Continuing our physician spotlight series on the blog, we recently caught up with Dr. Michele Cho and asked her a few questions.
SRM: Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. It’s a small suburb outside of New York City. I did go “down the shore” after prom but I promise my high school only had small similarities to the Jersey TV shows!
SRM: When did you first think about going into medicine?
Of course I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was little since I love animals! Since I loved the natural sciences, human biology became my next interest and ultimately medicine. The best thing about medicine is that there are so many types of doctors that you can choose a specialty that fits your personality, whether it’s surgery, research, or just person to person interaction that stimulates you the most.
SRM: Why did you choose to specialize in Obstetrics/Gynecology and then subspecialize in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility?
I delivered my first baby as a med student and loved it! It’s so incredible to be in the room for someone’s life changing special moment. I love infertility because I feel as though it overlaps with some of my feminist ideals! I think women should be able to have it all, even if we take different paths to get there. Even though I don’t do deliveries anymore, I still know my patients will have their moment, and it’s so wonderful when I get to hold their babies later on!
SRM: What is the most challenging part of your work?
Not everyone is going to have an easy path, and the struggles that some will face just seem so unfair. It’s hard to face, but not every single patient is going to be pregnant or willing/able to take the next step in order to get there. I want to be as supportive I can to my patients during their journey.
We call it a journey because it’s both hazardous and rewarding and you learn about yourself as you go, but when you are in the middle of it, it’s more like trials and tribulations! I get it because I have had infertility too, and I often share with my patients that I have done IUI and IVF myself.
SRM: What kind of work would you choose to do if you weren’t a physician?
Perhaps a waitress at a very fancy restaurant. I enjoy meeting people and staying organized/multi-tasking. Another awesome job would be Bill Gates’ personal assistant.
SRM: What do you do to relax?
Travel of course, read trashy celebrity gossip magazines, cook elaborate meals, and my secret confession – video games.
Click here to learn a little more about Dr. Michele Cho .
