college sophomore. We have an Australian cattle dog named, Tory, that we love to walk.

Provide an interesting anecdote about you.

I had breast cancer at the age of 37 when the girls were only 5 and 8 years of age. I spend a great deal of time working on breast cancer awareness and have chaired for a number of years the Doctors for the Cure with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I am currently celebrating my 14th year of survivorship.