This episode launches a new series of conversations with physicians who have navigated the rigors of residency or fellowship training while also balancing parenthood. In this inaugural episode, host, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Dr. Hagar Elgendy, a resident in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program at UNC.

Dr. Elgendy had an illustrious career as a swimmer, earning 7 National Championship Titles, a National Record, and finishing second in the Olympic Trials in 2012. She went on to receive her master’s degree in Neuroscience at Tulane University and completed her medical training at the University of Cincinnati, where she founded the university’s first family leave policy.

Dr. Elgendy has had to balance the arrival of several children during her education and training, raising them her husband, Cedric Peerman, a former professional football player with the Cincinnati Bengals. In this episode, Dr. Elgendy shares the challenges she faced becoming a parent during her medical training and how she managed her time commitments to both roles. She discusses her biggest challenges and most valued accomplishments, how parenting has influenced her medical practice, and vice versa. Lastly, she offers advice to those in similar situations and to those considering when to expand their families.