I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child. Since then, I knew I wanted to become a doctor to care for others with chronic illness and help patients see that they can live a full life. As an pediatric endocrinologist and diabetes doctor, I treat children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, Turner syndrome, steroid-induced diabetes, adrenal insufficiency and general endocrine disorders.
For me, it’s essential to listen to a patient to see if they are thriving and how their health is impacting their life. I try to understand what I can do to help them manage their medical issues and reach their goals. I like to work as part of a medical team to determine the patient’s care plan that works best and is safe.
In my research, my colleagues and I want to learn how technology can be used to improve diabetes care. We are also looking at how to screen and identify diabetes complications, how to prevent or treat hypoglycemia associated with type 1 diabetes, and how to identify the risks of diabetes in patients with other conditions, such as Turner syndrome.
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and children. We like to play freeze tag and have movie nights at home with popcorn. I also have been active with diabetes camps for the last 30 years.