Rachel Pilliod, MD

What is your practice philosophy? I consider it a privilege to work with women and their families during pregnancy, particularly when there are unanticipated developments or complications. Helping folks navigate the unexpected, ensuring they feel safe and confident in their understanding of what is going on, is critical to my work in complex pregnancies.  

What are you passionate about? And why? I care deeply about exploring barriers to access to care and see a role for myself and other providers in advocating for the needs of the individuals and families that we serve.  

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: Journalist or author because I really like listening to people and complex story telling.  

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I had worked as a medical assistant to pay for college. When I had graduated and was working in public policy, I realized how much I missed clinical care and decided to pursue a career in medicine.  

Something I have learned from my patients is: What I have learned from my patients could fill volumes. I am humbled by the privilege of caring for my patients.  

One of the challenges of this career that I enjoy is (and why): I appreciate the challenge of addressing the risks of complicated pregnancies, while trying to retain as much normalcy as possible. Pregnancy and childbearing, unlike other areas of medicine, is as much about identity formation as it is about physiology. When pregnancies don’t go to plan, I like to try address the complications directly, while trying to prioritize the values and preferences of my patients for their pregnancy and birth experience.  

My personal health goal is: Is to have a consistent bedtime and to move my body every day.  

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health or the best health advice you’ve received? Drink more water 

What are you most proud of? That I have loving family and friends in  

What are a few of your personal achievements? I am professionally most proud of having helped to run statewide campaigns focused on maternal health and safety. I am personally most proud of my two small children.