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Time We Discuss: Become a Perinatologist

Watch/Listen to this Episode Become a Perinatologist Become a Perinatologist; Host of Time We Discuss is pointing to a picture of guest Dr. Luissa Kiprono.

In this enlightening episode of Time We Discuss, Dr. Luissa Kiprono, a high-risk pregnancy specialist, shares her compelling personal and professional journey. As a perinatologist, Dr. Luissa explains that her passion for medicine began when she was in fifth grade, and she originally aspired to be a surgeon. However, her career took a different direction when she discovered her love for obstetrics during her medical training. Although she started as a general OB-GYN, her interest naturally shifted toward high-risk pregnancies, drawn by the challenges and adrenaline they present. Dr. Luissa describes her work as a detective-like experience, where each case requires a unique approach beyond textbook solutions. Despite the intensity and stress of her role, she finds tremendous joy in helping mothers and babies achieve successful outcomes.

A key aspect of her practice is the importance of milestones during pregnancy, especially in high-risk cases. She highlights the critical period between 20 and 24 weeks, known as the periviable stage, where every day of gestation matters significantly for the baby’s survival. Dr. Luissa emphasizes that the goal is to guide patients through these stages while ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being. She acknowledges that her direct communication style may be unconventional, but most patients appreciate her honesty and desire for clear, truthful information.

Interestingly, Dr. Luissa operates her practice entirely through telemedicine, having founded Telemed MFM in late 2022. About 20% of her consultations are preconception counseling, where she works with women who are planning pregnancies and helps them optimize their health. The remaining 80% involves guiding high-risk patients through their pregnancies until delivery. Her virtual practice functions seamlessly, with a team of on-site medical staff providing ultrasound and physical assessments, while she consults remotely. This innovative approach allows her to maintain high-quality care without being physically present in a traditional clinic setting.

In addition to her medical work, Dr. Luissa discusses her entrepreneurial journey, which began long before her medical career. She earned her real estate license, became a broker in three states, and ran a real estate company for ten years. This business experience, combined with an executive MBA from the University of Tennessee during the COVID-19 pandemic, gave her the skills necessary to manage her telemedicine practice. However, she criticizes medical schools for neglecting to teach doctors the business side of healthcare, which she considers crucial for physicians aiming to run their own practices.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Luissa is also an author. Her book Push Then Breathe was inspired by her desire to help people with both physical and mental well-being. She reflects on the emotional challenges many face, particularly how trauma and stress can impact pregnancies. Writing the book was a cathartic process for her, requiring dedication and the guidance of a book coach.

In closing, Dr. Luissa offers advice on living a fulfilling life by asking three important questions: What have you learned from your past? What drives you? What’s in your rainbow? She encourages listeners to embrace their unique abilities, learn from their experiences, and pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

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