Work Life Balance As A Doctor Mom

For years, Dr. Rupa Wong had a nursery in her office where she raised her 3 kids while seeing patients. Now that the kids are in school, they don't spend quite as much time in the office, but they still come. You may wish you could bring your kids to work. Maybe this video will convince you otherwise!
Is it possible to be a doctor and mom?
What is work life balance like for women physicians?
We dive deep into it all in this video.
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[@voodooblue6162]

This is productivity at its highest level. I mean, the amount of schooling you had to go through, and the fact that you were able to raise your beautiful kids while working full time is something I admire greatly.

[@lisa39978]

Dr. Rupa, ever since I was young, I wanted to be a “career woman” and thought that when I had kids, I would be making enough money to hire a nanny or put my kids in daycare while I worked long hours at the office. Now at 26, I realize how much I would rather be there for my kids, watch all their games, take them to practices, pack their lunches, etc... even though I don’t even have kids right now! The more that I work in corporate America, the more that I see that working for yourself is the only way women have even the possibility of having both a career and a family because it allows for flexibility.... The traditional workplace makes it very difficult for women to have it all.

[@DrRupaWong]

I know. Medicine is the same - it's changing, but slowly. If I had worked for a larger academic practice as I had before moving to Hawaii, I certainly couldn't have had a nursery in my office (read my blog post about it here: drrupawong.com/bye-bye-nursery/. It's good that you know that one of your core values is family - stay true to that. That's not to say that someone who chooses career over family is wrong, their core values are just different. But, make sure you know what your non-negotiables as you look at other jobs. There are some out there that are more flexible. Good luck!

[@omaima99999]

The part of having your own office with nursery and being able to spend time with your newborn kids is just heartwarming, dream

[@cutseygymnast]

your daughter is adorable and so feisty i love it

[@DrRupaWong]

Liftinginlilly92 thank you!! She is definitely feisty!

[@juliew1426]

You definitely have a future actress in the household! She is an absolutely doll.

[@DrRupaWong]

I'm passing along the message to her! She loved reading it. Thanks Julie.

[@ananyabollu8596]

Even mom is a doctor she was in her residency when she had me and I mostly grew up in the hospital ! Now even I'm a medical student and my mom said she won't accept grandkids until I complete my residency 😂😂

[@KaRiNa-pj9sb]

Your baby girl is so adorable.

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you so much!

[@kavitaelangkumaran693]

Hi. Just stumbled upon your channel. I’m a doctor as well and a general practitioner with my own practice. My kids too grew up/ youngest is 5 and still growing up in my clinic so they were always under my eyes. Your video gave me a look from the outside of the things we don’t sometimes see from the inside. Was lovely! Take care and stay safe

[@otiebrown9999]

Hi Dr. Rupa, What a wonderful family and husband. I have been doing my, "pure myopia prevention", work since 1968. You are the only two Ophthalmologists who have taken the concept seriously - and with the support of your own three children - have a high probability of success. It takes real force of character to do prevention successfully. Everyone talks about it - and does absolutely nothing. This is why I admire your long term efforts.

[@sumathimanjunath1315]

I am a pediatrician and have my own practice. I too took my kids to my office. But it was difficult. Love your daughter

[@vq2vx]

Love how accomplished & confident you are, & that you have such a supportive hubby. Beautiful family, & your daughter is a hoot! 😂

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you so much!

[@maryanntowndsend1432]

What a patient mama❤️

[@DrRupaWong]

I try. Though there are many days when I'm not so patient!

[@tulipsxw2]

Your daughter is 6 and the youngest, but we can tell who runs the house.....Arya. Lol she had a little midday boba breakdown. I can relate! 💕

[@DrRupaWong]

I completely blame my husband. He's a total softie with her. I think we're all feeling mid-day boba meltdowns around here lately!

[@mackenzieb2218]

I am LOVING this red in your hair!!! looks soooooo good on you!! you and your husband are so sweet hahah.

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you! I've been wanting a change and I figured this is a fun color, but not super crazy! My husband is literally going to kill me because I didn't edit him out. Hope I'm around tomorrow!

[@mackenzieb2218]

@@DrRupaWong lmaoooo if I dont hear from you I'll know what happened 😂😂😂 even if the red fades, the pink would look good too!!! I'm not sure if you have already, but would you ever do a smokey/ash blonde where the red is?!

[@Ladeliciadelinda]

Your husband is so funny with the no. My boyfriend hates being on camera too. But it’s nice to catch a glimpse of your hubby and he seemed to be going along with it

[@DrRupaWong]

Haha. Yeah, he rolled his eyes at me, but tolerated it!

[@laurawatkins2187]

I like how realistic this was! Thanks for being honest about working and motherhood.

