Journey to Hampton Roads

From reading my bio, you know that I've already felt like I'm "in the right place," but really there is so much more behind those words. Behind those words is a story that only a miracle of God, fate, and some gracious people could make happen.

I dreamed about becoming a physician, I also dreamed of being a wife and mother. Could I really have it all? While in medical school, after I signed on with the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), I met my husband. Perfect, another doctor that I could share this jouney with...well almost. There were some obstacles in our way. He aspired to be an orthopedic hand surgeon, had comitted himslef to serve in the US Navy, and was 3 years ahead of me. How were we going to make this work?

Well, we made it through our first set of hurdles. My husband got a deferment to do civilian training and matched in Toledo, Ohio for orthopedic surgery. Then, I later joined him there to start my pediatric training. Later, my husband got a deferment to do a hand surgery fellowship in Cincinnati and we were prepared to do long distance marriage and parenthood as we had a one year old at the time. We knew that it was pretty much unheard of to transfer residencies in the last and final year of training, especially starting at a community based program to then attempt to get a spot at one of the best children's hospitals in the country. However, the stars aligned and Cincinnati Children's had an opening and I was able to transfer.

That entire year we stressed about how we could assure we could be together for the next three to four years, as both my husband and I had about that much time to serve in our respective commitments. Being a NHSC scholar, there are a select number of sites that would qualify for my service. With the military, we knew my husband may only get 6 months notice of where he would be stationed. So how did I even start looking for a job? Very carefully and most importantly I had to be very proactive. We got some unofficial guidance within the military that my husband could be stationed in one of three cities including Portsmouth, VA.

Let's just say that there were hardly any openings in any of those cities, and worst of all nobody was contacting me back in places where vacancies were available. Luckily, I met some wonderful people at the Virginia Community Healthcare Association at a NHSC job fair and I had my ultimate resource and advocate. Once we got the official orders for Portsmouth, I found out there were only two sites within driving distance that could qualify for me, but again neither were hiring. So my advocate from the Virginia Community Healthcare and myself tried doing everything we could to convince Hampton Roads Community Health Center that they needed me. Okay, fine...so, it is also possible that my husband also came to the health center to hand deliver my resume to the Medical Director. Regardless, all of our efforts worked! I had a job doing what I dreamed of and I could be with my family!

It has been a journey getting here, but everyday as a physician in an underserved area brings more stories and experiences than I could ever imagine. I am so greatful to be where I am and I hope you enjoy some of the stories I share this month.