Women in Medicine Month: Celebrating Our Women Physician Members
Happy Women in Medicine Month! Montgomery County Medical Society cherishes this annual occasion to honor the contributions of women physicians to our community and our organization. It is particularly felicitous this year, when five of our six officers are women physicians.
Last year, MCMS launched Profiles of Proud Physicians as part of our Proud to be a Physician campaign, to celebrate the dedication of our physician members for the art and science of medicine. We will continue this tradition by highlighting profiles of our women physicians throughout the month of September.
To be featured, send your name, headshot, and the answers to the following three questions to Alyx Hawkins:
- Why are you proud to be a physician?
- What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
Click below to read their full profiles.
Rafat Abbasi, M.D.
Specialty: Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility
Organization: Columbia Fertility Associates
Phone: 301.897.8850
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I grew up in a house where both parents were medical professionals. My mother was a practicing OBGYN for 30 years. My mother was a role model for me. My desire to specialize in ObGYN / Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility stems from that. Reproductive Endocrinology is a dynamic and fascinating field. It continues to lead in research and newer technological advances. I love helping patients complete their families. This desire to have children is primordial and it is also very emotional. It is sad and painful to watch patients struggle with infertility at the same time.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I have been a member of the MCMS and MedChi for over 10 years. I have enjoyed my participation with them tremendously. They are an excellent resource for both senior physicians as well as those starting out. They are very proactive with their lobbying on behalf of the physician community. They also have a very active calendar for social and networking events. I especially look forward to their Red Dress day. I have met very interesting colleagues through them. I think it's a very important part of the physician network to be a part of such an organization.
Kadia Bundu, M.D.
Specialty: Anesthesiology
Organization: Mid-Atlantic Physician Medical Group (MAPMG)
Phone: 202.590.7457
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I love being a physician. I get to do something that I enjoy doing every day. I am very fortunate to be working for an organization tries to provide excellent medical care to its members and the community.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
MedChi and MCMS support their member's efforts to serve their community while creating a forum of collegiality and opportunities for networking.
Gina Dapul-Hidalgo, M.D.
Specialty: Allergy and Immunology
Organization: Allergy Partners of Metro DC
Phone: 240.631.7900
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Being a physician is humbling and rewarding. I enjoy serving the patients who seek our care because it is a privilege to be able to directly impact their health and well-being. As an allergist immunologist, I enjoy educating and empowering children and adults on conditions such as asthma, food allergy, urticaria (hives), and atopic dermatitis with the goal of improving their quality of life. It is rewarding when a food allergy patient passes a food challenge or when a pregnant asthmatic maintains control of her symptoms throughout pregnancy. It is also fulfilling when a patient’s hives are under good control and when a patient with allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is able to spend time outdoors during the pollen season or more time around his/her beloved pet because of allergen immunotherapy.
It truly is an honor to be entrusted with an individual’s medical care. My patients continue to teach and help me grow, both personally and professionally, on a daily basis. I genuinely enjoy connecting with them and being able to care for each member of the family, from infants to adults.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
This past year has taught me to prioritize, to figure out what matters most in life, and to genuinely appreciate all the little things that may happen throughout the day. As a wife and a mother of two young children, I have made it a priority to ensure the safety and well-being of my family while trying to create fun and enjoyable memories whenever possible.
I believe that women have the natural ability to multitask in all aspects of life and it has become more apparent as we've learned to adapt to the changing needs of our personal and professional lives. I have changed my work week and scheduled telemedicine visits to occur on days when I need to be home for my daughters' virtual learning. For several days during the first week of school, they came to the office with me for reliable internet since online learning and telemed visits were initially too much for our internet connection to handle at home. Of course, having them there was only done while wearing masks the entire day and after obsessively disinfecting my desk so they can set up their learning stations. We are all doing our best in a challenging environment and, for many of us physician parents, it involves the art of patience, flexibility, endurance, optimism, and determination to find solutions and balance our various responsibilities.
