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So often, the inspiration to become a doctor comes from family members who were in the medical field. For Dr. LaToya Perry, a first generation physician and college graduate, the decision was far more personal. "I first gained interest in the medical field when I was in middle school. My grandmother raised 10 children, my mom being the tenth child. " The glue that held her family together, Dr. Perry's grandmother also struggled with many chronic health issues, which ultimately led to her passing.

"I remember our family in crisis at the loss, and a lot of anger toward the medical field," she explains. "That anger, I would later understand, was rooted in fear of the unknown. That is what drew me to the medical field. " She wanted to know everything about medicine, and to prevent her family from experiencing such a crisis again. "While I was in high school, I was fortunate to be accepted to a pre-medical training program at the Medical College of Wisconsin. That experience solidified my interest in medicine, the field of surgery, and my passion for women's health."

Dr. Perry chose Gynecologic Oncology because, as a surgeon, it enables her to physically intervene in a patient's pathological course and get immediate results. "Combining my love of surgery with my desire to stand and fight for women who have not been historically prioritized truly drives my mission in medicine." She also calls upon her extensive training in the biomedical sciences, and her love for the art of research, in the fight to discover a cure for cancer.

In her own words:

Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My grandmothers. They were the epitome of strength and perseverance.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I have always worked in medicine. My first job was a mentor/teaching assistant for a science academy. I remember all the elementary school kids were so inquisitive and smart. It was very inspirational.

What is your favorite food? Movie? What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite food is salmon. My favorite movie is the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder. My best subject was English. I wanted to be a writer for a long time. My worst subject was math. I ended up doing very well in math through the years, but I always had to work really hard to make the grade.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Maya Angelou. As an eloquent writer and poet, I feel like she has so much life experience with love and emotions. I would like to partake of her wisdom.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My spiritual journey with God.