Women making a difference in medicine: Dr. Suzanne Lavoie

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing several of the women who make up our incredible team. Dr. Suzanne Lavoie is the director of our pediatric residency program and chief of infectious diseases at CHoR. She also founded our International Adoption Medical Clinic in 2007. Dr. Lavoie has been an incredible resource to our team members, families and community throughout the pandemic. From providing evidence-based guidance for families through media interviews and resource materials – to helping community providers and our team members navigate changes to the way we care – Dr. Lavoie has been there every step of the way.

Was there someone who was a role model to you or inspired you to become a doctor?

I was always interested in science as a child and had read a lot of books about science, scientists and physicians in middle and high school. I was the first physician in my family, but I received a lot of support from my parents as I pursued my dream. I think what was good was that they didn’t really understand how hard it was at that time for a woman to become a doctor and so they were very supportive but not pushy as I navigated college and applying to medical school.

What advice do you have for women interested in a career in health care?

I think there are so many opportunities in medicine for women these days, yet there are still some stereotypes that can sometimes prevent young women from pursuing a career in medicine or health care. My advice has always been to be open to possibilities and new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to do things that you haven’t done. Be curious and try things as they come up – you might find a new passion!

What’s the most meaningful comment a patient has made to you?

I’m fortunate to have worked here for over 25 years and I have many patients who I have grown old(er) with. Of course, I love when my patients tell me (or others) how much they appreciate what I have done for them over the years, but I think the most meaningful comment came to me from a young adult who I had been taking care of since she was a teenager. She was looking to move out of her families’ house on her own and we were talking about what she could expect. She asked me if I had any children of my own and then quickly said, “Oh, I bet you don’t have time because WE are your children.” I try to put my emotions into my care and I was so happy that she felt that from me. I also made a decision to continue to do my job and have my own children and that was the start of my journey as a mother!

How do you recharge?

These days, I enjoy seeing my children grow and develop into young adults. My favorite activities outside my work are doing things with my kids and crafting. I am an avid seamstress and I do some crochet and occasionally some woodworking. I find it very satisfying to see things come together from pieces.

What excites you about the future of medicine?

As we entered the pandemic, I reflected back on my career and realized that I had seen several miracles of medicine over the years: HIV went from a universally fatal disease to one that is easily controllable with medication and hepatitis C became curable with 12 weeks of taking one pill a day. I also saw that people could come together to fight a worldwide pandemic! For the future, I think the ability to “design” medications based on specific scientific mutations/genes is going to change the landscape of medicine in such an exciting way.