Smart, Savvy, Shameless MD.
How did I become a smart, savvy, shameless MD? It’s my superhero origin story, and my superpower is shamelessness.
My parents were both high school teachers; Mom taught English and Dad taught biology. From the time I was born, they talked to me about how the world worked. I remember my Dad pushing me on the swing and explaining the physics of acceleration. I inherited curiousity and medicine was a natural fit for me. The human body is amazing!
The one thing my parents never taught me anything about was sexuality. I never even got The Talk! When I was a pre-teen they put some pamphlets out on the coffee table and told me I was welcome to talk to them if I had any questions.
A few years ago I asked them - What happened? Their answer was that they honestly did not have the language to talk to me about sex.
My speciality in Gynecology is the lower genital tract - cervix, vagina, vulva. This work almost always includes sexual health. I realized very quickly that treating the medical problem was not enough. I needed to address the shame that blocked them from healthy behaviors, and be a resource for Sexuality Education.
I had to help them with everything they never learned in Sex Ed.
I became a Facilitator for the Our Whole Lives sexuality education program and started working with youth in grades 7 to 9. These kids go on to become resources for their peers, and I truly believe that this work makes a difference.
Most of my middle aged peers never had a chance to get comprehensive Sex Ed. My friends are brilliant, educated, and wise, but too often I drop a casual fact around sexuality and find that they are shocked! There is so much that they don’t know.
There is so much to learn - enough to fill a book! So that’s what I’m doing. I’m writing a book on Sex Education for people 40+. This blog, my monthly newsletter, and my other media work, is all part of my commitment to be a sexuality resource for you.
So stay in touch! I’ll keep writing and keep you updated on what’s new. Thanks for joining me!