Another unique aspect is that I started at a new practice at the end last year. It has been an exciting endeavor to grow a practice in the midst of a pandemic. Thankfully this is a temporary situation, and I will continue to dedicate myself and serve our local community for many years to come.
I am grateful for my husband who has been extremely supportive of the demands, commitment, and risks associated with me being a physician. It is a team effort, now more than ever. We have learned to count on our family, friends, and community, even remotely, for support because it really does “take a village.” I know that each of us will come out of this stronger and readily able to adapt to any situation that we are confronted with in the future.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
MCMS and MedChi have been invaluable in my career. Originally from the NY/NJ area, I moved to DC after fellowship training. MCMS and their various events, especially those of The Women in Medicine and Early Career Physicians, have been so welcoming that I felt part of the local medical community from the very beginning. The spirit of camaraderie among its members is amazing, and the colleagues I have been fortunate enough to meet over the years are highly regarded in their respective fields and I wholeheartedly trust their care with our mutual patients.
MedChi’s regularly scheduled COVID webinars with Dr. Haft, especially during the beginning of the pandemic, were vital to not only understand the impact on our society but also to keep us informed on how to best continue our practice of medicine safely. All the resources made available to us by MCMS and MedChi are in support of us physicians and our practices which help us provide the highest quality of care for our patients in the DC area.
Lynne Diggs, M.D.
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Organization: Riderwood Medical Center
Phone: 301.962.4242
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud to be a physician because I am part of a legacy of healers from the ancient to the modern. It is my love of learning and my love of people that I hold dear in my daily work. I strive to keep sacred the doctor patient relationship and always remain compassionate.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to serve MCMS and MedChi to continue the necessary work of advocacy for all physicians in Maryland. It is the unique level of collegiality that I enjoy most. Count on me to help us face the challenges that lie ahead.
Carol Wilson Garvey, M.D., M.P.H.
Specialty: Family Medicine
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud to be a physician because I have had the joy of knowing that I have helped people both individually and in the aggregate. As a family physician, I was able to coach my patients to live healthier lives and help them to deal with their illnesses. As an advocate for public health and access to care, I was able to co-found (with Horace C. “Bud” Bernton) the Primary Care Coalition, a network of clinics which provide high quality, affordable health care to low income uninsured and underinsured County residents. I also served as the County Health Officer for 8 years and addressed many serious issues such as the West Nile outbreak, the local effects of 9/11, and emergency management in general. In retirement, I have had the opportunity to bring my experience to a number of non-profit boards. I cannot envision a more satisfying career.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As a retiree, I have had no direct involvement in the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Primary Care Coalition has been very helpful in developing policies for corona virus management and in assuring distribution of personal protective equipment to its many member clinics.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because they are effective advocates for and protectors of practicing physicians and are also advocates for patients – on the State level through legislative activities in areas such as banning tanning bed use by minors and many others, and on the County level through support in different ways for many years for the Primary Care Coalition, which started off being housed at the Medical Society with Dot Wangner’s physician referral service. I enjoyed being on the boards of both organizations.
M. Rita Ghosh, M.D.
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Organization: M. Rita Ghosh MD, PC
Phone: 301.738.0053
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud to be a physician because as a primary care physician I get the opportunity to be a personal physician to my patients and can take of both their physical and mental health. I treat all my patients like they are my friends or extended family members.
I can take care of them during their sickness and well as perform preventative examinations and counseling for a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise. I refer them for their screening examinations like mammogram, colon cancer and prostate cancer. I manage their chronic medical conditions like hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis etc.
I feel proud and privileged to get the opportunity to be the" captain of the ship” for their healthcare.
I am filled with pride, joy and satisfaction when my patients express their gratitude and give me respect for taking care of their health.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am a proud member of MCMS and MedChi for the last 25 years.It is an honor and privilege to belong to a group of outstanding doctors of MCMS. I have a great referral base and my patients are treated with respect and dignity when they see any other physicians of MCMS.
We get a sense of belonging to a community of physicians with all the events and meetings.
I am happy to belong to the Women in Medicine, part of MCMS and remain connected to my female colleagues.