[@douaaben480]

Ur videos give such a energy and power to be a future doctor and a mum 💜💜💜💜

[@lakshmi140190]

The border on the sofa reminds me of my brother and I as kids 😂😂. Your kids are amazing 😍, makes me want to have another 👶!

[@ElleSunminLee]

You've built such a wonderful life..! This is so inspiring... I'm not in the medical field, but I get inspired by the medical professionals ladies because you guys really do a great job making the best out of life and living a fulfilling and balanced life.

[@dennisfamilyvlog]

You’re a super cool Mom, honestly!! Thank you for being real and raw. I admire your patience and also your sharing the day with us. Blessings.

[@josephine8295]

Such a beautiful family..God bless you all 🥰

[@jennychemer6728]

This was so fun to watch. We had a nursery at our fitness business for years when the kids were little (we have five kids). It was so reassuring knowing they were right there with us, but at the same time I can totally relate to the challenges of keeping them entertained. Now that technology has evolved I am able to do my personal training using Skype. This works out great bc the kids are much bigger and we can all be at home while I work :)

[@DrRupaWong]

Yes, I absolutely loved having them with me when they were babies. I never had any guilt about returning to work or about worrying about how the nanny was with them. Though working from home with kiddos definitely presents challenges as well! Thanks for watching!

[@EMEdel-ir4ti]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I have learned some things about eye cosmetics that I would not even think of unless I really had a big problem. Now I know what to look out for in applying eye makeup. Just subscribed. 😊

[@hood685]

So, I was looking for videos about magnetic lashes. I watched yours (along with a few others). However, your daughter has totally made me subscribe to your channel. What a lot of personality in that little lady!

[@Mscursed2]

Lmao I love how realistic you are with how the kids always bicker!

[@DrRupaWong]

Facts of life. I never want to show that I have it all figured out or that my family is "picture perfect"!

[@andrearobinson8914]

You get the mom of the year award! When I have to bring my son to the office it's usually only for an hour or two. Now that he's older he likes to sticker charts and file, but the ipad can definitely be a saving grace sometimes! Despite all of the whining and chaos, I think the worst part of the day is dealing with the insurance company. I'll take whining any day!

[@evennaevenna9569]

Check out my account on Red Bubble, called evenna.

[@rainbowwaves5531]

Came to watch how the mum had work-life balance, stayed for the girl. She's so cuteee 😂🥺❤

[@LynKS85]

I love this! Subscribed!

[@liumiao6576]

Love the hair and your kids are adorable!

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you so much!!

[@AHeatedMess]

Your kids are so sweet and I love that your daughter is an entrepreneur wanting to charge for pictures 😂 I’m Filipino and we also call all grownups Auntie or Uncle lol. Also I love the entryway bench area in your home - so organized! Thanks for sharing your day 💞🤗

[@DrRupaWong]

She would charge these crazy amounts - like $200 and when the techs would say "sorry I don't have enough money" then, since she's a savvy entrepreneur, she would ask "well, how much money do you have?"

[@rowenatan8697]

Your daughter is so adorable.

[@tennehteah6878]

Life of a working woman you can have it all if you are hard-working.

[@MellyYaru]

Y’all are so cute 💛 such a beautiful family!

[@DrRupaWong]

Aww thank you Melora!

[@mmkhatki6503]

Omg the daughter is the real queen so cute

[@DrRupaWong]

She most certainly is!

[@jemalynginn3268]

Those poke bowl is reminding when we used to live in Hawaii and I would go to tamuras to get those poke bowl. Yummm😋. Love you vlogs 💕

[@khadizakhan4568]

You have a lots of patience and I am also mother and health science student. I love your blogs.

[@DrRupaWong]

I have my good and bad days for sure, but as a pediatric surgeon, I have to!

[@Destiny_detroitdoc]

Kids are soo adorable! Their minds are soo interesting! Starting pediatrics rotation as a 3rd year med student and I am super excited to interact with the kiddos!

[@DrRupaWong]

I always knew I wanted to be some kind of pediatric surgeon. I was deciding between ophtho and ENT and it came down to the fact that I loved fixing kids' vision whether through surgery or simple glasses. Good luck!

[@AnitaAnita-du5wr]

Wow you guys are amazing 🤗 love you all 🥰

[@sharonsongstad4134]

Wonderful family ...

[@Foodiegaal]

Hahahah your daughter such character! I like her personality 😂

[@suryasekar97]

I'm from tamil Nadu. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@divt2445]

I admire you and I love your vlogs.

[@groupsoulise3702]

You have such a beautiful family.

