Hilary Seeley, MD

Why did you pursue a career in medicine?

I enjoy learning new things and understanding others. Medicine is a field where I can use critical thinking to solve problems that will help people.

What is a challenge you experience in pursuing a career in medicine?

Medical education is a dynamic process. Finding a way to communicate clearly with a child and their family or a trainee about a medical condition requires constant attention and feedback. No matter how many times I have described a condition before, each interaction is spontaneous and is never the same.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work? 

It is an honor and an inspiration to work with patients during a difficult time in their lives and see them overcome great obstacles. As a pediatrician, I meet some of my patients when they are babies or young children and work with them until they are young adults; what a gift to see them move through childhood!

What strategies do you use to maintain your own well-being?

I pay attention to the environment where I do my best work; noting when to change tasks or take a break. Being active, outdoors and with loved ones (sometimes all at the same time) helps me to stay positive.

What advice would you give someone starting in the field? 

The way we practice medicine is likely to change drastically in the coming years, but the use of scientific inquiry to improve people's lives will always be a rewarding endeavor.