Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Dr. O’Hara is the year 2 curriculum director and a pathology medical educator at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her research focuses on the effectiveness of multidisciplinary team teaching and
active learning strategies in larger classrooms.
O’Hara earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University; attended medical school at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine; completed residencies at Georgetown University Medical Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; and did her fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center. She is board-certified in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology and cytopathology.
“I feel lucky to be part of medical education at TCOM. The school has a wonderful national reputation for producing outstanding osteopathic physicians,” O’Hara said. “I am committed to continuing that tradition of excellence.”
Get to know Dr. O’Hara better:
Q: What did you do prior to coming to HSC?
A: Prior to working at HSC, I was a private practice pathologist for 10 years.
Q: What is one thing you wish you knew before starting medical school?
A: One thing I wish I knew is that practicing medicine is not the only way to contribute as a physician. Working in medical education has been a great way for me to use my pathology knowledge in a creative and fulfilling way to inspire the next generation of physicians.
Q: What do you hope students take from their time at HSC?
A: I hope they know and feel the faculty are committed to their success. Student support is key in inspiring students to achieve.
Q: What led you to the field of medicine?
A: I have been fascinated by the human body since age seven, when I encountered the “My Body” project in school. For this project, I learned about the roles of the various internal organs in the human body and how they worked together to keep us healthy. I was amazed how each organ had a part to play, but all managed to work together as a team.
Q: If you didn’t work in medicine, what would you do?
A: If I didn’t work in medicine, I’d be a journalist. I love telling stories and find everyone has a unique one.
From HSC Newsroom - Our People by Libby Maness