For National Doctor’s Day, we asked physicians at Tri-City Medical Center to share their personal stories about what inspired them to become doctors. Not surprisingly, all three used the word ‘caring’ to describe themselves as this is an underlying tenet for physicians; they all felt called to care for their patients, family and community.
Kari Lynn Purcott, MD
Board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist at Pacific View OB/GYN, Tri-City Medical Center’s newest clinic.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
I didn’t always want to be a doctor. I’m from a family of musicians and always planned on having a career in the entertainment industry. About three years after graduating from the University of Southern California (USC), a dear friend and his brother had a serious rock-climbing accident in Santa Monica and, out of necessity, I served as a liaison between the trauma doctors and my friend’s parents to explain their medical situation until his parents could arrive from out of state. Somehow, I was just able to communicate easily and I found myself inextricably attracted to medicine. It was like how others describe a ‘calling’ to me – like I was hit by Cupid’s Arrow. Six months later, I sold all my stuff, packed up my car and moved back in with my parents in Florida to earn the science degrees required for medical school. Two years later, I was accepted to the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Why did you choose OB/GYN?
During medical school, I loved doing procedures and surgery. As a child, I played the piano and the violin which taught me dexterity. My physician attendings would frequently comment that I had ‘good hands’ which is a surgeon’s euphemism for eye-hand coordination. I also found that I enjoyed more long-term interactions with my patients. I enjoyed sitting with my patients, comforting them and really getting to know them. I felt at ease discussing intimate topics, which built trust and helped patients feel comfortable asking questions about the various issues they were experiencing. OB/GYN allows me the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. I have longstanding relationships with my patients, get to deliver babies, do surgery and advocate for women’s health.
What are you proud of professionally?
Empowering my patients with knowledge about their bodies through education and conversation. Too often, patients come in and are afraid of what is happening and seem ashamed to ask questions. I encourage them to talk about the issues they are facing and let them know that they are not alone – many other women ask the same questions and experience the same feelings. I’ve seen the relief on their faces when they finally get over that fear and societal shame of feeling crazy, broken or wrong, followed by their determination to heal. Let’s normalize discussions regarding women’s health!
When not at work, what brings you joy?
I love going to concerts and am a big fan of the Dave Matthews Band – so much so that I have a tattoo of their ‘Fire Dancer’ logo on my arm! I also enjoy USC football, paddle boarding and spending time with my child and my two dogs.
Aaron Boonjindasup, MD, MPH
Board-certified urologist on staff at Tri-City Medical Center and Co-founder of Urology San Diego.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
My mom is a retired nurse and continues to work in healthcare and she influenced me to become a doctor. She was able to use her skill as a nurse to come to the United States from the Philippines and further her education.
Even though I didn’t know what specialty to choose at first, I was drawn to urology during my medical school rotations because of the emerging technology. The field is fluid and the areas of growth, such as robotic surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and digital imaging, are constantly evolving, which makes it exciting.
Why did you choose urology?
Urology encompasses many aspects of medicine that are positive as it involves treating the whole person and oftentimes caring for the individual long term due to a chronic disease. I like educating patients on what to expect, listening to their thoughts on the matter and then working together to create an action plan that is personalized.
What are you proud of professionally?
With my business partner Dr. Jason Philips, I started Urology San Diego in 2020 to bring outstanding urological care, as well as the most modern minimally invasive treatments, to North County residents. We treat both men and women for a wide range of urological issues, such as life-saving surgeries for various urological cancers, acute problems like kidney stones, and quality of life procedures for conditions such as incontinence. It’s rewarding to be able to help individuals receive the right treatment at the right time to fit their individual needs and improve their health.
When not at work, what brings you joy?
As a dad with three young children ages two, four, and six, I spend most of my time outside of work with my wife and family. We enjoy going to the beach and playing at the park – my life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Jason Curry, MD
Board-certified interventional physiatrist (AKA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) at Orthopedic Specialists of North County (OSNC) one of Tri-City Medical Center’s affiliated clinics.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
When I was in the Navy, I was heavily involved in physical fitness for the division on my ship. As I started to think about my future, I debated whether to stay in the military or transition to the civilian world. I wanted to go to college and be able to combine my education with my passion for fitness and thought, why not try to become a doctor? My dad, who had been in the army and worked as a pipefitter throughout his life, stressed the importance of an education and that further influenced my decision to go to college and medical school. Over the years, he has provided excellent counsel to me and I am grateful for his wisdom.
Why did you choose PM&R?
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) involves using non-surgical approaches for the treatment of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine pain, as well as musculoskeletal disorders and joint pain. Since I liked to build things with my hands and was focused on physical fitness, PM&R seemed the perfect specialty to combine my skills as I was, in essence, helping people rebuild parts of their bodies. I specialize in interventional spine medicine, so I tailor my practice to minimizing or alleviating back and neck pain. Most patients that I see are in horrible pain that is affecting their quality of life and they are scared that they are going to need back surgery. It is extremely rewarding to help them overcome their fear and restore their physical function, oftentimes without surgery, so that they can resume their activities of daily living.
What are you proud of professionally?
I really enjoy my work and feel blessed to be able to help people who are in pain. OSNC is a unique group as we have so many different specialties all under one roof and can provide diagnostic, medical, rehabilitation, and surgical and non-surgical techniques for our patients. As we work side-by-side every day, my colleagues and I can confer with one another to ensure that our patients receive good continuity of care and the highest quality of orthopedic medicine available in a hands-on, high-tech environment.
When not at work, what brings you joy?
Every morning at 5:00 am, my oldest son and I work out together – it’s a time to bond and impart life lessons, like those that I learned from my dad. I also enjoy watching football, traveling and cruising abroad, scuba diving and spending time with my family.