MedChi and MCMS have great programs to keep us informed about recent changes and trends in healthcare by seminars and other networking events. MedChi is very involved in legislative issues involving healthcare. As a physician member I feel secured that they are the right advocate for my medical practice and future of healthcare in Maryland.
Holly M. Gross, M.D.
Specialty: Opthalmology
Organization: Central Maryland Eye Associates
Phone: 301.662.4545
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud to be a physician because I consider it to be a higher calling. Despite government and insurance influences on our reimbursement, medicine is the most noble profession. A physician's purpose is to take care of others, to enhance their wellness and cure their illness, sometimes at the expense of their own family and leisure time. I am proud to be a physician because of the dedication, knowledge, humanity, skill and commitment of my physician colleagues whom I admire greatly. I am proud to be a physician because of the satisfaction I get from knowing that at least in some small way, I have improved someone's quality of life.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
My unique experience as a woman during COVID-19 was to be a full time wife and mother during the time the office was partially closed, which I hadn't really experienced since maternity leave 22 years ago! I have always worked full time, and it was refreshing to be in the moment and with my family 100% of the time. We cooked, watched movies, took walks and gardened together.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because we don't practice medicine in a bubble, we are part of a community, both as professionals and as citizens. Our professional societies advocate for us to make our lives better, to help us succeed in medical practice and to advocate for our patients. It is incumbent upon us to be part of the solution and to participate in our medical societies. MCMS especially has done a great job with their physician outreach programs, bringing us together for meetings and social events so we really get to know one another. I have enjoyed the Women in Medicine brunches and physician collegial dinners. Both MCMS and MedChi did a fantastic job on helping practices through the pandemic with educational webinars on the government programs, telehealth, and returning to practice safely.
Sheri Hamersley, M.D.
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Organization: OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates
Phone: 301.315.2227
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because I think they keep me well informed and, thus, make me a better physician. I also really enjoy the benefit of socializing (prior to pandemic) and at least receiving virtual emotional support from the organizations and my colleagues.
Natasha Herz, M.D.
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Organization: Family Eye Care & Surgery
Phone: 240.328.6812
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of this county and state medical society as they work daily to advocate for helping our physicians better care for their patients. They work tirelessly to provide many educational and networking opportunities with style and class. Thank you for all your care and support!!
Dominique E. Howard, M.D.
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Organization: Capital Digestive Care
Phone: 240.485.5240
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because these societies are a bridge for physicians to come together and advocate for each other and our patients. It is wonderful to be a part of these entities that enhance high quality health care and public awareness.
Ilse Levin, D.O., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Organization: Holy Cross Hospital
Why are you proud to be a physician?
As a physician, I have had the honor of seeing patients from birth to death. I have had the honor of caring for patients, whether it is treating an infection with antibiotics, supporting patients through the pain and fear of cancer, helping to keep patients healthy through preventive measures like vaccines, or helping a patient determine how they want to approach their health. To me, being a physician means combining science and evidence with the art of how to use that information, and the empathy that means I still feel the pain and loss of each death, or the joy of making someone better, and the wonder and excitement over new discoveries.
What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I work at night as a Hospital Based Physician. When the Covid-19 pandemic began, my son's school changed to a virtual setting, my friends and family stopped going out and stayed at home. People discussed what it was like to be stuck at home for weeks or months. For me, the experience was very different. My job continued, without a change to my schedule. I had to figure out how to be a support to my elementary aged child who was now learning from home and still work my usual hours. Additionally, as an admitter, I saw patients with Covid-19 every shift during the peak of Covid-19. There was the fear of being exposed to Covid-19 and bringing it home to my family. During the worst of the pandemic, the hospital floors were filled with patients infected with Covid-19. In the first few months we knew so little about the disease, but doctors across the country found ways to talk, to share information, and we began to learn. As with many, this was my first experience with a widespread novel infection. People were sick and dying, and we had very little in our arsenal of treatments. I walked the halls, turning patients prone throughout the night to help them breathe better, doing everything I could to keep them alive. I spoke with families, distraught over their loved one and unable to visit in person. It was heartbreaking, but I found strength in the people I work with. Not just doctors, all of us who came to the hospital day in and day out shared a new bond and a new appreciation for each other. Covid-19 isn't just a disease I see in the headlines, I live it, I know the faces of it, from admission to recovery or death.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
MCMS and MedChi give me as a physician a voice. When political rhetoric threatens healthcare, MCMS and MedChi continue to stand for the importance of science and evidence in medicine. They serve as trusted institutions that continue to work to improve local and state health policies. They work for the betterment of our community and maintaining the integrity of medicine. I have been a member of both MCMS and MedChi since I moved to Maryland because when we as physicians stand together, our voice is that much more effective.