[@saisailiu4493]

Such a fun vlog, love it

[@nongthombamloyanganba4765]

Your daughter is smart and lovely 😊

[@estherthang9540]

I have got to say, I really appreciate your video. It's comforting to know that it's not just my kids that act that way. Your video makes me feel that I'm not alone in having kids antagonizing each other and whining. LOL I work from home and I have a small house.. confined spaces... #strongmamasrus #saneday ... just.. :D

[@mightbeLara]

04:39am - 17.01.2021 I just found your channel and I love it

[@mithilamakhijani5082]

Giving drawings away for free, love how she emphasizes that part :P

[@DrRupaWong]

she usually starts with charging $100, but quickly goes to free! lol

[@chachoualacreme4823]

Your kids are adorable, i loved watching this video and i love your hair (I just realized you look a lot like Cece from the show New Girl!!!)

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you and wow - that's a huge compliment. I love Hannah Simone and also all that she represents as an actor in Hollywood!

[@ammumeme5789]

Love the video. Will definitely keep on watching. One request: if the camera work could be a little smoother? I am one of those people who are very sensitive to jerky camera work and get headaches easily. Keep up the good work !.

[@DrRupaWong]

My husband is the same way. He gets so motion sensitive too. When we drove the road to hana in Maui, we had to pull over. But, he's still a surfer and an All-American water polo player!

[@subramsingh1599]

Watching from Guyana love you guys

[@jngmom4105]

Gosh looks so much like my 2 kids growing up in my dental office. My husband and I practice together and brought our kids to office when they were babies and toddlers. Yes the constant bickering and refereeing is so true, The border line! He’s touching me or she’s taking my things were relentless.

[@DrRupaWong]

it's chaos, and sometimes I do want to rip my hair out, but it's also so wonderful to have them close.

[@mstarkrn72]

How fun!!! This video is super cute. Your kids are ABSOLUTELY adorable. 🥰

[@mstarkrn72]

OMG, your daughter cracks me up! There's no getting away with anything if she's a witness, lol. Speaking of him holding the door, "He never does that!" 😂🤣

[@DrRupaWong]

Thanks so much!!

[@amandaogbureke2574]

Awww this is adorable

[@jasminebrown7935]

Your life is a dream 😭

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

I enjoyed watching your DITL. More DITL videos 😊

[@amypreem5225]

Your kids are so adorable! 😍😚❤ Your daughter is funny, dramatic & bubby I can see ur daughter a super 🌟

[@DrRupaWong]

😊 thank you

[@redbonbon2199]

KIDS R THE CUTEST..LOVE TAJ/ LOVE UR EDITS

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you so much!! Taj is my mama's boy for sure!

[@janem3575]

Your kids remind me of my sisters and I when we were young! Constantly fighting... The only time we wee quiet, briefly, was when we were eating. Then fighting would erupt because HER slice of pizza was larger or had more cheese or something or other...

[@therealshakeen]

I really appreciate this video! I’ve always wondered how I would manage a practice when I have kids. I’m a chiropractor. What was your experience like when they were babies? Babies can be unpredictable and cry at any moment. How did you manage seeing patients and sticking your schedule and still be able to tend to your baby’s needs? Did you have to hire a nanny to sit in the office at all? I’m not pregnant yet, but I would love to hear some of your tips and experience!

[@worshimedward5952]

So lovely👌👌🤩

[@theresagray933]

I love how you have a little bit of a pidgin accent, I can hear it! Also, your keikis are adorable and I like how you keep it real =)

[@DrRupaWong]

i pick up accents so quickly. I lived in NYC for 8 years but am originally from NC. But no one in NYC ever suspected that I was a southern girl since I just lost my accent. But I pick it back up when I visit my parents!

[@HeatherLynseyMusic]

her little voice on “keep watching!!!” 😭😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@qwerty4181]

Hi, you are a super mom, and beautiful.

[@melissag.428]

"Apparently sick." LOL.

[@anesiarcihelka6155]

I’m amazed at how much plastic packaging is still used in the US (I live in Germany)

[@sideupsun]

Oh god I need to have a nursery at work too.

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you!!!

[@taylormari2033]

You have my dream career, loved the video!

[@DrRupaWong]

Thanks Taylor! Ophtho is a great field. A little bit of everything - clinic and surgery. It's a really rewarding field!

[@taylormari2033]

Dr. Rupa Wong good to hear :)

[@Bamx333]

Great video! What camera did you use to film this?

[@liumiao6576]

Also how do you walk and vlog? That’s talent

[@DrRupaWong]

I'm always wearing heels too at work, so I always think I'm going to trip! Or step on one of my kids!

[@waterlilly78]

Beautiful kids.😃

[@DrRupaWong]

You are so kind

[@jesska808]

Haha I think I went to high school with your husband! LOL! The joys of growing up and living on a small island. Love your content :)

[@DrRupaWong]

That's hilarious! And if you remember him, he's more quiet and definitely does not want to be on my social media and literally runs out of the camera frame if i'm shooting a vlog.

