Meet Dr. Deirdre Hart, elective colon and rectal surgeon.
Talk about your background and education.
I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and I went to UMKC - University of Missouri Kansas City. I did their six year undergrad medical school, stayed for residency, and then I went to Orlando and did a minimally invasive colorectal surgery year. Then, I went to Atlanta for my accredited colon and rectal surgical fellowship.
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
As far back as I can remember, I was going to be a doctor. I was going to be a pediatrician. That's what I was going to do. Thinking about it years later because everyone always asked the question, I really liked the show "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" and that had to have been what subconsciously got me into medicine.
What do you enjoy about being a surgeon?
It was always illogical that you could come in in pain, I could do surgery, and then you would feel better. It's still illogical to me, but it's what I love, and that's what I do.
How do you help patients who may be apprehensive about surgery?
No one has surgery for fun or because they want to have surgery. When I see someone, I talk to them about their symptoms, what's going on, and try to decide if there is a medical way to manage it. Can we save surgery for down the road or is surgery really what they need at the time? We talk through their fears and questions and put them at ease as much as one can during this process.
What do you like to do outside of the office?
I have two very cute little nieces that I enjoy playing with. I like riding my bike, reading a book, and sleeping.