INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE GOÑI, MD

What guided your decision to go into medicine and specifically, your chosen field?

For as long I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a physician. I don’t precisely know the reason as I did not have a physician role model amongst friends or family. My parents always instilled in me the importance of education, not only because it was a necessary foundation for my desired profession, but also because it would enable me to be self sufficient. I became the first physician in my family.

In medical school, Radiology was only a short clinical rotation but I found it challenging and it sparked my curiosity. I chose Diagnostic Radiology because I knew that I could play a significant role in patient care, it would satisfy my inquisitive spirit, and it would allow for a flexible lifestyle.

“I believe the most important qualities for a doctor to have are compassion, authenticity, vulnerability, and humility.”

Have you ever been a patient, and if so, what did it teach you?

Yes, I have. It taught me to be humble and to treat every person with respect and dignity.

What are the most important qualities for a doctor to have?

I believe the most important qualities for a doctor to have are compassion, authenticity, vulnerability, and humility.

What can a patient expect when they have you as a doctor?

A patient can expect to receive high quality diagnostic impressions when I interpret their images. I am continually learning and reviewing cases online.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy exercising. I’m an avid Peloton user. I love to travel with my husband and three sons and to spend time with good friends. I thoroughly enjoy watching my sons play their sports. I’m a “soccer mom!” I’ve been fortunate to be able to combine all of these activities as my sons have participated in soccer tournaments in many places, including Spain and Italy.

“When it comes to medical information, we need to be sure that what we are reading online is valid and science based knowledge. I have always challenged ideas that were not supported with evidence.”

If you could spend a day with any person in the world (dead or alive) – who would you choose?

There are several people but one would definitely be Brené Brown. Her work on shame, vulnerability, and bravery is admirable. I’ve read some of her books and frequently listen to her podcast. Her authenticity inspires me to be a better person and a more grounded physician.

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a doctor?

If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be a writer. I would love to write a book one day – something inspirational or spiritual or both.

You recently joined the Doctorpedia team as a Founding Medical Partner. What do you hope to accomplish in that capacity?

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives. We use our phones or tablets to search for so many things every day. When it comes to medical information, we need to be sure that what we are reading online is valid and science based knowledge. I have always challenged ideas that were not supported with evidence. Doctorpedia is providing an interactive platform for patients to receive clear and vetted medical answers from real physicians. This online support is invaluable for patients and their care.

What do you think about the health and wellness information and resources available online?

I think that some of the information online is either too complicated for a lay person or not backed by science. Basic web searches for medical conditions or symptoms do not often lead to concise and easy to understand answers. With so much access to information at our fingertips, we need to have a source of medical knowledge that is user friendly and physician supported. Doctorpedia provides this.

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