Can you please tell us a bit about yourself personally?
Hi! I was born and raised in New York City. I’m a gynecologic surgeon and mom to a 3-month-old baby girl named Grace. My husband Ryan is also a doctor—we met at work at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and we’ve been living in Greenwich for the past five years. We also have two dogs, Phyllis and Morty, who very much run the house and adore their sister Grace.
Where do you live in Greenwich and what do you love about it?
We live in Cos Cob. We love it because it is peaceful and secluded—something we appreciate with how much my husband and I both work. We also really like having easy access to both Old Greenwich and downtown. One of my favorite perks is that my Greenwich office at ESSE Care is just a 7-minute drive from my house. It’s a huge difference from my usual commute to Manhattan, and I’m grateful for every minute saved.
We also have a wonderful circle of friends here—some from way back in college, med school, and residency, and others we’ve met since moving.
Please tell us about Esse Care, your integrated approach to medicine, and what makes Esse Care unique?
ESSE Care is really special. We’re a surgical gynecology practice that focuses on whole-person care. To put it simply, we really get to know our patients. In this way, we can guide them through their surgical experience in a personalized way to make it as stress-free as possible. Whether someone is struggling with infertility and feeling like the clock is ticking, or suffering from horrible symptoms from their fibroids, or having postmenopausal bleeding and worried they could have cancer, we do whatever we can to expedite their care and make it as comfortable as possible.
What drew me to ESSE (beyond the fact that it was founded by my amazing colleague Dr. Karli Goldstein) was world-class surgical care that focuses on not only the technical aspect of surgery but also the patient experience. The goal isn’t just to fix the problem—it’s to make the experience as stress-free and supportive as humanly possible.
How did you come to practice at Esse Care? What is your professional background?
I’ve always wanted to be a surgeon. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Then I returned to NYC for medical school, OB/GYN residency, and a two-year fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery—all at Mount Sinai. After fellowship, I joined RMA of New York, where I performed surgery for patients going through fertility treatments. That was a turning point in my career. Helping people build their families through surgery is unbelievably meaningful and rewarding.
Eventually, I returned to Mount Sinai as faculty in the department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, continuing to treat patients with everything from fibroids and polyps to uterine scarring and ovarian cysts. I’ve also had the privilege of training the fellows- the next generation of surgeons, and I always emphasize the same messages: be confident, know your limits, and always put the patient first!
I connected with Dr. Goldstein through our similar approaches to medicine and surgery —and when I learned about ESSE, I just knew it was the right place for me.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have to address in women’s healthcare?
Honestly? Not being heard. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “I thought I was crazy,” after telling someone that the symptoms they’ve been dealing with aren’t normal. Women’s health is often minimized or brushed off—it’s actually quite sad. A significant part of my job is not only to understand and validate people’s experiences but also to provide them with all their nonsurgical and surgical options.
What are the top reasons that patients come to Esse Care?
- They need a surgeon they can trust
- They want a successful outcome
- They want individualized care
We don’t rush. We don’t assume. And we leave our egos at the door.
You specialize in fertility surgery; can you share what are some of the most common reasons a patient may need surgery on their fertility journey?
Fertility surgery is often needed when a person’s fertility doctor (REI) finds a structural issue that could be preventing a successful pregnancy. That might be polyps, fibroids, ovarian cysts, Asherman’s syndrome (uterine scarring), or a uterine septum. That’s where I come in.
How is your approach to women’s health different?
My approach is always rooted in empathy. I’ve been through fertility treatment myself, so I really get how personal, overwhelming, and unpleasant it all can be. I take time to understand each patient’s fears, timeline, and goals. Some people want every detail explained; others want to know they’re in good hands. I tailor how I show up based on what each person needs.
What is the best compliment you’ve gotten from a patient?
“Thank you for listening.”
“Thank you for helping me start a family.”
“Thank you for giving me my life back.”
I carry those words with me always.
What do you like to do to relax/have fun for yourself and as a family?
Right now, “fun” looks a little different with a newborn! But when I have a moment to myself, I love spending time with my girlfriends—especially my Greenwich crew. They have been incredibly supportive and feel like my chosen family. As a family, we’re pretty low-key—when Ryan isn’t on the golf course, we love relaxing at home (Ryan is also an incredible cook, which is amazing), playing with the dogs, and enjoying the slower moments when we get them.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just that I really love what I do. Being able to help people feel better—physically and emotionally—is something I’ll never take for granted. And I feel so lucky to be doing this work in a place as special as Greenwich.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Grab coffee: Birch Bakehouse
Workout: Running at Tod’s Point
Date night: Sitting at the bar at Orienta
Girls’ night out: Le Penguin or Oko
Family dinner: Doppio
Hair salon: Warren Tricomi
Nails: Posh Nails
Family fun: Long walks in the neighborhood and plenty of cozy time at home