[@jesska808]

@@DrRupaWong Definitely remember him as a super nice guy and very quiet, but friendly (I think we swam together or he played water polo and I was a swimmer...hope I didn't misidentify him! haha). :) He'll get used to being on social media! Keep breaking him in! haha :)

[@DrRupaWong]

@@jesska808 That's him - he was captain of the water polo team in high school and also swam!

[@jesska808]

@@DrRupaWong Love it! So glad to see he's with such an amazing woman! :) Maybe we'll run into each other at a 'function' or something hahaha. :) Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@09denty]

Great video! Did you have a sitter/nanny watching your kids when they were younger at the office nursery? I’m thinking of setting up a nursery at my practice as well but my kids are under 2 years old.

[@DrRupaWong]

I had the best nanny watching the kids at the office when they were young. Otherwise, it's just way too hard. I actually had a room dedicated as a nursery: drrupawong.com/bye-bye-nursery/. I have a picture of it there.

[@09denty]

Thank you for your response!! I’m in the dental field and currently under contract to purchase a practice. I have a 14 month old and expecting our second in May. Looking to close on the purchase in August. I just read your article on finding female mentorship and couldn’t agree more. I stumbled on your channel while looking for female docs on KZbin juggling family life and owning a business. Thank you for finding the time to do this with everything else you have going on.

[@Nellypmagu]

She’s so cute 🥰

[@cindydebra8695]

Hello from Malaysia! Just subscribed to your channel 🤗

[@DrRupaWong]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@vianneyg2887]

More blogs please!

[@patriciareed4612]

Hi, what are your thoughts about careprost.

[@Amii-dw7jd]

I hope this isn't intrusive, but I was just wondering what stage in your medical journey you began to have children

[@applebomb4091]

Hope you vlog your vacation.

[@DrRupaWong]

I will! Just a staycation. Nothing fancy, but then again, I do live in Hawaii, so even a staycation is good!

[@staceycalder3233]

My eyes feel like I have little bumps under them what can I do for that?

[@abidafidaee7495]

my third video i am obsessed with u lol

[@DrRupaWong]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@kinghero2672]

Such a beautiful woman

[@daywithdelta7645]

I love this. Nice family. I stay at the ophthalmologist’s office. Geez.

[@godschild2432]

Adorable little girl

[@miltamiranda]

Can you do a draw my life video and a how we met story time.?

[@neomahlangu]

Ooh that's a tough decision between your outfit and your daughter's, i can't choose😊😂

[@abigaildelaforce2456]

Aloha Dr Rupa, just started watching ur vlog. Loving your sweet family stories, your children are adorable. My grand children have a mixture of Caucasian n Asian (French, English,Norwegian, Filipino, Spanish, Chinese) living in Hawaii is

[@abigaildelaforce2456]

Really interesting n fun, enjoying all cultures. Holidays are especially fun, our buffet cover many nationalities n is so delicious. Oops! Please add “Portuguese to our list” ha ha Looking forward to watching more, great job!!

[@ananwran3251]

Hi Dr. Rupa, great videos. Just to give you an update, you can take your Kids to Kauai's Hindu Monastery to understand about Hindu culture,traditions and values. You can check their website...Himalayaan Academy for details.

[@drheenapatel8490]

Only an indian mother can handle so many things in such a beautiful way.. Keep doing this..god bless u n ur family ..😍

[@alysonkipp6080]

19:29-19:30 I think that kid has a crush on someone at the office lol must be why he likes going there 😂

[@SP-eg3rn]

I wish china and india had relationship like this.

[@mayonnaisesubs9458]

IKRRRR

[@daisyhinojosa23]

3:04 *casually holds red bottom shoe* 👠

[@DrRupaWong]

you caught that!

[@applebomb4091]

You have another son!?

[@DrRupaWong]

Yup, two boys (who people often confuse for each other, even though they are 2.5 years apart) and my daughter. My oldest had a doctor's appt that morning, so he wasn't involved in the couch situation early on. Otherwise, they're each allowed only one cushion. 😂

[@hddbbxxbdh6822]

Your baby grill is very cutee

[@gabriellabordeaux5370]

Here to cast my vote for Arya’s outfit.

[@DrRupaWong]

Omg. I have to tell her! She would love this comment!

[@Xforeverlove21]

She honestly looks 28

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you!!!

[@mjoycb]

Cuties

[@DrRupaWong]

Thank you!

[@akashshrivastava8422]

You know hindi?

[@Foodiegaal]

She so goofy 😂 and so bossy for being so small 😂😂

[@jayman732819]

Mommy you walk slow