DR. ERICA CONTRERAS

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION AND CAREER.

I am from Durham, NC. I went to Xavier University in New Orleans and did my medical school and residency training at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I fell in love with OB/GYN during my medical school rotations as it was always exciting, gave me the change to solve problems and deliver babies- which has always been the most fun part.

WHAT IS A WAY YOU CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR COMMUNITY?

I try to serve as a role model as to what women can do- have a demanding job that allows me to improve people’s life, be down to earth, be a mom, etc. I try hard to help patients as much as possible by listening to their stories, making sure they understand why I recommend them and providing community resources for those that need it to ensure they get good health care.

TELL US ABOUT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING THAT INSPIRED YOU?

Growing up I had an older cousin that I looked up to and therefore wanted to do whatever she wanted to do. Initially she wanted to be a veterinarian and so did I. Then she wanted to go into medicine and so did I. She later went into education. I however, really loved medicine and science- cutting things open, looking at organs, blood and guts. I also liked being able to really permanently fix problems, not just manage them( although I do that as well). When I attended my first delivery as a high school student it was exciting and scary and amazing and I thought that I could do it too.