Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Kelly Greenleaf
According to her mother, Dr. Kelly Greenleaf wanted to become a doctor from about age five. Dr. Greenleaf is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Essentia Health in Duluth, MN. Originally from Marquette, MI, she began her journey at the U of M Medical School, Duluth Campus. “I loved Duluth; it was similar in many ways to my hometown, with a small-town feeling on the lake.”
Dr. Greenleaf credits influential mentors to her success in medical school and her professional practice including the late Dr. Lillian Repesh and Dr. James Boulger. She also participated in the Rural Physicians Associate Program (RPAP), a nine-month, community-based educational experience for U of M third-year medical students who live and train in rural communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Dr. Greenleaf recalls a robust learning atmosphere during her time and training in Moose Lake.
Although she originally considered family medicine, Dr. Greenleaf values the variety of work in her field. “I chose OB-GYN because, in my opinion, it's the most multifaceted specialty. I work in the clinic and hospital. I get to do surgery, and best of all, I deliver babies, so it's a good combination of everything all rolled into one specialty.”
She also enjoys the relationships she has with her patients. “ I really enjoy working with all of my patients and am fortunate to treat women in all walks of life from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Many of them come in with really good questions. It takes us a while sometimes to solve whatever problem they may be having, but we get to work through it together, and it's very rewarding.”
In addition to patients from the Duluth metropolitan area, Dr. Greenleaf sees patients from rural areas of Minnesota and even the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. “Some patients travel as many as two to three hours to get care.” This reality underscores the critical need that doctors in the Duluth area are providing. Regarding women’s access to care, Dr. Greenleaf shares, “Minnesota is a safe place to practice women’s health. I am grateful that I have not had to change my practice at all.”
Burnout is a reality nearly every healthcare provider faces. Dr. Greenleaf attributes her resilience to her strong faith and deep connection to a community of peers and friends. She shares, “It is important to establish realistic professional goals and boundaries to prevent burnout. I have had challenging days, but I couldn’t leave my patients and colleagues.”
For Dr. Greenleaf, another connective aspect of her practice is teaching medical students. “I love working with students. They teach me as well.” She emphasizes, too, the value of students interacting with patients, “It is a real gift for patients to allow medical students to participate in their care. It is such an important part of learning, and I enjoy being a part of it.” When she isn't working, Dr. Greenleaf enjoys traveling, camping, reading, and spending as much time with her family as possible.