Carole D. Levy, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.E.M.
Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Organization: MAPMG Acute Care Services
Why are you proud to be a physician?
It takes a huge commitment of time and effort to become a physician and to continue in practice over many years. It is a career that can take one away from family and friends, is both emotionally and physically challenging over time, and demands continuous learning to stay current with practice guidelines. To achieve these goals and stay resilient throughout our medical careers are things of which we can be proud. I am proud to support my colleagues in this by being part of my health team at work, and by actively participating in physician wellness and other workgroups.
What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As an Emergency Medicine Physician in Acute Care Services at Kaiser, I have continued to see patients "face to face" since the pandemic began, but have a added new role in my organization's overall COVID management design. We have a mobile unit on site to provide a safe place to screen and manage patients who have COVID, or are in the screening process. We can test and evaluate patients to determine if they are safe to go home with monitoring tools and are connected with our home care team used to remotely assess their status. We can continue their care and evaluation in our clinical decision units if needed. I have provided direct patient care in both of these areas during this pandemic.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
It is my privilege to represent my colleagues in the Mid Atlantic Permanente Medical Group as well as physicians in Maryland to improve our ability to provide top quality medical care to all Maryland residents, and to provide support to Maryland physicians.
Victoria Lilling, M.D.
Specialty: Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery
Organization: Capitol Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation
Phone: 301.770.7900
Why are you proud to be a physician?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a surgeon is making a deep impactful difference in someone else’s life. I have the ability to significantly improve the quality of life of my patients, and this can be a tremendously satisfying experience. I have developed strong emotional connections that inspire me not only on the job, but in life. I have experienced the deepest trust, strongest compassion, and most powerful human emotions. In addition, I am proud to be a lifelong learner. The body of medical knowledge is rapidly expanding, with an exponential rise in published research articles each year. Medicine forces me to continue to learn for the rest of my career. I truly enjoy the intellectual challenge of being a surgeon. Finally, being a surgeon is truly a privilege and a tremendously rewarding profession.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The answer to the question what my unique experience as a woman during the pandemic has been, is a tough one to answer because overall I would say I am fortunate to have my health. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across the globe. It has upended the lives of hundreds of millions of people, and decimated economies. The pandemic has been hard financially even more so on women physicians, with less pay but unrelenting dues from hospitals, state medical licensure, malpractice insurance, office space rent, etc. Female surgeons earn an average of 74 cents for every dollar a man makes, according to a new report from Doximity. But overall finances are minor compared to maintenance of my health and my families health not being affected by the pandemic; my heart goes out to families who have been not as fortunate.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am a proud member of MCMS and MedChi both institutions have provided significant amount of help in terms of information and support during this difficult time during the pandemic. The support they have provided has been invaluable to local physicians.
Ainsley V. MacLean, M.D.
Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Organization: Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group
Phone: 301.618.5500
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud, as a Permanente Physician, of all of our patient-facing Mid Atlantic Permanente Medical Group (MAPMG) Radiologists who provided incredibly compassionate imaging care and procedures throughout the COVID pandemic for our patients and referring providers, working in partnership with our Kaiser Permanente technologists.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
This pandemic has impacted so many physicians and patients across the Mid-Atlantic region, and seeing in particular the implementation of essential breast cancer screening and diagnostic services in a safe way that we can now provide virtually and in person amidst COVID, leveraging technology has been incredibly unique.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am incredibly proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi, to support the role we as physicians have at the table in the decisions that impact our patients and providers, particularly as health care remains at the forefront of so many critical policy issues, now more than ever.
