As a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist, I am mindful that caring for my patients is a privilege. I provide anesthesia and sedation for congenital heart disease patients who need surgery. I also provide anesthesia when children undergo other invasive and noninvasive procedures.
As an educator of the next generation of physicians, I coordinate the fellowship well-being and resiliency program for our department. I love this academic work. I enjoy educating future compassionate caregivers who also are mentally tough and equipped to care for themselves. When doctors can take care of themselves, they can take better care of their patients.
My own pediatrician, Dr. John Long, inspired me to become a physician because of his kind demeanor. I remember him meeting our family at the emergency room of our local children’s hospital, where I was rushed for an acute illness as a school-aged child. I always knew I wanted to care for kids, but it took me a while to figure out how. In medical school, I discovered anesthesia. During residency, I realized that specializing in pediatric anesthesia would let me focus on children during critical moments in their lives — as they undergo surgery and other necessary procedures. Caring for children with congenital heart disease lends an element of continuity of care that is unique in anesthesia practice.
I know that each patient is the most important person in the world to someone. So, I treat my patients how I would want to be treated, or how I would want my own child or family member to be treated. In 2019, I was honored to be a finalist for the inaugural Curtis Sheldon MD Compassionate Caregiver Award from Cincinnati Children’s.
When I’m not working, I enjoy playing with my daughter, reading historical fiction, writing letters, cooking, playing piano and trying to be a gardener.