In this episode the host, Amanda Quijano, talks with Missy, a family medicine doctor, mom of two, and associate program director, about family planning during medical training, extending training timelines, breastfeeding while working clinically, and her evolving perspective as she’s transitioned from the roll of trainee to mentor and leader.
Missy describes intentionally having her first baby in fourth year of medical school after taking a leave from school in Israel to live with her partner in Peru, then timing her second pregnancy near residency graduation and using accrued unpaid leave to maintain health insurance during a high-risk pregnancy. She recounts major barriers to pumping as a student and intern—lack of space, time, safety, and agency—contrasted with a more supportive attending experience with blocked time and collegial support.
The discussion emphasizes Missy’s new role as one of the “trusted adults” - a program leader now advocating from the top-down to buffer vulnerable trainees, using her own experiences to fuel how she approaches her role as an educator and advocate for a new generation of pregnant, parenting and breastfeeding residents.