Dr. Laura Born is a family practice physician at TriStar Medical Group. As a wife, mother and full-time physician, Dr. Born knows the importance of finding balance between work and family, and her training in the Air Force taught her the discipline to be able to do just that. In honor of Veterans Day, which is Friday, November 11, 2016, we’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Laura Born, a veteran herself, as our newest FACE of TriStar!
Dr. Laura Born, family practice physician at TriStar Medical Group and today’s FACE of TriStar
Are you a native Nashvillian? If not, where did you grow up and how did you arrive in Nashville?
I am not a native Nashvillian. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, spent the first 25 years of my life in Pennsylvania, moved to California, then Delaware with the Air Force, moved to New York for my husband’s job and then to Nashville two years ago when my husband accepted a new job.
What came first, your desire to join the Air Force or your desire to be a physician?
I had a desire to become a physician before I had a desire to join the Air Force.
What drew you to a career in medicine?
I was drawn to a career in medicine when I was a child. I liked to watch emergencies and people taking care of others.
How long have you been at TriStar, and what is the best part about working there?
I have been working at TriStar for two years, and the best part is the work environment. My co-workers are very friendly, compassionate people who make it a priority to help each other and to take care of the patients.
Who has been the most memorable patient and why?
My most memorable patients were a female patient dying from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer who always greeted ME with a smile and asked how MY day was going, and an elderly male patient in his 90s who informed me that his secret to a long life was “never stop moving.”
Tell us about your family — human, furry or otherwise.
I live with my husband, who works for a medical technology company, my two children, our American bulldog, Bailey, and our rabbit, Lolo.
How do you juggle a family and a full-time job? What is the No. 1 life hack you can offer readers on finding that balance?
I balance my family life and job by starting work early (as soon as the kids leave for school) and ending my workday in time to be home to help with homework and to drive the kids to sports/school activities.
How do you use your Air Force experience in your current civilian life? What sort of skills or discipline did you learn in the armed forces that translate into your career?
The Air Force has taught me the importance of self-discipline, respect for others, teamwork and work ethics. All of these skills are useful for a physician.
What is the most common misconception people have about seeking a physician’s care?
I believe the most common misconception people have is that they will find out bad news regarding their health.
If you could relay one message to the world about how people can better care for themselves, what would that message be?
Living a healthy lifestyle by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress and avoiding high-risk activities is essential in order to stay healthy.
Who has been your role model or mentor, and why?
My role models have been my parents and sister. They taught me that you can achieve your goals as long as you work hard and do your best.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?
Spending time with my family at home and on travel sports team trips, exercising, volunteering at the local animal shelter, cooking and reading.
If you could offer one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
You only live once, so I recommend that you spend time with the people you care about most, set your priorities, make time for what is most important to you and always strive to help others.
FACES of TriStar is sponsored by TriStar Medical Group. Photography by Grannis Photography.
