42 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com MEN WI N HEALTH When kids dress up for career day at school, they might emulate an astronaut or a rock star, career paths that may be wildly different from what they wind up pursuing. But Whitney Huff, a women’s health nurse practitioner and certified lactation consultant at The Breast Place, knew exactly what she wanted to do, even in elementary school. “I dressed up as a labor and delivery nurse and went to school in scrubs with a baby doll in tow,” said Huff. “I felt so confident in my choice that day, and I have never looked back. I am so intrigued and inspired by the miraculous things a woman’s body is made to do and every aspect of a woman’s life span!” Huff claims that her reasons for pursuing a career in health care have changed over the years, but her core passion to help and advocate for others has stayed the same her whole life, thanks to inspiration from her parents. “I am where I am today because of them. They have never doubted my potential, even when I have. They have loved, supported and encouraged me to reach for the stars. My mom’s desire to help others before helping herself and my dad’s wisdom and work ethic have been and continue to be an inspiration to me.” Her care for her patients and love for her work drives her to keep advocating for her patients and herself, even through the most difficult moments. And it’s this same passion that she encourages in other women wanting to work in health care. “Stay completely open to what comes your way, and allow yourself to go in the direction of both your heart and passion. Never stop believing in your potential to change lives!” By Katherine Waters Whitney Huff, NP THE BREAST PLACE North Charleston 843-797-1941 thebreastplacesc.com @thebreastplace It’s extremely common to feel anxious about going to a doctor. In fact, around 1 out of every 3 Americans avoids seeking medical attention, even when they think it’s necessary. That’s how Megan Keogh, physician assistant at The Breast Place, felt before she started to pursue a career in medicine. “I actually grew up in fear of going to the doctor’s office and had a lot of anxiety regarding medicine,” said Keogh. “However, my junior year of high school, I had major hip reconstruction, and, after the wonderful experience I had with the surgeon, resident, nurses and everyone else who helped me recover, I slowly got over that fear. I had originally started off as a marine biology major, but I kept going back to the idea of medicine and helping people the way they had helped me.” She struck up an interest in women’s health even before beginning PA school and worked in an OB-GYN office as a medical assistant, eventually choosing The Breast Place as her elective rotation. “I love being able to connect with my patients, and being able to support women during some of their hardest and most vulnerable moments of life is very rewarding and humbling. I continue to learn daily from them.” Keogh is driven to form connections with her patients to strengthen their bonds and ease any anxiety they may feel. She recognizes that, particularly in women’s health, having a strong representation of female doctors is key to being able to establish those relationships with the women she and her colleagues treat. “When patients can relate to their provider, even if it’s just the commonality of being a woman, there is a greater patient-provider bond. We need to continue to represent how far we’ve come, continue to make strides in science and make a difference in patients’ lives. I’m excited to work with other future female colleagues who are dedicated to serving others.” By Katherine Waters Megan Keogh, PAC THE BREAST PLACE North Charleston 843-797-1941 thebreastplacesc.com @thebreastplace Photo by Jenn Cady. Photo by Jenn Cady.
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