Today we’d like to introduce you to ANita Haugabrook.
Hi ANita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I knew from the age of 7 that I wanted to be a physician. A Pediatrician to be more specific. As a military child, I had different doctors all of the time. But I always knew that they made me feel better, and I wanted to do that for other kids. Neither of my parents even had a college degree, but they had faith and told us we could be/do whatever we wanted to be. Traveling the world as a child opened my eyes to many things that others may not have had the opportunity to see and experience.
I held true to my desires. After high school, I obtained my BS in Biology/Pre-Med from GA Southern University and matriculated on to Morehouse School of Medicine. From there I went to the University of Tenn School of Medicine for residency in Internal Medicine & Pediatrics. Before I even completed residency, I realized that my desire to help others was also to be extended beyond the office/hospital. I wanted to use my talents in the form of mission work as well. Although my first attempt (while in residency) to go on a mission trip didn’t come to fruition (due to financial constraints and civil unrest in the service area, the passion never left.
The one thing I quickly learned about mission work is that it is not without significant cost. Although I had a deep desire to help those less fortunate, I didn’t have the resources nor the time. As a private practice physician, if you are not in the office seeing patients, you are not generating income! Ultimately, I transitioned from office-based to inpatient medicine in 2007. With this transition, I was able to have blocked schedule (5 on/ 5 off OR 7 on/ 7 off). I had the time part down but not necessarily the financial resources. For example, each mission trip COST the provider $2500 to $4000! So, as I continued my journey in healthcare, I was able to pay off my student loans and free up income.
I was FINALLY in a position to start doing mission work abroad! To date I have been to Panama (twice, with another trip planned for February 2024), Haiti, Guyana (South America), Guatemala, and Cost Rica. I plan to do as many more as I possibly can. My heart’s desire is also to develop an organization that can provide funding for those (like me) who wish to do mission work but cannot financially afford to do so. The experiences I have had keep me humbled and forever grateful. We, in western society take a lot of things for granted. To provide medical care/relief for those who have no other options is the ultimate reward! I have also come to realized that it wasn’t ‘me’ that wanted to be a physician, it was God’s calling on my life!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been ups and downs, primarily related to finances (as previously noted). But one of my life phrases is ‘trust the process’!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work part-time with Piedmont Healthcare and I also do Locums work across the country. Locums entails taking assignments (paid) to fill in gaps where staffing is needed in terms of inpatient hospital care. I have assisted in this manner in CA, CT GA, MA & MO.
During the Pandemic, I started what is known as Doc’s Medical Moment through my church. It started as less that 4 min videos to keep the congregation abreast regarding issues with COVID. However, I have continued to provide these weekly videos on almost anything medicine. It has been rewarding to educate others in my community!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Sadly, I never had a mentor and didn’t understand the value of one. But I am honored to say that I have become a mentor to many! I have guided and watched others entering the healthcare field. I have no misgivings about not having a mentor, but I feel extremely blessed to be able to pour into and assist others. My favorite mentee is Dr Facia Dew!
