Janet Lynn Anderson-Ray ’03
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Cheyenne, Wyoming
My interest in birds. I have loved nature and the outdoors since childhood and was bitten by the birding bug shortly before finishing residency. I continue to enjoy getting out to watch birds whenever and wherever I can. Have binoculars, will travel!
I have many good memories from my medical school years. I loved learning about medicine and enjoyed lots of good times with friends. Best of all, though, was the discovery of what I was truly meant to do with my life. My OB-GYN rotation was near the end of my third year, and I had never seriously considered that field as an option. By the end of third year, my plans had changed. Now, after 13 years in practice, I still love what I do.
One of the best things about OB-GYN is the variety. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of saving the lives of some mothers and babies over the years, and that is such a privilege. Sharing the joy of a newborn’s arrival never gets old! I find a lot of meaning in the everyday interactions with my patients. Whether I am helping someone manage heavy periods that are causing her to miss several days of work each month, treating a teenager with an STD, helping an 80-year-old with uterine prolapse, or talking with a new mom dealing with postpartum depression, I am there to provide good medical care and a listening ear. I get to make a difference in someone’s life every day.
I had the opportunity to do a guided multi-day hike across the Grand Canyon with a small group in the summer of 2019. It was an amazing experience, and our guide was wonderful. I think working as a guide would be a challenging and rewarding job.
I love to sing and was a member of several choirs throughout high school and college. Currently, most of my singing is done in the car or the shower, but I would like to take voice lessons someday.
During my third year of residency, I made a mistake in the operating room during a surgery, and one of my most intimidating attendings was called in to assist with the repair. I felt terrible and wanted to quit residency on the spot. I have been thankful ever since for the advice he gave me that day. He told me that mistakes happen, in medicine and in life. The best thing you can do is to admit what happened, do what you can to make it right, learn from it so it won’t happen again, and don’t let the fear of a mistake keep you from trying again.