Ever wonder what your doctor or health provider does outside the exam room? Our 7 Quick Questions series gives you a personal glimpse into the people of UVA.
Carrie Sopata, MD, is an OB-GYN at UVA Medical Center. She grew up on the coast of Maine and joined the team at UVA in 2011.
1.Why did you become a doctor?
So many reasons, but the most important is because I want to help people be well and stay well.
2. Why did you choose your specialty?
OB-GYN offers a great mix of primary care and surgery. Sometimes, I can help patients get better with medicine and sometimes it takes a trip to the operating room. Often times, there is nothing wrong, but I can provide preventive care to make sure they stay well.
3. What’s your favorite thing about Charlottesville?
Charlottesville is a great place to raise a family. There are so many fun things to do and a great community to engage in.
4. Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the coast of Maine.
5. What’s the most exciting thing/research happening in your field right now?
The most exciting thing happening in OB-GYN is our expanding knowledge of HPV (the Human Papilloma Virus) and its role in cervical and other gynecological cancers. What makes that even more exciting is that we have a vaccine that will prevent many common cancers and precancerous conditions from ever affecting our younger population as they age.
6. Who is your inspiration/hero?
My heroes are women who have come before me and broken through gender stereotypes, paving the way for my dual career as a physician and a mother.
7. What’s your favorite thing about working at UVA?
My favorite thing about working at UVA is my colleagues. I work with a wonderful group of physicians, physician assistants, midwives and nurses.