Meet Gabriela Mora, Ultrasound Technician at Tia

Gabriela, where are you from?

I was born and raised in Miami, FL and came to NYC after graduating from college to dive into the city of opportunity. I have always dreamed of experiencing the dynamic culture and diversity that NYC is known for.

What is most challenging about navigating healthcare in NYC?

As a woman, I have personally found navigating healthcare in NYC overwhelming in terms of finding consistent primary and gynecological care. After working in healthcare for 5 years, I continually find that my patients are plagued with the same fear and anxiety when looking for quality care that is uniquely tailored to women.

What does it mean to be a “well-woman” in 2019?

To me, being a “well-woman” in 2019 means having consistent access to comprehensive care that addresses all of the unique needs of a female. Women should not be treated by the same criteria as men, and cycle-connected care needs to be an integral component in treating women.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself over the last decade?

I have learned the importance of maintaining balance in all aspects of life, and how necessary it is to put self care first. I used to always put other people’s needs before my own, which limited my personal growth and left me no time for myself.

If you could go back in time, what do you wish you knew about your health that you know now?

I wish I had known about the negative impact that stress and anxiety took on my health, and the importance of being introspective and practicing mindfulness throughout the day.

What’s your favorite way to self-care?

Meditation, hiking, and relaxing at the beach / all things ocean-related.

Why did you join the Tia Clinic?

I joined because I believe in the importance of the Tia mission of female empowerment, and to become a part of the movement encouraging women to take back control over their health.

What is your definition of optimal female health that you hope to achieve with support from Tia?

My definition of optimal female health is having all medical needs met. With the help of Tia I aim to help guide patients through a visual narrative on their path towards optimal health.

What drew you to ultrasound?

I’ve always been a very visual person and had a curiosity for the practice of medicine. The complexity of the human body fascinated me from a young age and I constantly found myself analyzing how our organs work with one another. I had an ultrasound done of my abdomen when I was in high school and I was awestruck. Peering into the human body in real-time, I knew I had to become an Ultrasound Technologist.

Why is it a powerful tool for the betterment of women’s health (beyond just pregnancy)?

Ultrasound is a powerful tool for the betterment of women’s health because it gives insight into so many different organ systems beyond just reproductive. From gastrointestinal to endocrine and cardiovascular we can evaluate a range of organ systems that impact women’s optimal health. Ultrasound gives us the ability to assess the vessels, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid-and the list goes on.

Providing comprehensive care means evaluating connections between all of these organ systems.

When should a woman discuss ultrasound with her doctor?

If you are experiencing any of these things, you should discuss ultrasound as a potential diagnostic tool with your doctor to learn more about why:

• Painful sex
• Painful periods
• Heavy, irregular periods or vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain or bloating
• Continual pain or irregular bleeding with presence of IUD
• Back or flank pain (mid-lower back at the site of kidneys)
• Blood in urine or chronic UTIs
• Pain in upper right abdomen (or radiating right shoulder pain)
• Persistent vomiting associated with abdominal pain
• Leg pain or swelling/ redness
• Thyroid enlargement
• Redness/ swelling or palpable lump of a soft tissue

Are there any specific things ultrasound can be used to help diagnose?

Yes! It can be used as a diagnostic to help with….

Reproductive issues like:

• PCOS
• Endometriosis of the Uterus or Ovaries
• Fibroids
• Ovarian Cysts/Tumors
• Endometrial Polyps
• Endometrial carcinoma
• Hydrosalpinx (fluid in the Fallopian tubes)
• Correct IUD Placements
• Uterine malformations

Endocrine issues like:

• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid conditions: Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
• Salivary Glands (Parotiditis)

Abdominal issues like:

• Gallstones/ Gallbladder and Biliary disease
• Liver Disease
• Kidney Disease (stones, infection, obstruction)
• Appendix

Vascular issues like:

• Blood Clots

What’s unique about doing ultrasound as part of an integrative care team vs. working at a hospital?

At Tia, I have the opportunity to be an extension of the providers’ care and vice versa. This means providing on-the-spot diagnoses and relaying integral information to the care team. The hospital setting did not foster this type of environment, as my exams were isolated. This made it difficult to establish continual patient relationships. Now, I have the ability to follow patients progress over time and be a collaborative member of the Tia care team every step of the way!