Back in college, I was living in a bit of a dream world. Much like many of my peers, I thought I was on track to earn my MRS. degree and settle down with a husband. I envisioned the classic life with a cozy house, a white picket fence, and a couple of kids running around with a dog. I joined a sorority and was nearing the end of my degree in Home Economics—plus a minor in English. But then reality hit me; teaching Home Economics wasn’t the right path, especially since I struggled with my sewing projects. So, I made the bold decision to drop out of college.
One day, while my mom was at a meeting at the local hospital, she spotted a flyer about a Nurse’s Aide training program and nudged me to check it out. That was my turning point. I immediately fell in love with anatomy and physiology and became fascinated by the healing process. That’s when I knew medicine was my calling. I enrolled at South Plains College for their Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Training program and upon completing it, returned to Methodist Hospital to work.
Encouraged by friends and supported financially by my family, I pursued my RN and BSN at the University of Texas in Houston. After earning my degree, I joined the Maternal Fetal Medicine unit at Hermann Hospital, where I found my passion. Within two years, I transitioned into travel nursing, which took me to California, first at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles and later to Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. I was always drawn to caring for high-risk mothers.
In 1990, I moved to the Bay Area and began working in the labor and delivery unit at UCSF. There, I stumbled upon a research nursing job and was instantly intrigued; I’ve always wanted to understand the “why” behind medical issues and how we can improve care. After two years at UCSF, I landed a position as a research nurse trainer with a medical device company, where I traveled across the country training doctors on data collection for our new products. During this time, I met a physician in New York who later became the Department Chair of OB/GYN at NYU Medical Center. I relocated to help him establish his Maternal Fetal Medicine practice and expand his research efforts.
My career has included various roles in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors, but I always found my way back to the Bay Area. Since returning, I’ve worked in diverse research settings, from Genentech to UCSF-Kidney Transplant and Stanford School of Medicine. My passion for research in high-risk pregnancies naturally transitioned into the realm of infertility, which often overlaps.
Since joining the new center in April, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a top-notch team of doctors and support staff. This organization seamlessly blends clinical care and academic excellence. I’m excited to contribute to a world-class research program and a nonprofit that promises to drive ongoing research and advancements in infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
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In summary, my journey from dreaming about domestic life to becoming a passionate advocate for maternal and reproductive health has been filled with learning and growth. I am thrilled to be part of a team that prioritizes innovation and compassionate care in the world of fertility.