How does someone decide their career? What inspires them? Does having Turner syndrome impact that decision?
Meet Lauren who shares her journey with Turner syndrome and the influencers who were there to shape her self-worth as an individual and guide her towards choosing a career in medicine.
Meet Lauren
Hi, my name’s Lauren, but my nickname when I was little was “overcooked.” My mom tells me that when I came out of the womb more than a week past my due date, I had the look and feel of a shriveled up raisin. Maybe I wanted to stay in the comfort of my mother’s womb just a little longer before having to come out and face the harsh realities of the real world…
My Diagnosis
When I was 5-years-old, a routine physical exam for kindergarten marked the beginning of my interactions with the healthcare system. The doctor noticed some abnormalities—low hairline, low-set ears, and a thick shoulder—and suggested genetic testing. My mom had voiced concerns about these issues to another doctor in the past, but they were always dismissed.
However, our new pediatrician listened attentively and referred me to a geneticist, leading to my Turner syndrome diagnosis and growth hormone therapy.
This experience underscored the importance of competent doctors who treat family members as collaborative partners in healthcare.
Growing Up
From being diagnosed at 5 till age 14, I was treated with daily growth hormone injections. These injections imposed certain limitations on my life like not being able to have sleepovers because my parents needed to administer the shot at a specific time every night. My dad, who worked night shifts, would come home and gently inject me while I was asleep. Eventually, it became so routine that I no longer woke up.
During family trips, my parents carried an icebox around like a valuable treasure chest to keep the injections cold. My mom often hoped that one day medical advancements would allow for room-temperature injections.
Along with my parents, my grandmother played a pivotal role throughout my childhood. She taught me the meaning of sacrifice and selflessness. I still remember how she would wake me up every morning to ensure I took my medications before breakfast and packed nutritious lunches, prioritizing our needs above her own every single day.
When I practiced piano, she sat next to me to help me stay focused and encouraged. She’d listen to my songs so often that despite not knowing how to read sheet music, she knew when a note was wrong or a beat was off. When I had final exams, she would knock on my door to bring me a plate of freshly cut fruit and stay awake until I was finished studying, no matter how late.
She demonstrated to me time and time again what it means to love others with a completely open and giving heart.
My Commitment to Medicine
My passion for medicine began when I found my interest in science thanks to my high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Hetman. I remember his engaging experiments and the way he connected chemistry to real-world applications, making each lesson relevant to our everyday lives. His mentorship and encouragement inspired me to ultimately steer towards a career in medicine.
Looking back, my motivation in medicine stems from a combination of personal experiences and professional aspirations. Seeing my grandmother’s dedication taught me the importance of compassion and selflessness; and my experience with Turner syndrome gave me a unique perspective on the challenges patients face, particularly in navigating the healthcare system.
I look forward to serving patients and am excited to be able to volunteer with TSF, upholding the compassion and selflessness I was raised with.
We leave you with this thought: who has helped shape who you are today?
Take a second in your day to tell them that. And if you can’t, share your story here!
If you know someone who's currently in medical school, or a healthcare provider or geneticist that has treated you for Turner syndrome, please refer them to us!!
Written by Lauren Choi, TSF volunteer blog writer. Edited and Designed by Riya Ajmera, TSF Blog Coordinator.
© Turner Syndrome Foundation, 2024
