I must have been a child when I told my parents that I decided to be a doctor,” Dr. Rocio Ahuja recalls when asked what made her choose a career in medicine. The first in her family to become a physician, she chose Obstetrics & Gynecology during medical school. “My first clinical rotation was Obstetrics, and I was able to assist in a delivery during the first hour of the rotation. I love the experience of childbirth.”
Dr. Ahuja describes Obstetrics & Gynecology as a very unique field. “It allows the physician to participate in every stage of a woman’s life from reproduction to menopause,” she explains. “We can address most of a woman’s health needs. It is an empowering field as a female physician.”
She has a special bond with Beacon that dates back to medical school in 2005. “My husband was a hospitalist there at the time, and I was able to shadow him around the hospital. I felt a connection with the staff and patients and wished to work here in the future.” She also adds, “Beacon is a great organization that strives to improve the health of its community, and this is also important to me.”
That compassion and dedication is reflected in Dr. Ahuja’s own philosophy as a physician. “My patients have taught me that everyone is unique and has different needs. They are all special to me, and I seek the best health outcome for every one of them, providing medical care in the same way I want to be cared for personally.”
What is the one thing Dr. Ahuja wants her patients to know about her? “First, I am a woman with similar health needs. I am also a mother who has gone through pregnancy and childbirth and has lived those unique experiences.
Finally, as an immigrant to this country, I also understand and respect the cultural barriers that some women may be facing.”
In her own words…
Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My husband, who is persistent in everything he does and pushes me to continue to succeed in life.
What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked at a children’s clothing store as a salesperson. I remember my boss wanting me to go out and buy him lunch. I refused and quit because that was not within my job description.
What is your favorite Movie? What was your favorite subject in school growing up? I love spicy food and enjoy a variety of ethnic foods. My favorite movie of all time is Steel Magnolias. My best subjects in school were literature and science, and my worst was math.
If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love to sit down with Oprah Winfrey. She is a super achiever and a role model for women despite having had many obstacles in her own life.
In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I am passionate about my kids' development and making sure that they grow to be role models and good people. I enjoy exercising and gardening. I am also interested in the arts and love to travel and meet new people.
What question are you asked most often by those outside of medicine? People are interested in knowing where I am from and what brought me to this area.
What is something most people don’t know about you? My last name can be deceiving. I am from the Dominican Republic and speak and write Spanish fluently.
Rocio Ahuja, MD - Beacon Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Elkhart Elkhart address and phone
