’01 Fellow in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
I recently completed an OB/GYN residency at the University of Washington and now work at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington as a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Fellow.
Majoring in STS has helped me to think critically about the impact of science and technology on our society and the reciprocal role that our society has on developing science and technology. Before I knew that I would pursue a career as an OB/GYN, I wrote my thesis about the implications of the triple screen (a prenatal screening test, which has since been replaced by the quad screen or integrated screen). Counseling patients about the tests and helping them to make choices about tests or procedures for themselves or their families is a near-daily part of my life.
I never stopped enjoying the multidimensional approach to a discipline that I learned in STS. Right now, my practice mainly involves taking care of pregnant teens as well as non-pregnant girls and teens with gynecologic issues. In my work with pregnant teens, I get to work with nutritionists, nurses, medical assistants, and social workers to help provide young women guidance (medical and otherwise) during a very challenging time in their lives. At Seattle Children’s Hospital, I work with many specialties, like Urology, General Surgery, Endocrine, Psychiatry, and Nutrition to take care of girls from infancy to age 20 who have a huge range of gynecologic concerns from congenital anomalies of the reproductive organs, gender identity issues, contraceptive and hormonal concerns in the face of other medical complications (eating disorders, cancer, organ transplant). I am often reminded of one or another of our colloquia in these interdisciplinary clinics. For example, in gender clinic, I remember one of my favorite colloquia addressing the ideas of self and the construct of gender in our society. Science, technology, and society are things I see coming together (sometimes in conflict, sometimes in harmony) every day in my work as a physician. I absolutely love what I am doing and think about STS often!