Delivering high-quality gynecological care in residency
Dr. Claudia Lara recounts her journey through residency and looks toward her future as a generalist.
“I didn’t know medicine was something I would be so passionate about.”
You never forget the moment you discover your passion. That moment came in the classroom for Claudia Lara, MD, now a fourth-year resident in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Born and raised in Chimbote, Peru, Lara moved to the States with her parents in 2004.
In high school, Lara enrolled in a class to become a certified nursing assistant and her heart hasn’t left the hospital or patients in need since. At the time, she cared for geriatric patients until medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine set her eyes on pediatrics as a specialty.
“You couldn’t tell me that I was not going to be a pediatrician,” Lara said. That is until she completed an OBGYN rotation. “It was a specialty that had a great need for caring OBGYN’s. I saw such possibility for me as a proud Hispanic physician to enhance patients’ lives through counseling, education and I’d still get the fun part of delivering babies.”
Claudia Lara, MD, is a fourth-year resident in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.
The significance of provider-patient relationships
As an OBGYN resident, Lara’s view on the patient and provider relationship is unique.
“I fell in love with the fact that you can form a relationship with patients from preconception to family planning counseling and be on the journey with them through the end of their reproductive years,” said Lara. “Not only do we sit in the clinic and talk with them about their prenatal care but we take care of patients with menopause and the elderly population which can oftentimes see a gap in care.”
Being active in the community plays a significant role in her delivery of care.
“Knowing and being involved in the community helps to be a more rounded clinician. Especially in a place like Jacksonville with a vast patient population. It’s important that patients know I am their provider but I’m their neighbor as well.”
Dr. Lara with Dr. Alexander Dye during a simulation didactic session.
Creating competent health care providers
“When you’re looking for a program to help you grow, it’s a priority to have people who are invested in your education,” said Lara.
She found what she was looking for at the UF Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Jacksonville.
“The faculty here has a big passion for resident education,” said Lara. “Closing out my fourth year, I feel like I’m going to be a competent generalist who will be able to provide high-quality care because of the experiences that my program and its faculty have provided during my time here.”
Shanan Loe, MD, FACOG, assistant professor and associate program director for the residency, speaks of Lara’s growth during her training and her compassionate care for patients.
“Dr. Lara has been an eager learner and bundle of positive energy since her intern year, and she has developed into a tremendous doctor and passionate teacher,” said Loe. “Dr. Lara has excelled in the resident teaching role, and her resident and student evaluations universally reflect this. She goes above and beyond in coordination of care for patients.”
During her residency, Lara has received the Golden Apple Award and was recently recognized by The Foundation for the Gator Nation as one of four OBGYN residents between the Gainesville and Jacksonville campus that stood out as an excellent role model and educator.
“The opportunity to make a positive impact in medical education has been so rewarding. I make it a priority to not just teach medical students about OBGYN but to involve them in patient care, so that I can enhance their time with us. Being recognized for that has been such a beautiful experience.”
Dr. Lara stands with her MIGS (Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery) mentor, Dr. Gregory Lewis.
A Georgia generalist
There is no doubt that Lara has made undeniable bonds with her co-residents, attendings, faculty and program directors. As this chapter of medical training ends, she will take her skills to a practice in Northeast Georgia.
“I’ve come to love this community over the last four years but I will be going home to Georgia to be a generalist,” said Lara.
She is excited to be with her family, including her husband and their new addition – a baby boy due in April 2024. Lara is one of two of her co-residents expecting in the department.
Dr. Lara and her husband, Jose Lara Gonzalez.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to train at such a great facility. This is a robust program that makes very competent physicians that truly care about changing the environment they’re in for the better. I look forward to wearing my UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville training proud,” said Laura.
