Why I Chose to Teach

When I first started practicing obstetrics, my focus was clear: take the best possible care of my patients. That mission hasn’t changed, but over the years, I’ve come to understand that my impact can go even further by investing in the next generation of physicians. Teaching young medical professionals has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching a student go from nervous observer to confident caregiver. Being part of that transformation reminds me of my own early days and gives me renewed purpose every time I step into a delivery room, a lecture hall, or a teaching clinic.

The Power of Real-World Learning

Obstetrics isn’t something you can truly learn from a textbook alone. Yes, anatomy, physiology, and clinical protocols are important, but so much of what we do happens in real time, with real people, in often unpredictable situations. That’s where experiential learning comes in.

One of my goals as an educator is to create opportunities where students and residents can think on their feet, under supervision, of course. Whether it’s managing a shoulder dystocia or counseling a patient on prenatal screening options, I encourage them to engage, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. Medicine is hands-on, and it’s my job to give them a safe space to learn by doing.

Teaching is a Two-Way Street

While I may have the title of “educator,” I’ve found that teaching is just as much about learning. Every time I work with a medical student or resident, I’m challenged to think critically, explain my reasoning, and sometimes even re-evaluate long-held assumptions. Their questions keep me sharp, and their fresh perspectives often spark new ways of thinking about familiar problems.

Some of the best innovations and improvements in our practice have come from young clinicians asking, “Why do we do it this way?” That curiosity is powerful. It reminds me that medicine isn’t static and neither should our teaching methods be.

Building Confidence, One Shift at a Time

It’s easy to forget how overwhelming medical training can be. I remember the first time I stood in an operating room, trying to recall every step of a procedure I’d only seen once. I remember the nervous energy of my first call night and the fear of making a mistake.

That memory helps me connect with learners where they are. I don’t expect perfection. What I do expect is effort, honesty, and a willingness to grow. My job is to help them build confidence—not by telling them they’re always right, but by showing them how to recover, reflect, and improve when they’re wrong.

And let’s be honest obstetrics can be emotionally intense. There are incredible highs and devastating lows. I try to model what it looks like to navigate those emotions while staying focused, compassionate, and professional. That’s part of the education, too.

The Importance of Mentorship

Beyond clinical skills, I believe one of the most valuable things we offer as senior physicians is mentorship. Medical school and residency are not just about academics, they’re about shaping identity. Who do you want to be as a doctor? What kind of person will you be under pressure? How do you lead a team? These are questions that don’t always have easy answers, and sometimes they aren’t even asked unless someone invites them into the conversation.

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors in my own journey, people who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. Now I try to do the same for others. Whether it’s sitting down for a coffee after a long shift or helping a resident prepare for fellowship interviews, these moments matter. They shape careers, build resilience, and create the kind of culture we want in medicine.

Teaching Keeps the Passion Alive

Obstetrics is a calling, and like any calling, it can be tested by long hours, difficult outcomes, and the emotional demands of the job. But teaching keeps the spark alive. Every time I work with a learner who’s genuinely excited to be there, it reenergizes me. Their questions, their determination, and their awe at the miracle of birth remind me why I started this work in the first place.

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of daily practice. Teaching helps me slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper meaning of what we do.

The Future Is Bright

There’s a lot of talk these days about burnout in medicine, and it’s a real issue. But I remain hopeful, because I see the caliber of students and residents entering our field. They’re smart, compassionate, and driven to make a difference not just in patient care, but in health equity, innovation, and advocacy.

My role, at this stage of my career, is to help clear the path for them. To offer the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive. In doing so, I believe we not only strengthen the future of obstetrics, we honor the profession as a whole.

Teaching the next generation isn’t a side project. It’s a central part of how I define success as a physician. It means leaving something behind that lasts longer than a single patient encounter. It means shaping the future, one learner at a time. And for me, there’s no greater privilege.