Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
Candice: I grew up in Northern California. In my 20s I spent 8years in Washington, DC where I attended Medical School at Georgetown University and completed my residency in Ob/Gyn at The George Washington University. I then ended up back in California for my Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Stanford University.
I moved to Houston in July 2014 and my family and I have decided to make this our permanent home. I moved here specifically for my job at the Center of Reproductive Medicine and I love everything about my practice and this city.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
We have a 5-year-old daughter named Katie- she just started Kindergarten this fall. We have a new addition, Serafina, she is now 10months old.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
My husband stays at home with our two daughters. It has been great having one of us at home to be with our girls. Our girls absolutely love him to pieces (I may get a little jealous at times) and it allows me to be the best physician and partner to my practice. I am so very grateful that he does this for our family. I know it is not “traditional” but it really works for us.
Favorite local things to do in Houston?
We have been members of the Houston Zoo since we moved here. It has been one of our go-to activities for the last 4 years. We also recently joined the YMCA and absolutely LOVE the pool time.
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
OMG- We eat at Molina’s on Holcombe far too often! They are super family friendly and have great margaritas too.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I get a monthly massage and have done this for years. I have a favorite masseuse and I never miss a visit. It helps me relax, destress and gives me a few minutes of quiet time on the weekends.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
I feel like it is not fair for me to say it again, but having my husband at home is a routine I would never give up if I had my way.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I moved to Houston to join the Center of Reproductive Medicine in 2014. I see patients with infertility, as well as recurrent pregnancy loss. I am so happy I joined this fertility group, as unlike a lot of fertility clinics in our area, my practice functions like a small close-knit practice where I get to see my own patients throughout their entire fertility journey. I work in the Medical Center office 4 days a week and in our Memorial City location 1 day a week.
I publish daily fertility education and inspiration for women trying to conceive or just survive our hectic daily life – My IG account is @infertilitydrperfetto
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
When we moved to our neighborhood we immediately felt welcome. Our neighbors down the street have children our eldest daughter’s age and they have been instrumental in helping us learn about the local HISD elementary vs. private school system in Houston. Although we love the whole city, we spend the majority of our time in our neighborhood- playing at the parks, swimming at the YMCA and eating in our local restaurants.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
It is so important to prioritize your daily, weekly and monthly activities. I regularly have to balance work events after hours vs. being at soccer shots or bedtime with my girls. I have a well-known “rule” in my practice that I will only attend 1 work event a week, so we all make sure that whatever I am going to that week is worth my time. In general, the weekends are for my family. If I am not on call the majority of my time is spent with them.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
As a female physician, we are always trying to find the “right time” to have kids. I can honestly say: There is no right time! There is always med school, residency, fellowship and then starting/managing a business right around the corner. Then you wake up and you are in your late thirties and now it is hard to get pregnant. If you want a family, then make starting one a priority, the business can wait, your babies cannot.
