Surgical Pathways: Dr. Christina Ho's Insights and Influence on Interns

Interns at our program were recently given a remarkable opportunity to hear from Dr. Christina Ho, a distinguished pediatric attending surgeon at Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C. Dr. Ho's journey in medicine began at the University of Alabama School of Medicine where she pursued her medical degree. She then pursued her General Surgery internship at Temple University Hospital followed by her Urology residency at the Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, where her interest in pediatric urology flourished.

In order to further pursue the field, she completed her fellowship in pediatric urology at Children's National Medical Center, where she now works. Dr. Ho was drawn to Pediatric Urology due to her desire to positively impact children's perspectives on a healthy lifestyle and to foster meaningful connections with their families. Her research concentrates on the implications of antibiotic utilization in pediatric patients.

Dr. Ho began her presentation by taking the interns on a journey back in time, recounting her experiences in medical school. She eloquently described the trials and tribulations she faced during her academic years, shedding light on the challenges that aspiring doctors encounter. Her candid anecdotes, coupled with her unwavering determination to succeed, served as an encouraging reminder that success in medicine is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and passion.

Moving on to her time in residency, Dr. Ho shared the grueling yet rewarding process of becoming a surgeon. She didn't shy away from discussing the long hours, countless sleepless nights, and emotional rollercoasters that are an inherent part of residency training. By doing so, she provided the interns with an unfiltered glimpse into the sacrifices and dedication required to excel in this demanding profession.

Dr. Ho shared valuable insights on effective time management, setting priorities, and creating a support network. Her ability to maintain a fulfilling personal life while excelling in her surgical career offered the interns a sense of hope and encouragement. It showed them that with determination and thoughtful planning, they too can succeed both professionally and personally.

Dr. Ho also discussed the importance of passion in any endeavor one decides to pursue. She conveyed that the most successful trainees are those who possess a genuine passion for their work, recognizing that medical school imparts essential knowledge, but true dedication stems from within. Dr. Ho serves as an inspiring role model for many of our interns, showcasing that hard work and dedication lead to the most rewarding outcome of all – making a genuine difference in people's lives.

Dr. Ho's talk was just the beginning of a series of engaging presentations from various professionals throughout the week. These experiences will provide our interns with significant exposure to the medical field, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future paths. Whether they aspire to become surgeons, paramedics, or researchers, we have every confidence that our interns will go on to accomplish great things in their medical careers.