Carolyn B. O’Conor, M.D.
Specialty: Family Medicine
Organization: Comprehensive Primary Care, LLC
Phone: 301.738.0300
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am proud to be a physician because every day I get to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. It is an honor I hold sacred. The relationships I have formed in more than 30 years of Family Medicine have enriched my life immeasurably.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because I know the importance of organized medicine. The practice of medicine is impacted every day by decisions made in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill. We need our voices joined together so we can support each other, our patients and the public health.
Elizabeth O'Leary, M.D.
Specialty: General Surgery
Organization: Chevy Chase Surgical Associates
Phone: 301.656.6700
Why are you proud to be a physician?
As a physician, you never have to wonder why you are coming into work every day. Each day I have the honor of helping to heal others, diagnose and treat complex problems, remove cancers, and most importantly share in their journeys and help people through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Women in Medicine Month has an extra special meaning for me. In 1905, my great-grandmother, Anna Agatha Manning, was a third-year medical student with stellar grades. After the consolidation of her medical school, she was informed that they would no longer graduate women as doctors. She went on to become an elected county superintendent of schools but it makes me sad to think of the great doctor she would have been. I wonder about what contributions she would have made to medicine and how many lives she might have saved. It was one of the most moving moments of my life to have my grandma at my medical school graduation. She also saw me start my surgical residency. Her mother's dream was fulfilled when her granddaughter succeeded; I was not held back by my gender. I will hold her look, tight hug and words of pride in my heart forever. We have come a long way since then, and many of us, both men and women, have overcome so much to be able to practice medicine. It is important for physicians, as a group, to continue to fight biases and discrimination in our work places and communities.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Being a mother and a woman physician is always a challenge but during the pandemic, it was very difficult to try to balance homeschooling with work demands. I have a whole new appreciation of how challenging teachers’ jobs are and what they do for our children!
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
It offers great support for its physicians and is an invaluable resource that enables connecting with other physicians in the area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the emails regarding the effects of the pandemic on the practice of medicine, as well as emails that had important information to help restart our practices safely, were essential and much appreciated.
Brenda Pellicane, M.D.
Specialty: Dermatology
Organization: ICON Dermatology and Aesthetics
Phone: 301.810.3600
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Being a physician requires perseverance, honesty, and kindness. I am proud to be part of a profession that honors these virtues. Living these virtues on a daily basis at work spills over into my personal life, thus, guiding me toward a version of myself I couldn’t possibly achieve if I were not a physician.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Like so many people around the world, I lost my job during the COVID-19 pandemic. I suddenly found myself a full-time mom of three. I had always lamented not having more time with my children so I fully embraced this unique situation. My new found unemployment also solidified my decision to open my own practice. Juggling both responsibilities at the same time was definitely challenging! It was so wonderful to be home with my kids again and incredibly gratifying to work with a number of professional women experts in our community to get ICON Dermatology and Aesthetics up and running.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because they advocate for and serve physicians, their medical practices and their patients in Maryland. With COVID-19, the work that MCMS and MedChi do are more important than ever before.
Thu Pham, M.D.
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Organization: Central Maryland Eye Associates
Phone: 301.610.2020
Why are you proud to be a physician?
As an ophthalmologist, I’m honored to be able to help improve the quality of my patient’s lives through their eyes and vision. Witnessing the reaction of a patient after they can see again following cataract surgery is priceless. Being able to help prevent blindness or diagnose strokes and other medical diseases, with the eye exam, is extremely gratifying. I’m proud to be part of a compassionate profession that works to better lives.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I’m proud to belong to MCMS and MedChi, organizations that advocate for physicians and patient care. In an ever-changing healthcare landscape, it is crucial to have allies that work to protect and fight for the rights and welfare of patients and physicians.
