Yellow stethoscope arranged with a red heart cutout on a light green background, symbolizing heart health.

Join me in welcoming Elizabeth Baber as my new virtual assistant! With her outstanding communication and writing skills and her administrative expertise, Elizabeth is a valuable addition to my production team. Elizabeth has already hit the ground running as my first guest writer for my blog, “Love is Accessible”. I know you will enjoy her interviews with two dynamic women physicians. I am excited to be working with Elizabeth and look forward to our future projects together.

Medicine Magic: Women Physicians Day

Women have always been a part of healthcare, from midwifery to nurses to the most complex medical procedures. Records of women in high positions of medical expertise stretch to 2700 B.C.E. Egypt and earlier and extend to this very day. Unfortunately, a downfall in female medicine practice was struck in the Western world due to a decree from King Henry VIII of England in the 1500s. This legal barrier, in addition to community suspicion, stirred up by the 16th-century witch-hunting fervor, severely restricted women from trying to serve in a medical capacity.

Thankfully for us today, times have changed. In the United States, beginning with the brilliant Elizabeth Blackwell, women have regained the right to practice medicine and surgery. Today, February 3rd, was Dr. Blackwell’s birthday. And for that reason, it was chosen to be the annual reminder of the gift that is women physicians.

In honor of today, I have reached out to the all-female clinic of the local MedRVA Low Vision Center and asked their doctors to provide us with some insight into what it is like being a woman physician.

Angelene Rapone, OD

Q: What led you to choose to become a physician?

A: I’ve always been interested in the medical field and have been driven by the desire to help people. From a young age, I would play doctor with my little sister and dream about becoming an actual doctor one day! I considered various medical professions, but after my first appointment to the optometrist in high school, I was instantly intrigued by the profession. I really enjoy optometry because it is such a diverse field with a variety of sub-specialties to choose from.

Q: What do you enjoy about being a physician?

A: I really enjoy the interpersonal interactions that I share with my patients. I also love that I have the opportunity to help people and use my problem-solving skills to help patients achieve their goals.

Q: Are there any challenges that come with being a woman physician?

A: As a young female medical professional, I occasionally deal with patients who initially question my abilities as a provider moments after meeting them. I’m often asked, “Are you old enough to be doing this?” Oftentimes, the question is lighthearted in nature, but there have been instances where you can tell that the patient is skeptical. With that being said, I’ve learned not to take it personally and remain confident in myself.

Q: Is there any encouragement you could offer to other women physicians, both those currently in practice and those studying and interested in the discipline?

A: Always remember to stay confident in yourself and remain focused on your goals. I’m a firm believer that in order to be successful, you have to believe in yourself first. Also, don’t let the fear of making a mistake or feeling uncomfortable hold you back from your ambitions. I’ve learned that pushing yourself and subjecting yourself to challenges that seem uncomfortable at the time is a sign of personal growth.

Mary Bullock, MS, CRC, OTR/L

Q: What led you to choose to become an occupational therapist?

A: I always considered a career in a helping/teaching profession. Initially, I considered becoming a pediatrician, then investigated the amount of education required and changed my mind. I also considered becoming a nurse, however when I was in high school in the 1970’s, the guidance counselor told me there were too many nurses. He suggested that I volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, and the Veterans hospital, which I did. I realized that I enjoyed making a difference in the lives of patients, even when only a small difference. I then narrowed the field to OT vs. PT and volunteered in more clinics. I found that I aligned more with occupational therapy than physical therapy because I was more interested in helping people with daily functional tasks and improving their quality of life in real-world settings. OT felt like a better fit for my interests and strengths.

Q: What do you enjoy about being an occupational therapist?

A: Everything except the paperwork. The pay is ok, not as good as it could be, but I have never had difficulty finding employment. I have worked in many settings; I enjoyed some more than others. However, I think it’s the human impact that has kept me going as an OT for 45 years and closing in on age 67. Getting to know patients and their families and having an impact on their independence and quality of life gives me purpose.

Q: Are there any challenges that come with being a woman occupational therapist?

A: Most occupational therapists are women. The aspect that is not equal is the pay when comparing male and female OTs or compared to physical therapy. The fields of OT and PT are now doctoral programs if you enter college now.

Q: Is there any encouragement you could offer to other women occupational therapists, both those currently in practice and those studying and interested in the discipline?

A: Make sure you want a career helping people with disabilities, that you are empathic and generally like people! Volunteer at a variety of sites to get a feel of OT and the patients/clients you may serve. OT has wonderful opportunities for growth and a variety of options such as pediatrics, orthopedics, hand management, neuro-CVA, brain injury to low vision rehabilitation, and more. OTs are in private practice and are heads of departments, organizations, and beyond.

From over 5500 years ago to today and beyond, women have served their communities in a medical capacity. While not witches, there is undeniably a magic that is brought with the perspective and care for patients. We are so grateful for every woman that labors for our collective health and wellness.

Happy National Women Physician’s Day.

Love and prayers,

Elizabeth Baber

Meet Dr. Angelene Rapone OD

Angelene Rapone OD provides comprehensive eye care with a special interest in low vision and ocular disease. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and completed her undergraduate degree at Penn State University, with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Dr. Rapone went on to receive her Doctorate of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University.

She completed her residency in ocular disease at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center and rotated through Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Rapone is passionate about providing exceptional, individualized care to each patient, with an emphasis on patient education and compassion. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, spending time outdoors, and playing with her dog.

Meet Mary Bullock, MS, CRC, OTR/L

Mary Bullock has empowered thousands of individuals to live well with vision loss throughout her career in occupational therapy. Mary treats each person with patience, kindness, and confidence in their ability to succeed. Whether it’s teaching someone how to use a magnifier or assisting with smartphone accessibility, Mary makes sure that each individual’s unique needs are met.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, shopping for antiques, and visiting coffee shops

Meet the Author, Elizabeth Baber

Elizabeth Baber is the latest addition to the DebraHillSings team, working as a Virtual Assistant for the wonderful woman herself. Elizabeth would identify as an author(ess), spreadsheet fanatic, and all-around geek. The majority of her time is spent serving Central Virginia’s low-vision patients as a technician with the MedRVA Foundation.

When not at work, she can be found cooking with her fiancé, coaching Teen Bible Quizzing, wrestling novel ideas, running an online Dungeons and Dragons server, or trying her hand at one of a hundred rotating crafting hobbies.

Some of her work can be found on her website: www.writingonwords.com and you can contact her at elizabeth@writingonwords.com.

Medical stethoscope and laptop on a white desk, symbolizing digital health solutions.

Debra Hill

Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.

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