In her own words: Staci Paul of OB/GYN Associates

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about OB/GYN Associates and the duties of your position.

Staci Paul: OB/GYN Associates is one of the oldest established obstetric and gynecology offices in Reno. It currently has 10 full-time employed OB/GYNs and four gynecologists, as well as two full-time nurse practitioners. I am one of the full-time OB/GYNs. My scope of practice includes high-risk obstetrics, a wide variety of gynecologic surgery, and adolescent and menopausal medicine.

NNBW: How did you enter this profession?

Paul: I have always gravitated to health care and education, and I found being a health specialist for women satisfied my desire to teach and have a lifelong relationship with many of my patients. It can be fast-paced and keeps my on my toes.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Paul: Integrity, being compulsive and having a passion for what one does are essential for a fulfilling and successful career. I truly believe if you love what you do, the rest falls into place.

NNBW: How do you balance the demands of your job with the demands of your family and personal life?

Paul: I am fortunate to have a partner who shares equally in the responsibilities of our home life. My husband and I have a mutual respect for one another and are dedicated to making our relationship and family life work. While at time I feel like my mornings are a "Chinese Fire Drill," we all pitch in as a family to help one another. Regardless of how busy our days are, we make a tremendous effort to cook and have dinner together each night to review the day's happenings. Not uncommonly, I "quiz" my children over the phone from my call room or review homework or papers online if I am unable to make it home. Although I can't be physically present all the time, much to my children's horror, mom is ever present!

NNBW: Tell us about your most hectic day, and how you got through it.

Paul: I believe all OB/GYNs are adrenaline junkies! Our days are so varied that I can truly say I have never had two days alike. My busiest call day was having a full office of patients, attending eight deliveries and performing two emergency surgeries in the same day at two different hospitals. Because we usually take 24- to 72-hour calls, I think my only saving grace is that I love what I do. If it weren't for that I would have given up a long time ago.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter this profession?

Paul: Do not enter this profession for the money or the title, but because you truly love helping people.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone every gave you?

Paul: Live life to the fullest, because this day may be your last.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Paul: I began babysitting for our neighbors at age 12 and have been, for the most part, employed since then. I have been an aerobics instructor, a secretary for a brokerage firm and worked as a sales assistant and anatomy tutor. My parents instilled a strong work ethic in all of their children. My parents are still working today, and I can't keep up with them!

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job.

Paul: I would be living in Italy, speaking Italian fluently, and working in a gelateria.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?

Paul: As my family would put it, there are only two seasons in our household: football season, and waiting for football season. We are obviously all football fans, but I also love skiing and surfing. I love to travel and hope in my next life to learn Italian.

NNBW: Tell us about the most fun you have had on the job.

Paul: Oh the babies! What other occupation do you get to share in the magic of bringing life into this world? I feel privileged to be a part of such a special time in a family's life.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Paul: Not a thing, not the hard times or the suffering because it has given me an appreciation for the little things in life.

NNBW: What's your greatest professional achievement?

Paul: Delivering three generations of babies in one family.

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?

Paul: I have a gift for finding an available parking space no matter how crowded the area is. I think it is why my husband married me.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Paul: The NFC football championship playoff game between the 49ers and Giants Go 9ers!

NNBW: What's your perfect vacation spot?

Paul: On an island where the surf is up!

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Paul: I don't think I am quite ready to retire, but ask me after being up all night. My opinion might change.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working and living here?

Paul: I would definitely have to say that the friendly people and family-oriented atmosphere drew us to Reno. The people are hardworking and genuine. I wanted my children to live an active lifestyle and be in a safe environment. We certainly have been pleased with living in Reno.

The basics:

Name: Staci M. Paul, M.D., board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist

How long have you been in this job? I have been employed with OB/GYN Associates for approximately 16 months

How long in the profession? I have been in private practice for over 16 years.

Education: Bachelor's degree in science at University of California, Irvine; residency in OB/GYN at UC Irvine as well.

Last book read? "Unbroken" by Laura Hildebrand

Favorite movie? "Schindler's List"

What's on your iPod? Foster the People, U2 and Gym Class Heroes. I usually use my iPod when working out and have an eclectic mix of songs

Spouse/kids/pets? I have been married to my college sweetheart for over 17 years. He is a urologist named Garo Gholdoian. I have two children: Sophia is 13 and Nicolas is 16. My yellow Labrador, Johann Sebastian Bach kids named him is affectionately nicknamed "Seb."

Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call (775) 850-2146.