Name:
Anna R. Kuo, M.D.
Email:
Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:
Yale University - B.S in Biology, 1985
Medical School:
Emory University School of Medicine, 1989
In practice since:
1993
Your Specialty:
General pediatrics, first as a faculty member in the Division of General Pediatrics at Hughes Spalding (1993-2000) and now as a partner at Peachtree Park Pediatrics, a five person private practice in Buckhead.
Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school:
Pediatric residency at the University of Maryland, 1989-1992, chief residency, 1992-1993
How did you choose your specialty?
I entered medical school considering OB/GYN, but like all future pediatricians I was immediately captivated by the newborn in the warming bed and not the placenta during deliveries. During my first night on call in pediatrics I was playing with a patient when the senior resident told me I was great with kids and should consider being a pediatrician. It was a light bulb moment for me! In retrospect I was always drawn to children, and also enjoyed teaching, which is a large part of what pediatricians do.
What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?
MOST: Pediatrics is a joyful specialty; everyday I get to experience wonder, encourage potential, and have great fun. My colleagues in pediatrics are also the best people you can surround yourself with. I enjoy the intellectual challenge and the art of pediatrics. I love taking a detailed history, which is particularly challenging because it is usually an adult, not the patient, giving it. I love the way pediatricians have to be flexible and imaginative in order to interact with children and young adults. And I enjoy educating parents and patients about diagnoses and management. My relationship with my patients can last for decades, as I am now taking care of the children of my former patients. There is no bigger honor than to be to be entrusted with the health of a child.
LEAST: The difficult part of caring for children are the myriad of external forces which I have limited control over: how people choose to parent, socioeconomic forces, and political policies.
In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?
Pediatricians need a whole lot of patience, empathy, optimism, energy, intellectual curiosity, a desire to advocate, and a great sense of humor!
Hobbies/special interests:
- Adventure traveling and adventure eating
- Cooking
- Bootcamp and 200 mile team relay races
- Meeting interesting people
- Sharing belly laughs with 6 month olds
- My three children