For me, pediatric endocrinology was a natural bridge between two residencies, one in OB-GYN and a second in Pediatrics. My interest in research stems from my love of numbers and the excitement of discovery, with each new finding setting the stage for the next, and the knowledge that the work will eventually make a difference to how we manage medical conditions.

As with most working mothers, I faced the challenges of attending my son’s music and sports events, driving him around for his various activities, being around when he needed to talk, trying to invisibly monitor his activities after school and on weekends, and most importantly raising a good and kind human being. I did this while also working on grants, manuscripts and invited presentations, traveling to meetings and conferences and meeting the inevitable deadlines.

Everyone develops their own strategies to overcome challenges, and so did I. I learned to complete work-related responsibilities after my son went to bed (or while he did his homework) and to optimize time management. As he got older, I talked to him about my responsibilities at work, and we developed strategies to work around our schedules.

Another tremendous resource was being able to talk to my mentor about the various challenges and listening to her suggestions and hearing how she dealt with these or others. My primary mentor, Anne Klibanski, MD, is now President and CEO of Mass General Brigham, and I am both really proud of being her mentee and grateful for her guidance and wisdom over the years. She truly embodies the best characteristics of a mentor, and I have learned tremendously from her. She is phenomenal.

A wonderful gift during the child-rearing years was the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Award I received from Mass General in 2006. It was an acknowledgment of hard work and sacrifices at a time when conflicting responsibilities caused one to constantly question one’s priorities.

Medicine is a wonderful field and will give back to you much more than you give to it; it will inspire and fulfill you. However, you may not always achieve everything as quickly as you wish to, and that is okay. It is important to enjoy the journey and savor each day. For mothers, it is particularly important to remember that children grow up very fast and that time spent with family is priceless and to be nurtured.