Helena W. Rodbard, M.D., F.A.C.P., M.A.C.E.
Specialty: Endocrinology
Organization: Endocrine and Metabolic Consultants
Phone: 301.770.7373
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Being a physician has allowed me to help people for the past 30 years while I have been in private practice of endocrinology. I have seen thousands of patients, and I have been able to help nearly all of them handle their medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, lipid, thyroid disorders osteoporosis, obesity, and relatively rare conditions involving the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, the parathyroid disorders, and problems with fertility and reproduction. My patients have ben very grateful and appreciative, and of course it is heart-warming to receive their gratitude. It is also very gratifying to watch them recover from an illness, or get control of their medical condition.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become much more difficult to function either as a physician, or as a wife, mother, grandmother, and home maker. I have been using telephone consultations and telemedicine for many of my consultations with my patients. We are all practicing social distancing, use of masks and plexiglass shields. Most of our social contacts have been eliminated or reduced. However, we know that this is a temporary situation and I try to convey a message of optimism to my patients, family and friends.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
In these trying times, it is so important to stay connected. The MCMS serves as a unifying force for physicians. Now more than ever before we physicians need representation to protect our ability to perform
our critical functions in society. Medicine is under siege. Many physicians are “burned out” and dropping out, retiring. Almost all physicians are working longer hours and the compensation has not been increasing proportionally.. Medicine has become industrialized.
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and MedChi because I believe that they are working hard on behalf of physicians to protect their ability to function in a professional manner with appropriate respect and compensation.
Jasleen Salwan, M.D., M.P.H.
Specialty: Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine
Organization: Montgomery Family Medicine Associates
Phone: 301.989.0193
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am grateful for the unique privilege of caring for the vulnerable. As an Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine physician, I see patients for general primary care as well as the management of alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders. Patients with addiction often isolate themselves, ashamed to seek care due to stigma. When a patient trusts me to be their primary care provider and also help them achieve recovery, I feel great joy, pride, and gratitude.
What has been your unique experience as a woman during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Women physicians provide the type of compassionate and conscientious care that has perhaps never been so urgently needed as now. With the confluence of crises facing our country -- the COVID-19 pandemic; a worsening epidemic of opioid, alcohol, and other addictions; broken race relations; and devastating natural disasters -- patients look to their doctor not only for treatment of physical health problems but also as a source of emotional support. During this time, I am grateful to have joined a practice with 8 other women primary care providers at Montgomery Family Medicine Associates in Silver Spring. Our collective nurturing energy, combined with the wealth of experience of the senior physicians, has afforded me an ideal environment in which to learn to tackle unique challenges in medicine.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
MCMS and MedChi thoughtfully advocate on behalf of physicians and patients for a better healthcare system. In addition, during the pandemic, they have carefully compiled resources to assist healthcare providers and disseminate critical information. I look forward to opportunities to contribute to both organizations' ongoing efforts.
Susan Sarajari M.D., Ph.D.
Specialty: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Organization: Dominion Fertility
Phone: 240.762.5980
Why are you proud to be a physician?
As a fertility specialist, I have the privilege to participate in my patients’ family building journey. I feel very honored by the confidence patients place in me and by allowing me to share such an intimate part of their life. I think there is nothing more beautiful than to see the heartbeat of a new life on the ultrasound screen for the first time. Everyone deserves an opportunity at parenthood and I am proud to be able to help families from around the world achieve their dream of having a family.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi because these organizations are true physician advocates. In addition to that, they recognize the needs of the community and so also advocate for patients.
Cara Simmonds, M.D.
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Organization: Simmonds, Martin, & Helmbrecht
Phone: 301.414.2300
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am extremely proud to be a physician. My education and experiences enable me to support the health of my patients throughout their lifetimes. It is an honor and privilege to be such an instrumental part of their lives.
