National Women's Physicians Day: Celebrating our Alumnae in the Medical Field
February 3rd, 2022
Catherine Ly '05 at the microsope in the operating room
February 3 is celebrated as National Women's Physicians Day, and we at La Pietra are proud to have alumnae who have found their purpose in the medical community helping others. Below you can read about just a few of our alumnae in healthcare and the careers they're building across the country.
Dr. Catherine Ako '06 is a naturopathic physician and the founder of Oahu Natural Care. Today, she is driven by a purpose to serve her community.
After graduating from La Pietra, she pursued a degree in Biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Ako went on to complete her medical training at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, the oldest accredited naturopathic medical university in North America and a leader in natural medicine education and training.
Upon the completion of her doctoral studies in the field of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Ako was awarded a certification in Naturopathic Obstetrics and Holistic Pelvic Care™.
Dr. Catherine Ako '06
Dr. Alicia La '06 is a pediatric hospitalist in Pasadena, California. She cares for and treats sick babies and children admitted to the hospital.
While Dr. La says it can be challenging at times, she says it is an immense honor to care for children and families in their most vulnerable moments and that there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient get better so that they can be discharged from the hospital.
Dr. Alicia La '06
Catherine Ly '05 is currently one of the chief residents in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Yale University. She will be graduating from residency this June, after which she will be doing a one-year fellowship in complex reconstructive microsurgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Microsurgery is a field in which specialized operating microscopes and precision instrumentation are used to repair blood vessels and nerves to transfer tissue from one part of the body to another, reattach severed parts, or perform composite tissue transplantation to treat patients with defects from cancer or trauma.
Catherine Ly '05
A common example of this is using a patient's own abdominal tissue to recreate breasts after they have been removed for breast cancer.
"I chose plastic and reconstructive surgery for its creative nature and because it allows me to restore form and function," Ly said. "I am very fortunate to be able to provide patients of all ages with solutions after they have endured potentially tragic diagnoses and complications."
LA PIETRA DAYS MAGAZINE
Our doctors, nurses, and medical staff act as silent protectors. They never ask for a spotlight. The pandemic marked an awakened appreciation for healthcare workers across the world. Yet, regardless of crisis, it is vital that we acknowledge the individuals who work to serve us at every stage in life. This year, our Alumna Spotlight highlights a woman whose life purpose is centered on serving others.
Diana Carty graduated from Hawai‘i School for Girls (HSG) in 1977 and embodies the courage, confidence, and kahiau all La Pietra graduates possess, while making an individual impact on every person she meets. Currently, she resides in Washington state and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 40 years.
View the full article from La Pietra Days magazine to read her story of finding purpose in healthcare and being on the frontlines of the pandemic in Seattle.
