I am a board-certified generalist OB/GYN, and I joined Advantia Health in September 2021. Originally from Durham, NC, I have spent the past several years exploring different areas of the country for education and training–from the Northeast to the Bay Area to Chicago—and now have settled in Maryland after my husband started a job with the Department of Justice. I am excited to be joining the Advantia family!
I developed a passion for LGBTQIA+ health during my residency at Stanford. I was fortunate to be able to train with mentors who exemplified inclusive and respectful care and trained at a time when my program was greatly expanding its focus on LGBTQIA+ health, including recruiting a national expert in this field to start a focused clinic for LGBTQIA+ gynecologic care. Unfortunately, even at an inclusive institution, I also witnessed firsthand multiple instances of trans patients being grossly mistreated. In one instance, I was called for a Gyn consult on a trans male patient in the ER, but by the time I got there, the patient had left without receiving medical care because he had been repeatedly misgendered and mistreated by hospital staff. This experience highlighted the barriers that LGBTQIA+ patients face in accessing care, and solidified my commitment to creating safe spaces where all patients are able to receive respectful and affirming OB/GYN care. Additionally, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transition process of a family member, who has graciously shared details of his transition and thereby helped me become a better-informed doctor.
From the woman who doesn’t need to be asked about contraception because she has female sexual partners to the trans man who needs a pap smear, to the queer couple hoping to build a family, to the young teen still exploring their identity, there are so many patients who do not fit the mold of the cis straight woman for whom the OB/GYN office was traditionally designed but who still need our care. I believe it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and work hard to make sure all our patients feel seen and supported and safe every step of the way.