Shannon Leigh Duncan, APRN-DNP

I chose to work in cardiology because I have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Every patient has as story, and they're all interesting stories. I love the time I get to spend with my patients, and I like being a part of their stories. I think every patient has a right to access high-quality health care, regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status.

I got into medicine and particularly obstetrics and gynecology because I love to help people and delivering babies is the best thing on the planet. I do a lot of teaching, and I really enjoy working with my patients. love helping patients start their families. I love getting the dads involved with the delivery and having them be part of it. People often forget that about the dad, it's so cool to see his face when that baby comes out. It's magical. I try to establish trust with my patients by listening to them. The first thing I do in when I meet a patient is say, 'Hello, I'm Dr. Shirley. And what brings you in today?' Then I sit down and listen. If I'm talking, I'm not listening to them and this is about them. I hope women know they're going to get personalized care. I'm going to listen to them, talk with them and work on shared decision-making where they have a say in their care. This is their care and I'm here to help facilitate that.

I love helping people, so I felt like nursing was a great career fit for me because I could do the most amount of good. I went into women's health because I felt a real connection with women during my clinicals. I want my patients to know they can trust me with sensitive subjects, and I'm going to listen to all of their problems and help them stay healthy.