Interview with Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Jacqueline Segelnick D.O.
“After getting sick in Nicaragua on a social service mission and being a patient myself for 1.5 years, I decided I wanted to be on the frontlines of medicine.”
In honor of National Women Physicians Day, Jacqueline Segelnick, D.O., a Family Medicine Physician from New York shares with us her unique approach to patients from her experience and empathy.
WHY DID YOU GO INTO MEDICINE?
After getting sick in Nicaragua on a social service mission and being a patient myself for 1.5 years, I decided I wanted to be on the frontlines of medicine.
WHAT IS A PASSION PROJECT OF YOURS?
My Cooking for Boards Cookbook
2 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF:
I love to cook and created a cook book for medical students. I’m a mother to a beautiful toddler!
WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR CAREER OR LIFE & WHY?
My Oma (grandmother) who suffered from multiple comorbidities really solidified my goals in primary care.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO FUTURE MDs?
Do something you’re passionate about and the rest will come.
DOES BEING A WOMAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR CAREER & WHY?
As a woman, and specifically as a mother, I have a unique approach to my patients from experience and empathy. I also highly value lifestyle, wellness and well-being viewing the patient as a whole and not just a symptom.
DO OTHER PATIENTS AND COLLEAGUES PERCEIVE YOU DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE YOU’RE A WOMAN? HOW?
Yes! But in a good way. I get asked about what medications are safe during breast feeding, I get asked about pregnancy and female health. I’ve become the resident guru for women’s health topics simply by just being a mother.
WHAT IS A PERSONAL CHALLENGE YOU FACE AS A FEMALE PHYSICIAN?
Right now I’m working on becoming more confident!
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE YOU FACE AS A FEMALE PHYSICIAN?
Really the same as the personal, becoming more confident as a female physician surrounded by male physicians sometimes and showing that I have what it takes and I deserve to be here.
WHAT CAN (and DO) YOU DO THAT HELPS EMPOWER YOU TO BE THE BEST FEMALE PHYSICIAN YOU CAN BE?
Inspiring other females to pursue their career as a doctor empowers me to keep going and being the best me!
FAVORITE MEDELITA PRODUCT:
The Emma whitecoat because it’s stylish and comfortable!
