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Hi, I'm Dr. Laurene Fleischer, General Pediatrics at Optum.

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I actually knew I wanted to be a doctor since high school. I always loved science, and I knew I wanted to go into something where I was going to help people.

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I was accepted into a joint acceptance program for college and medical school. I thought I could always drop out if I didn’t like it, but I loved both schools, and it worked out really well.

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I’ve always liked working with kids, so early in my training, I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician. It can be loud—screaming babies and kids—but we’re used to it. Then there are fun moments when a child says something funny or quirky.

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I get to listen to teddy bears and dolls and check their ears and eyes sometimes. When you walk into my office, you’re just coming to see the doctors who are there, and it feels personal.

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As a doctor in a multi-specialty group, we have many resources. Pediatricians in different towns text or call each other. Yesterday, a patient needed a dermatologist, and we arranged it quickly through contacts and the electronic medical record.

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I’m a mom of two children, so I’m busy outside the office too. My husband and I live close by, so I run into patients everywhere—at the grocery store or even at Mets games.

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I love the beach. When I have free time, I like to read things unrelated to medicine. Spending time with my family is important—and my dog too.

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I'm Dr. Laurene Fleischer, General Pediatrics at Optum.