Holly Cooper, MD

Why did you pursue a career in medicine?

I always found myself drawn to science as a child and knew that whatever career path I chose would in some way involve biology and science. As I began to think more practically about what my future would look like, I realized how important it was to me to do something that helped a wide range of people across different backgrounds. I was drawn to medicine when I realized that it would allow me to help people from across the socioeconomic spectrum through the use of applied biology.

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

Because I had not pursued a career in medicine from the beginning, my resume reflected my other interests, with experience working at zoos and aquariums, volunteering at animal hospitals, and contributing to animal science research. As a result, I was often met with the question, “Are you sure this is really what you want to do?” from interviewers, as well as from family and friends. I know I am hardly the only person to have experienced imposter syndrome, but it can be especially difficult to overcome when the people around you continually question whether you truly belong where you are. Over time, I realized that these doubts were not a reflection of my abilities or commitment, but rather of how unconventional my path to medicine appeared to others.

What energizes you about your work? 

I love the constant learning and sharing of knowledge inherent in my work. Our understanding of how the human body works and how to best treat the various health conditions that arise is constantly changing. There is always something new for me to learn and read about so I never find myself getting bored or finding my work monotonous. Just as meaningful to me is the opportunity to help patients better understand their own bodies and health. Endocrinology is, in my opinion, a very logical field of medicine, with its well-balanced feedback loops and interconnected pathways. I often find myself drawing these pathways to help patients and families understand new diagnoses such as hypothyroidism, precocious puberty, and PCOS/PMOS. Few things are as gratifying as having a parent or patient ask if they can keep my drawing at the end of a visit so they can refer back to it and better understand what is happening in their body. Moments like these remind me that being a physician is not only about diagnosing and treating disease, but also about empowering patients with knowledge about their own health.

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

Finding a community at work has been essential to my well-being. I have always had outside hobbies and interests such as painting, boxing, and marine biology. And I find it crucial to be able to spend time with my wonderful dog and family, going on hikes or visiting local beaches. But so many of my waking hours are spent at work or thinking about that I have found that external interests alone aren't enough to fully bring me happiness. I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside an exceptionally supportive and caring team of endocrinologists, nurses, diabetes educators, social workers, pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, researchers, and office staff. Building friendships and discovering shared interests with the people I spend as much, and sometimes more, time with than my own family has brought me an unexpected and deeply meaningful source of joy over the past few years.

What advice would you give someone starting in the field? 

Find a field that excites you. While I'm not sure I completely believe the adage of "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life," I do think there is some wisdom behind it. Medicine is a demanding career, both physically and emotionally, and there will inevitably be difficult days. But finding an area of medicine that genuinely sparks your curiosity and passion, even if it is not the most glamorous or the most highly paid, can make those challenges worthwhile.