Today, I am excited to share an interview with Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, an established expert and leader in women’s health. She generously provided thoughtful responses to my questions, helping to spread awareness of her meaningful contributions to the field.
Meet the Expert
Name: Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald
Title: Urogynecologist; Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Background Information:
Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald is a double-board certified urogynecologist and Ob/Gyn.
Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from Penn State University Schreyer Honors College with degrees in Biology/Neurobiology and Women’s Studies. She attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, completed her Ob/Gyn residency at Johns Hopkins University, and her fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Georgetown University.
Currently, Dr. Fitzgerald practices at the University of Pittsburgh. Aside from engaging in clinical work, she also spends around 30% of her time conducting research and teaching.
The Interview
What made you want to work in both the clinical and research part of your field? How do you think one informs the other?
I have been interested in the clinical and research care of women since I was in high school. It became apparent to me very early on that women’s bodies create some of the most significant roadblocks to women and girls success—and that we haven’t lifted those roadblocks anywhere near the way we have for men’s health. This entire concept drives my clinical and research pursuits—where women are being held back from their full potential because of an issue with their reproductive health. I am interested in solving that problem.
Since your research is primarily in the social realm, what areas of research are most pivotal to influence policy makers?
I think that data driven policy from a court of public opinion is much more powerful than people think, but you have to come at it with some social science and a rigorous approach to scholarship. What factors are driving the needs that are being reported en masse by women online? These are the questions I am always asking.
From your perspective, what are the most pressing issues within women’s health for my generation to focus on?
I think that money is more important than anything. At the end of the day, everything comes down to money. We have to address the reasons that Gynecologic and Obstetric disease and innovation are in huge demand with a low price tag. Anyone who has access to capital can invest in women’s health research infrastructure. Women’s health doesn’t just mean becoming an Ob/Gyn. It means becoming a politician, an entrepreneur, studying law/policy, going into business/venture capital, using the stock market, etc. It’s not enough to go after the social justice piece. We have to be financially solvent
What do you find most rewarding about your career?
I really enjoy promoting scientific concepts in a way that people who are outside of medicine can understand. I have made so many connections that way and learned so much in return. I am also extremely inspired and motivated by younger generations interested in this work.
I hope you found Dr. Fitzgerald’s responses as insightful and engaging as I did. Her perspective emphasizes the importance of addressing women’s health inequities through interdisciplinary collaboration, showing that meaningful progress involves contributions from a range of dedicated individuals, not just those in medicine.
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