Meet Dr. Dayna Freedman, the delightful doctor who not only spends her time caring for women as a gynecologist but makes time for the things that matter. And appreciates that time.
More on that in a moment.
I first met Dayna years ago, thanks to our two sons who found each other in our community and haven’t let go of each other since. Usually, when these things happen, the parents meet and if all is well, a friendship begins to blossom.
It doesn’t hurt that my husband is also in the medical field, as well as Dayna’s so that takes care of one bond.
But then there’s me.
With zero medical background whatsoever. Unless you count listening to my gut instincts when my kids are sick and making damn good chicken soup.
As for Dayna (and her husband), my lack of knowing where The Bulbourethral gland is didn’t matter. 100% authentic Sharon does.
And so, the conversation continues to flow to this day. I am so grateful to call Dayna, the delightful doctor my friend.
As I was gathering up my mentors for my book Get Up a few years back, I had to call upon my pal Dayna. A gifted physician who is humble, appreciative, caring, and damn hysterical to answer the question:
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR TEENAGE SELF?
And my goodness, did Dayna share a goodie. Please step into Dayna’s office (no, you don’t have to put your legs up in the stirrups. Oh come on – I had to sneak that in!) and read what she has to share about her life and what her answer to my question above meant.
Who is Dayna Freedman?
I am composed of many parts. A mother, surgeon/doctor, wife, daughter, sister, friend, enthusiastic foodie, and aspirational chef. An avid indoor cyclist, cottager, and fitness enthusiast. Hopefully evolving and adding more over time.
What lead you to your path of becoming an OBGYN?
I grew up in a medical family. My dad and grandfather were doctors and loved their profession. I was inspired by them and always wanted to be a doctor. I don’t remember ever thinking I would be anything else.
Why an OBGYN? I was so interested in all parts of medicine when I was a young eager medical student. I thought this career was a great mix of medicine and surgery. Lots of thinking and procedural aspects and I really loved that it was specifically female patients.
What has been the most meaningful lesson you have learned so far in your career?
Mine is a difficult job both mentally and physically – as anyone can imagine. One has to be tough in mind and body in my opinion to do this job well. I believe I am committed to my profession. I think of this truth often and I am glad I was able to live up to my expectations of myself. However, this type of commitment is not something I fully understood in my 20s. (I think that is the same for most physicians)
The following saying, from one of my colleagues, may sound cynical but there is truth in it.
Under promise and over-deliver.
I believe this makes perfect sense. There are a lot of unknowns in medicine. Specifically how patients respond to treatments. Expectations of patients and their loved ones are high – as they should be. But as physicians, I believe we need to protect people to help them deal with what the future holds. That is part of our job caring for the whole patient.
Name three things you want teenage women to know.
They should know they can be anything and everything. They should take up space! Wear bold colours! Take chances! Engage to learn about themselves and the world around them! Youth is a gift – only realized when it’s gone. Take advantage of all of it!
Time to unpack your quote!
“Time is not a renewable source so use it well.”
Time flies – and once it’s gone it’s gone. We only realize that in hindsight. Thinking about it in “real-time” every once in a while keeps us grounded and reminds us that we need to use all of our opportunities – in anything – the best we can because once it’s gone ….it’s gone. It’s human to forget.
Thank you, Dayna, for taking the time to share a little about your world. How you got to where you are, what you want our readers to know and not take for granted. Especially women – who need mentors like you, who take such good care of them.