What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID pandemic has been challenging on many fronts. As a woman in medicine who has always helped the underserved and patients in need, I felt guilty not being on the front lines in the hospital. As a wife who watched as her physician husband delivered babies to patients with COVID, I experienced great anxiety and concern. As a mother, I have experienced a range of emotions white watching my 4 children miss graduation and important birthdays, lose jobs, delay careers and postpone college. My patients are also women in the workplace, mothers and wives. I am blessed each day to engage in mutual support and empathy as I share all of these struggles with the women I serve each day.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
The MCMS and MedChi organizations go above and beyond. I am not simply a "member." Instead I am treated as a whole person. The organizations not only attend to practice issues but also support physicians with education, networking and focus groups. MCMS and MedChi have been especially supportive of women physicians by getting to know many of us personally and addressing the issues that are important to women in medicine. I am proud to be part of MCMS and MedChi.
Ann Marie Stephenson Thomas, D.O., M.B.A.
Specialty: Gastroenterology
Organization: Capital Digestive Care
Phone: 301.340.3252
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Being a physician humbles you daily. It has literally transformed my life personally and betters me as a person. I have the awesome opportunity to learn from my patients, who earnestly trust me with a very vulnerable aspect of their lives, which is their health and well- being. I am proud to be a physician because of this. On a more personal note, losing my father to gastric cancer during my first year of GI fellowship also strengthened my ability to relate to many of my patients. Although I miss him dearly, that experience further confirmed that medicine was indeed, my God-given mission field.
What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Earlier this year, before the pandemic, my husband and I found out we were pregnant! We welcomed the awesome blessing of our beautiful son into the world last month. That being said, I literally spent the majority of my pregnancy and now, the beginning of new motherhood within the confines of this ongoing pandemic.
This challenging journey continues to place me in a vulnerable position which has been humbling personally, professionally, and financially. I am not just a physician any longer. I was now for the first time, an expectant mother, which also made me an immunocompromised patient. All the plans my family initially had prior to COVID fell by the way side and we all had to adapt to a whole new world. We had to learn how to function safely amid this virus. I could not physically hug my mom who lives in New Jersey. My husband was no longer permitted to accompany me in person to my OB visits. We had to rely heavily on video platforms during my multiple appointments. I struggled initially with being at home because it was quite an abrupt shift. I enjoy my job immensely and was habitually used to working outside our home. Yet I was petrified to go to my office or perform procedures. My specialists advised me not to go into the hospital under any circumstances for work. I felt helpless, afraid, and uncertain. However, I was able to peacefully navigate my way by the awesome grace of God, and the unwavering emotional support of my husband, family, and my circle of very close friends. Some of those close personal friendships included women physician colleagues who I had the opportunity to meet by way of MCMS years ago. Through video platforms such as Facetime and Zoom, my extensive support system checked on me daily and kept my spirit uplifted.
From a professional standpoint, I immediately transitioned all my patients to telemedicine. This was a deep learning curve and another challenging process. But I soon adapted quickly and am grateful for this platform because it gave me the opportunity to continue providing patient care to those I serve. I fully empathize and understand the fear and concerns my patients have when I too am being sent for routine bloodwork and testing during this ongoing healthcare COVID crisis. I also clearly recognize the overwhelming necessity to continue delivering proper healthcare to patients despite the challenge of a global pandemic. This is the obligation of all healthcare providers; this makes us more than just essential. Our patients truly need us.
For two months I exclusively worked from home until my practice obtained PRC testing after tremendous effort. This enabled our endoscopy centers to reopen for electives with an increased degree of safety. With PPE, mandatory testing and screening of all patients, physicians and staff, I could resume procedures with some degree of peace of mind for a few months before I delivered my son.
