Scrubs, Skis, and a Skirt

As Told to Rochel Burstyn by Jessica Triest

ADVENTURE GIRL My life was always full of fun and adventure and now that I’m frum I try to find creative ways to still do the things I love in a way that conforms to halachah

M y shift is about to begin and I stride into the hospital — wearing scrubs and a skirt. Growing up I’d never thought much about becoming a physician. I hadn’t thought about religion either. However here I am exactly where Hashem put me — hair covered mother to three beautiful children while juggling life as an emergency medicine physician in the trauma center of Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak Michigan.

I’d grown up in a strong warm loving family. My mother has a master’s degree in nutrition but became a stay-at-home mom for my brother and me. My father a financial advisor traveled often for business but whenever he was home he spent time playing games with us and taking us on trips. My childhood created many happy memories.