Careers in Medicine: Amna Husain, MD, Pediatrics
Meet Dr. Amna Husain. She is a mama, pediatrician, and entrepreneur. She is the owner of her private practice and was able to find creative ways to still be incredible educator to so many. She gives unique insight to how your career is what you make it. I am honored to call her a friend and colleague. Please read on and give her a follow on social media, you will not be disappointed!
Name: Amna Husain, MD Job title: MD, IBCLC Type of practice: Private practice, concierge pediatrics Social media: @dr.amnahusain (IG) and @dr.amnahusain (Tiktok)
Journey to medicine
Medical training
Undergrad: Wofford College Medical school: Brody School of Medicine Residency: Georgetown Hospital Why did you choose this field? Pediatrics was almost a natural fit for me. I love how we can advocate for children in such a crucial way. We can connect with parents and serve as confidants and a medical home for a vulnerable population. How did you make your CV stand out? For medical school or residency? I think being well rounded is incredibly important; it's not just about grades and test scores but yes, that's important. It's also about volunteering experiences and actually choosing experiences that you are passionate about and not forcing yourself to do. Being able to interview well is also a huge part of the puzzle. How much research experience did you have when you applied for medical school? For residency? I had very little research experience for medical school and residency. It was not something I had focused on heavily when I applied but I think that trend is changing and research is becoming much more important to an application for medical school and residency. What is the most fulfilling thing about your career? I love being able to help families and patients at such a vulnerable and impressionable time in their life, serving as a confidante and advocate. What is the least fulfilling thing about your career? We are often undervalued by insurance companies and even other docs. “How hard can it be to care for a kid?” I admit, managing a patient w/ CHF, diabetes & ESRD is complicated, but can my internist & surgical colleagues manage asthma, ADHD, & developmental delay in a child with failure to thrive? Don't forget, your patient can’t provide their own history so you go with what you got. It can be very discouraging.
Work life
What does a day in the life look like for you? As a practice owner, I'm lucky that I can control my own schedule. My days can be a mix of administrative work, clinically seeing patients, and media work as an AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Spokesperson. How many hours a week do you work? Pooling administrative and clinical work, I work approx 40-45 hours a week! What are common conditions you manage? As a general pediatrician we do well checks for children of newborn stage up to ages 18-22years; we also take care of acute and chronic conditions as pediatric primary care physicians. What is your favorite condition to manage? Not a condition per say but I love newborn check ups! What is a big misconception about your field? "Parents are the worst part of pediatrics." All I have to say is, I would take a helicopter parent over a negligent parent any day. I honor the trust parents give me to care for the most precious thing in their lives. ⠀
What is something surprising that you do in your job? I am a lactation consultant as well so I often take moms as patients too!
Do you perform procedures? Yes! My favorite is medical ear piercings
Life outside work
What are your hobbies or interests outside medicine?
I love baking and cooking; I wish I could dedicate more time to doing it leisurely! Do you feel like your have work-life balance? If so, how do you achieve it?
Oh man, the illusive question. I always use one of my favorite quotes by Nora Roberts regarding work life balance: "The key to juggling is to know that some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic and some are made of glass.” Any last words of wisdom for those considering a career in medicine? Pursue a field you love, for you, not for the money. Money can come in many ways and forms but you won't be a good doctor if you don't have passion and care about the field you work in.