Blade in Hand

Our finale is a special one! We finish off our set of local wonder women with Dr. Carolina Fermin-Risso, Pediatric Urologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

What is it like to be a real superhero, to save the lives of children every day?

( laughing) I really don’t feel like a super hero. But I can tell you that I have a huge passion for what I do  and I feel really proud of it. I think I’m really lucky to wake up every day of my life doing what I love to do with my heart and that is take care of all of my patients; being a Pediatric Urologist is the best !!!!

How has Covid impacted your role and the care you are able to provide your young patients?

OMG it has had and continues to have a huge impact in how we practice on a daily basis. It has been hard on a personal and professional level  as well. Some days are harder than others when precious health care resources are limited thereby impacting patient care. I try all the time to do my best and have a positive attitude but when clinics or surgery are delayed for our patients it’s heartbreaking.

What was it like coming to Calgary and the Alberta Children’s Hospital after completing a Urology residency in Venezuela?

It was extremely hard at the beginning.. leave my country, my family,  friends and get out of my comfort zone. To explore new opportunities is always hard yet invigorating, learn a new language, take all those exams; it got some tears out of me but it has all payed off multiple times over. … I work in the most amazing place with people whom I consider my family in a save environment… how much more can I be blessed?

If you could give a word of advice to young women considering a career in medicine or specifically becoming a surgeon or even specializing in Urology what would it be?

“Whatever you decide to do in life .. love it with all your heart  because you will wake up everyday doing the same and as a women, mom and surgeon you will leave your most important treasure “your  family” to take care of someone else’s treasure so just love what you do , do what you love.  And of course even though Urology is a field dominated by boys .. being a urologist is one of my best decisions and I would do it again without hesitation .

What is it like working alongside surgeon author of Percivious Insomnia, AJ Cook MD?

( Laughing again ) Cookie is my great support from the beginning ..he is super smart and an amazing surgeon I have learned a lot from him.  Sometimes he can be grumpy as well. But super easy going at the same time.