is the division chief of general obstetrics and gynecology and associated residency director, department of ob/gyn at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She joined the school's faculty after completing her residency training there.
Along with two other physicians, Jaque founded , a blog that informs, educates, and empowers women about their health. Jaque has co-authored several books, including "1-2-3 Puberty for girls: A guide for parents and their curious daughters" and "Ready-Set-Push!: Your Pregnancy Guide."
Jaque has delivered over 1,800 babies over the course of her career.
1. What's the biggest barrier to practicing medicine today?
Sadly, we are often left to practice medicine based on what our patient's insurance permits, not always based on what the patient really needs.
2. What is your most vivid memory involving a patient who could not afford to pay for healthcare (or meds, tests, etc.) and how did you respond?
I had a young patient who arrived for care in labor. She had been raped by smuggling her in from Guatemala as part of her payment. She didn't speak English or Spanish. She spoke a Guatemalan dialect that no one had heard before. She gave birth to a baby boy with no prenatal care. I found her the next day in the nursery, saying goodbye to her baby. She was planning on leaving that morning to meet her coyote to begin paying him back for smuggling her into this country. She spoke to me in broken Spanish, explaining her decision to abandon her child ... You see, she had "nothing" to offer him -- no safety, security... no shelter -- only the tremendous love to "leave him for a family that could provide for him the things she could not." I was left speechless.
3. What do you most often wish you could say to patients, but don't?
I do not refrain from giving information to my patients that is beneficial to their health, even if it involves weight loss.
4. If you could change or eliminate something about the healthcare system, what would it be?
I would change the way that the malpractice system functions.
5. What is the most important piece of advice for med students or doctors just starting out today?
Medicine is not about survival of the smartest; it is about survival of the strongest. Completing medical school and residency takes discipline, courage, and intelligence. You don't succeed on your IQ alone.
6. What is your "elevator" pitch to persuade someone to pursue a career in medicine?
"I love my job."
7. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
I get to interact with people at their worst, which is a humbling and rewarding experience that I do not take for granted.
8. What is the most memorable research published since you became a physician and why?
Tough question for me to answer. As an academic physician, I have too many options to chose just one.
9. Do you have a favorite medical-themed book, movie, or TV show?
I love anything written by .
10. What is your advice to other physicians on how to avoid burnout?
You have to practice what you preach. A healthy, balanced approach to living is the goal. Medicine is just one piece of the pie that is your life.