Q&A with Yashoda (Mita) Naik, MBBS, assistant professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes
Hometown: I have moved a lot. Today, I consider Madison to be my hometown.
Educational/professional background: I earned my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, as well as a Diploma in Child Health, at Goa Medical College, Goa University in India. I completed pediatrics residency training at Marshfield Clinic/St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and my fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.
Previous position (title, institution): Pediatric endocrinology physician, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin.
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I like working with children. I enjoy the opportunity for critical thinking and the nuanced approach to patient care that is found in the field of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes. There is also an unmet need for the care of children with obesity and related comorbidities. To provide high-quality care in this area, I have completed certification in the American Board of Obesity Medicine. At my previous job, I participated in drug trials for a specific form of genetic obesity, Bardet Biedl Syndrome. My goal is to provide individualized, compassionate care to each child while eliminating any stigma associated with obesity.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions in our body. As a hormone doctor, I manage problems with these instructions, which can affect how kids grow, change, and convert food into energy (metabolism).
What attracted you to UW–Madison? I experienced Madison as a city during my fellowship in pediatric endocrinology. Outside of work, I enjoy opportunities to savor the various cuisines, spend evenings at the Terrance of the Memorial Union, and kayak on the lake. As a fellow, I loved the camaraderie within the department.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? Going to the farmers’ market around the Capitol Square.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? My primary interest is in weight management and comorbidities of pediatric obesity. I hope that trainees learn to offer kindness and positive motivation to children and their families. As a mentor, I would also like to provide insights into achieving work-life balance.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. My goal is to make a positive difference in the community by helping to reduce the incidence of complications of pediatric obesity. I hope to develop a diabetes prevention program for children. I aim to empower families by providing education and advocacy through my work in pediatric obesity.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during parties? In terms of human evolution, starvation was one of the greatest threats to humanity. Our body will always try to defend itself from losing weight as protection from starvation. Hence, sustained weight loss is very difficult to achieve. The patient should not be blamed for the same mechanisms.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? My hobbies include reading, traveling, hiking, solving word puzzles, and playing board games with friends and family.