African-American women are two to three times more likely to have symptomatic uterine fibroids and will typically do so at a younger age than the rest of the population of women with uterine fibroids, according to the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation. Even though a significant number of women are impacted by this medical condition, there is still a lack of known causes for uterine fibroids. As such, this week’s column is focused on the profession of obstetrics and gynecology.

Specifically, the questions to be asked are: What career path can lead to a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology? What educational background and professional training are essential for the profession? What influenced Dr. Wendy C. Parnell to pursue a career in medicine and to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology? What advice does Parnell give to students who desire to pursue a career in medicine?

Obstetrics and gynecology, frequently abbreviated as OB/GYN, are the two surgical-medical specialties dealing with the female reproductive organs in their pregnancy and non-pregnancy state. Parnell is trained as a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology. She is a native of Dallas, graduated from The Greenhill School and employed with Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA.

As a single, bright and talented young physician, Parnell completed her Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University. She also completed the pre-requisite courses for entrance to medical school with the required score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). In the next four years, Parnell earned her doctorate of medicine degree from Temple University School of Medicine. Afterwards, she completed a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Parkland Hospital with her final year of training as chief resident of the largest obstetric and gynecology program in the country.

Parnell says her typical day includes providing the highest level of care to patients who are admitted to the hospital, checking periodically on their progress and conducting surgeries. These surgeries include hysterectomies, myomectomies, cesarean sections and fibroid removals through the use of proven and effective methods, as well as innovative and advanced technologies such as a robotics for making smaller incisions during surgeries.

With the strong parental support of Dr. and Mrs. Winfred (Deborah) Parnell, Sr., Parnell was destined to become a medical doctor. She said, “as a young girl, I always wanted to be a doctor. My dad is a physician as well, so I would often go with him on morning rounds over the weekend to see patients. I also spent time volunteering and working in the hospital in high school as a patient care assistant at Newborn Nursery – Medical City Dallas and in college at Parkland Hospital’s outpatient clinic. In college, I was always more drawn to the sciences.”

Parnell is a member of the Dallas County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, Junior Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urban League Greater Dallas Young Professionals, The Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Parnell has been a guest physician on the Dr. Oz Show, and she enjoys participating in community outreach.

For students who desire to pursue a career in medicine, Parnell suggests the following: “First, major in whatever you would like in college as long as you take the entrance exam and complete the pre-requisite courses. Secondly, do well in the pre-requisites and on the MCAT. Medical schools are becoming more competitive each year, so you want to make sure you meet their standards and are able to distinguish yourself with great scores. A well-rounded applicant is also very attractive to medical schools. So get involved in campus activities, clubs and events, but don’t lose sight of your goal. Finally, I think it is always important for an applicant to medical school to have some health care experience. This can be volunteering in a hospital or clinic, shadowing a health care professional during the summer or even finding a job in the field. As a result, medical schools will be able to see your commitment and passion for the field.”

With the medical profession being more important than ever before, we sincerely thank Dr. Wendy Parnell for providing outstanding health care and counseling to her patients in Dallas.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of two books, “Education Questions to be Answered” and “Current Issues and Answers in Education.” He is the President of The Holmes Education Post, an education focused Internet newspaper. Holmes is the National Superintendent of Education for the National Save the Family Now Movement, Inc., a former teacher, school administrator, and district superintendent and can be reached at the following email address: [email protected].