I am a physician assistant who began my medical career in the intense environment of a hospital ICU. I loved the work and the sense of urgency that came with it. As I transitioned into motherhood, however, I found that the demanding hours were no longer feasible. Seeking a better work-life balance, I moved into psychiatry, initially for what I jokingly referred to as “Mommy hours.” Little did I know that this somewhat unconventional move into psychiatry would not only align better with my personal life but also unveil a profound professional passion.

During my early years in psychiatry, I realized something that had been right under my nose: I had been suffering from postpartum depression without recognizing it. Despite having a therapist and being aware of the challenges of life, it wasn’t until I was immersed in the field that I truly understood what I had been experiencing. This revelation was life changing. Effective treatment improved my life immensely and sparked a deep passion for psychiatry, especially for serving women during their childbearing years and beyond. I became particularly interested in how hormonal fluctuations impact a woman’s mental health.

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