Sejal H. Shah, MD

Why did you pursue a career in medicine?

I loved science classes in high school and college and had informative experiences working in research laboratories - I thought I would be a scientist. However, two summer experiences working in pediatric care settings steered me towards clinical medicine and working directly with patients and their families.

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

The many years of training after college are challenging - you continue schooling while peers establish careers and move forward in other aspects of life. I was lucky to have a supportive peer group through all my levels of medical training and a supportive family. This emphasized to me that a career in medicine, even in the setting of the challenges, is what I am supposed to be doing.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work? 

Working with children and their families - sometimes we have the answer in medicine, often we do not, but being able to take the journey with them to learn and understand and hopefully find the right answer has been rewarding.

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

I enjoy baking, spending time with my family, and gardening.

What advice would you give someone starting in the field? 

When starting in medicine, see as much as you can, and try to work in a variety of medical settings. You can learn something from all these experiences and define what you value and what has less value for you in your medical career - be open to that changing over time. If your career aligns with your core values, it can be fulfilling and help you weather the ups and downs, and may even lead you in a different direction than you planned.