First, Eliza Chakravarty wanted to be a ballerina. Then a homicide detective. But the Baltimore native eventually headed west to Stanford University School of Medicine, where she spent 11 years as a rheumatology fellow and faculty member before coming to OMRF in 2011. Now she’s helping Oklahoma lupus patients realize their dreams of motherhood. When the bundles of joy arrive, Chakravarty has a special requirement: “I don’t just get to look at the babies. I get to hold them!”
- Heights terrify me. When I was seven, my family went to Machu Picchu in Peru. I had anxiety attacks the whole trip and was sure we were going to die.
- The worst grade I ever made was in chemistry lab in college. My teaching assistant was really cute, and I had a huge crush on him. When the class was over, I got my nerve up and asked him out. Now he’s my husband.
- Last year for my birthday, the clinic staff built me a throne made of Diet Pepsi cans, because I’m a huge addict.
- During medical school, I joined the “Midnight Mud Club” at a pottery studio in Baltimore. We met from 11 pm to 1 am. It was great stress relief.
- When my patients have a successful pregnancy, they’re so happy that their feet barely touch the ground. I’m a mother. I get that.
- One thing I don’t do is cook.
- The hardest thing I ever did was bury my mom five years ago. I cherish every minute I spent with her. We left nothing unsaid.
