Kimberly Suppes, MD | Nicole Spencer, DO | Jennifer Sanford, MD Nicole Nelson, DO | Safoora Choudry, MD | Amanda Fischer, MD | *Erica Salinas, MD (not pictured because she was performing an emergecy surgery; her photo is below.)
Women Who Move the City
The content of this article appears in the September 2020 issue of Inside Columbia magazine.
When it comes to providing excellent surgical care, experience matters, and the seven board-certified female surgeons at Columbia Surgical Associates offer patients the benefit of 46 years of cumulative experience as surgeons. Columbia Surgical Associates specializes in the surgical treatment of a variety of health problems and concerns, including diseases of the breast, gallbladder and intestinal tract, benign and malignant tumors, hernias, vascular diseases and weight loss.
*Dr. Erica Salinas
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Kimberly Suppes, MD: I wanted to be an opera singer.
Nicole Spencer, DO: As a doctor, I saw the impact my father (also a surgeon) had on people growing up and how he was able to change lives. I knew right away I wanted to make that same impact.
What makes CSA Surgical Center special? What should readers know about it?
Jennifer Sanford, MD: CSA Surgical Center is a very special place because we're a family of team members who share the goal of exceptional patient care. We accomplish that goal every day.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Nicole Nelson, DO: There are a lot! I once had a patient tell me that she was going to name her baby Nelson after me if she had a boy. I was flattered by that gesture.
Safoora Choudry, MD: There is nothing better than the feeling of teaching someone a skill and watching him or her succeed at it. When I have the opportunity to teach residents how to perform surgery and see their joy when they help save an arm, a leg or a human life, I feel most accomplished as a surgeon. In turn, I learn from their inquisitiveness. In this way our service to humanity continues through time, evolves and becomes refined.
Tell us about someone in the local business community whom you admire and why?
Amanda Fischer, MD: I admire Jennifer Loganbill, the founder of Jen's Get Fit Group. She has created a way for people to pursue healthy, active lifestyles from the comfort of their own homes. In addition to promoting good physical health, Jennifer encourages you to empower and uplift those around you. She pushes you to always be your best self physically, mentally and emotionally.
What advice would you give to other women starting their careers?
Erica Salinas, MD*: Don't give up! Perseverance is probably the most important thing. You can be the smartest and most talented person out there, but if you don't have the wherewithal to fight through the hard times, you can't expect to accomplish your goals.
Our physicians and professional staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality of individualized care to each of our patients. To schedule a consult with one of our physicians call our facility direct at 573-777-3370. We will happily answer all of your questions as we work together to better your health.