This has been and continues to be a challenging experience for me as a woman and new mother. There are multiple dynamics that women face daily that are magnified during this pandemic. Women are trying to provide patient care, manage our families, seek proper childcare and/or homeschool our children. We are so busy making sure everyone else is doing well. I would like to take a moment to recognize the positive impact that this pandemic has had on me as a woman. COVID placed a necessary pause in my life. It forced me to reevaluate my work life balance prior to the pandemic. As a woman physician who is now also a new mother, it helped me refocus on the important things in life that are of greater value such as my personal relationships and self-care. When I return to practice after maternity leave, I have already instituted a plan and schedule in place to ensure these areas are not compromised but are prioritized.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I am proud to be a member of MCMS and Medchi because both organizations continuously keep physicians current with ongoing legislation, and up to date with changes in clinical practice and the business of medicine. These organizations also offer opportunities to become involved in these areas as well as other critical aspects of medicine. MCMS and Medchi promote colleague comradery and support networking among physicians, which has allowed me the opportunity to build strong professional relationships.
Samantha Toerge, M.D.
Specialty: Dermatology
Organization: Chevy Chase Dermatology Center
Phone: 301.951.7905
Why are you proud to be a physician?
Each day, I am honored to have patients put their trust in me. In my opinion, caring for a patient's health is a great responsibility. I work hard to be worthy of my patient's confidence.
What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Fortunately, our family and friends have been diligent and safe during this pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized, for me, the need to be flexible and creative. As a mom, physician and business owner, there is a constant challenge to find new ways to safely see patients, keep my staff safe, educate my children and manage a business. This summer, we found creative ways to keep our 11 and 9 year old occupied through hiking a bunch, swimming, and visiting local attractions we never would have had the inclination to visit during a normal summer. Balancing being a mom, a wife and a physician takes hard work, ingenuity and a ton of planning, especially during this pandemic.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
These organizations uniquely support physicians. At the start of the pandemic, I joined many of the informational calls that gave us updates on the pandemic and how to manage an office during this difficult time. Over my years in practice, both societies have been continuing resources and support to my practice of medicine.
Thu Tran, M.D.
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Organization: Capital Women's Care Rockville OBGYN
Phone: 301.424.1698
Why are you proud to be a physician?
I am more humbled than proud to be a physician. What other job would carry the honor of being trusted by people at terribly vulnerable times in their lives? I have had patients who shared things wth me that they would not confide in their families. I have had patients who ask me to review their treatment plans with other specialists before they accept them. These patients remind me to try even harder such that I deserve their trust, and to make sure I return that trust gracefully with my care.
What has been your unique experience as a woman physician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
This COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the multi-tasking nature of women. I quarantined with my family including my 97 year-old father who was terrified for me and my family whenever I went to the office to see emergency patients. The fear and confusion of whether I was helping to protect him, or I would end up bringing the COVID-19 infection back home to him, were intense and stressful emotions. Like many of my women colleagues, I took care of my family while simultaneously working by telemedicine or going to the office a few days each week. I learned how to forage the local neighborhood fields and woods, harvesting wild edible plants including bamboo shoots, mushrooms, bitter mustard, wineberries etc…. between dashing in and out to various grocery stores as my family’s designated shopper. Every Saturday, my women physician friends and I, took time to receive COVID updates from a national COVID expert friend, and then participated in a self-care hour by a group of therapist friends. We joined Zoom workouts and had yoga sessions together every week. We took care of each other while completing our multiple other tasks to keep our life going as normally as possible.
Why are you proud to be a member of MCMS & MedChi?
I have always believed there’s a supportive village behind every happy and effective physician. We physicians are like roots of a tree, and our local and state medical societies are that tree that we are supporting, in return for the shade provided for us to survive the storms. Our life and work is very complicated, and we are challenged to function efficiently because of the limited time we have available outside our working hours. We can be competent physicians, but it is impossible to keep up with all the changes in government regulations, insurance and the economics of practicing medicine. MCMS and MedChi complete this homework for us, informing us of what to do to avoid wasting our labor and resources, and how best to be compliant with all these changes. I have made many good friends and colleagues through MCMS, and realize how important it is for we physicians to have social and professional connections mixed. Together, we share our expertise and knowledge, with the ultimate goal of healing our patients in the most effective way. Our friendship and trust in each other also provide the emotional support needed to avoid physician burnout. I am definitely proud to have been a member of MCMS since the beginning of my career, and I am grateful for the work of MCMS and MedChi and the friendships I have found there over the many years.
