At Lucens, we believe that every medical professional has a unique story worth sharing. Our "Behind the Scrubs" series pulls back the curtain on the diverse journeys of remarkable individuals in healthcare. Through candid interviews, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shape careers in medicine.
These stories embody the Lucens philosophy: there's no one "right" way to build a fulfilling medical career. By showcasing various paths, we aim to inspire, guide, and connect the next generation of practitioners. Whether you're a student, resident, or established professional, these insights offer valuable lessons and fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving world of medicine.
Join us as we go "Behind the Scrubs" and discover the human stories that make medicine such a rewarding field.
What inspired you to become a doctor?
Initially, I wanted to be a ballerina, but reading "My Book for Kids with Cancer" changed my perspective. The author's experience with doctors and nurses inspired me to help sick children. My parents supported my interest, and I volunteered at a local hospital as a teenager. My mom would drive me an hour each way from our home in rural South Carolina. That gave me a real insight of what a day in the life of a nurse and a doctor actually looks like.
In college, I majored in English and Spanish while completing pre-med courses. I also worked at a clinic for Hispanic migrant workers, which solidified my passion for medicine.
How did you transition from med school to choosing your specialty?
I started med school thinking I'd be an OBGYN or pediatrician because I love kids. The first two years were general science, intense and fast-paced. In my third year, I rotated through different specialties. I quickly ruled out surgery since I couldn't see myself waking up at 3 AM daily.
Psychiatry surprised me with how scientific it is, debunking my misconception that it was just talk therapy. It combined my love for communication and science perfectly. Unlike internal medicine and pediatrics, which felt repetitive, psychiatry remained interesting with its variety of cases. This specialty intrigued me, from patients with unique delusions to those needing complex medication management.
Can you describe a challenging period and how you grew from it?
One of my toughest times was my first year of medical school. I was used to excelling with minimal effort, but med school required intense studying just to pass, especially in gross anatomy. At times, I considered quitting. What kept me going was the $80,000 scholarship I received—I didn’t want to let those who believed in me down. Majoring in English rather than a science put me at a disadvantage since I hadn't taken as many science classes as my peers. The basics were brushed off quickly, and I felt out of my depth.
I relied heavily on my peers who were science majors. The team mentality in med school was vital; we helped each other through. I spent nights in the gross anatomy lab with a group, two of whom were superstars, while the rest of us struggled to keep up. We shared knowledge and supported each other, which made all the difference.
What I took away from that period is the importance of teamwork and working with other people when you have challenging times, because I definitely couldn't have done it by myself.
Tell us about a particularly rewarding experience
When I was at Kaiser I had a patient suffering from severe alcohol use disorder. Her liver was failing, and she had only six to twelve months to live. She was on the transplant list, but her drinking prevented approval for a new liver. Her eyes were yellow from liver failure, and she had extensive bruising indicating poor blood clotting.
I took her to a mirror and pointed out the physical signs of her condition, explaining how alcohol was killing her. This seemed to scare her into realizing the severity of her situation. She agreed to inpatient detox and started on medications for cravings and her bipolar disorder. After completing detox, she stayed sober, which amazed me.
I wrote a report for the transplant surgeons, who approved her for a liver after she remained sober for twelve months. She received the transplant, and her success was incredibly rewarding. It was a reminder of the impact persistence and support can have, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
What's the biggest misconception about your specialty?
The biggest misconception is that people think psychiatrists are just therapists who only do talk therapy. Many don't realize that psychiatrists are MDs who go through medical school, take the same classes as surgeons, and primarily manage medication for psychiatric illnesses.
Every day, I encounter people who don't understand that psychiatry involves significant medical training and expertise in treating mental health with a scientific approach.
What's the next big thing in your area, good or bad?
On the negative side, we underestimate how dangerous alcohol truly is. Over the next 10 to 20 years, I hope to see warning labels on alcohol that highlight its carcinogenic risks, similar to tobacco. Countries like Ireland and Australia are already implementing such measures, but the U.S. lags behind. The World Health Organization categorizes alcohol as a Schedule 1 carcinogen, alongside tobacco, asbestos, and radiation.
On the positive, I'm excited about the potential of GLP-1 drugs, which are currently approved for weight loss and diabetes. These medications show significant promise in curbing alcohol and drug cravings. Studies are underway, and some doctors are prescribing them off-label. This new class of medication could be a game changer for addiction treatment.
What does a typical week look like for you?
My week starts with administrative meetings on Monday and Tuesday, consulting with nurse practitioners about complex patients. Midweek, I see a few complex patients and coordinate with pharmacists to ensure medications are filled.
Towards the end of the week, I focus on media, PR, and public speaking to promote my organization and advocate for addiction treatment. I also write articles for LinkedIn, making the latter part of the week slightly lighter with broader advocacy efforts.
How do you find balance and stay productive?
I've learned that everyone has a peak time when their brain functions best. For me, it's 9 to 11 a.m., so I tackle my most challenging tasks then. I also take a break every hour, even if it's just for five minutes to walk around or grab a snack.
By 6 p.m., my brain is done for the day, so I reserve evenings for family time and movies. Understanding and utilizing my peak operating hours has been key to staying productive and balanced.
Who have been your go-to mentors and supporters?
I've been really lucky to have consistently great mentors. In college, my organic chemistry teacher encouraged me to go to medical school and reinforced my confidence. During med school, my classmates, especially the women who were stronger scholastically, supported me. In my career, I've had fabulous female mentors. At Kaiser, the chief of psychiatry took me under her wing and taught me how to balance being an executive professional with having kids.
Now, I've reached a place where I'm trying to give back and mentor others, sharing the benefits I've received throughout my life.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received or given?
A quote that stuck with me is, "You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough." It reminds me to be bold, brave, and say what needs to be said. This advice encourages me to do what's right, even if it's challenging, because we only get one chance to live fully.
If you could wave a magic wand and make one change in healthcare, what would it be?
I would institute truly universal care, covering prescriptions and all types of treatment. This would ensure everyone has access to the same medicines and care, regardless of income or status. It's a politically loaded issue, but it's a significant problem that needs addressing.
Looking forward, what's next for you? What excites you about the future?
I'm excited about doing more advocacy work in the mental health and addiction space. After 15 years of treating patients and seeing areas for improvement in the healthcare system, I'm focusing on realistic changes. I'm looking forward to advocating through writing and events like the American Society of Addiction Medicine's Hill Day, where I'll talk to members of Congress. This kind of advocacy work truly excites me.
