From the Classroom to the Operating Room: A Journey of a UST Grad
By Dr. Jamie Hernandez ’05, M.D.
As a pro-life physician, I value the ethical foundation that UST laid in my life. My ability to make life-changing recommendations to my patients is not only based on the best scientific information, but also on sound ethical principles that I learned at UST.
As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be in the health care field. Through the example of my family, I learned that serving others through health care can be a true vocation or calling. As I advanced through school, I decided that becoming a physician would allow me to have a widespread impact on my fellow man.
Halfway through high school, my family was transferred from my hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, to The Woodlands, Texas. Being separated from my extended family reinforced my desire to attend a college near my immediate family in Houston, while still pursing my education. As a senior in high school, I was looking for a university that would prepare me for medical school, form my character and leadership skills, and would allow me to integrate my faith into my studies. To my excitement, the University of St. Thomas met all these criteria.
My time at UST was filled with great memories. As a chemistry major and a Catholic studies and theology minor, my time was often busy with labs, reading and studying. Despite the rigors of class work, I made time to develop my softer skills, namely growing in my faith through Campus Ministry activities and retreats, developing my love of helping others by participating in service projects with UST, and learning more about different interests by joining student interest groups.
In fact, I am tremendously grateful to UST’s Campus Ministry because I met my husband at a Campus Ministry-sponsored ice cream social. Some of the most impactful experiences I had were the study abroad programs I attended with UST, where I studied in Mexico and Italy. It allowed me to learn other languages, live out a dream of traveling to other countries, and appreciate and experience other cultures.
As an OB/GYN that specializes in NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology), a new women’s health science that monitors and maintains a woman’s reproductive and gynecological health, I believe that the medical solutions I offer should respect the dignity of my patients and work in cooperation with her body, whether that be medical or surgical management if necessary.
Overall, UST truly helped me to form my intellect, character, soul, and integrity.
Dr. Jamie (Gautreau) Hernandez is an OB/GYN who completed a fellowship in Medical and Surgical NaProTechnology at the Pope Paul VI Institute and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with minors in Catholic studies and theology at the University of St. Thomas. She then obtained a Medical Degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Illinois/OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
She lives with her husband, Juan Hernandez, J.D., and their three children in Sugar Land, Texas. Dr. Hernandez is a member of the Caritas Women’s Care physicians at CHI St. Luke’s Medical Group in Sugar Land, Texas.