“I’ve been told I am a good role model,” she says. “I hope, if I am a role model, I am doing a good job with it. I’ve really loved what I do, and I think that’s what people don’t see about medicine. It’s a lot of work, but it really gives you more than it takes from you.”
Reflecting on how she and others can make “substantive changes” to advance the field, Dr. Punaro adds, “I think everyone plays a part in that, from the person at the front desk who greets patients, to the nurse at the bedside, the physical therapist, the scientist in the lab to the physician.”
It’s why she continues to support the ARHP and hopes to see membership in the organization grow. “I think the more we can excel in our mission, the more we can each bring our best to that, the more we will excel as a team and bring the best possible patient care.”
Kelly April Tyrrell writes about health, science and health policy. She lives in Madison, Wis.
