In Fall 2025, Fourth Year Medical Student Stephanie Rico had an Internship at CHOICES through Medical Students for Choice under the Mentorship of Choices Medical Director Dr. Ottolenghi. The following interview will give you an idea of her experiences.  

Stephanie, how did you develop an interest in OB-GYN care, including reproductive health?

I first became interested in OBGYN in high school when I volunteered in a labor and delivery ward. I loved being involved in such a monumental part of a woman’s life, one that was filled with so much pain but also so much love. As I progressed through medical school, I discovered how much broader and more dynamic the field truly is, encompassing everything from abortion care and contraceptive counselling to minimally invasive surgery and oncology. As someone who loves connecting with people, embracing new challenges, and continuously learning, I feel like OBGYN aligns perfectly with who I am and how I want to practice medicine.

We’re very glad you came here.  How did you first hear about CHOICES?

I first heard about Choices Women’s Medical Center from another student, and I actually hoped to come during my first year of medical school, but wasn’t able to at the time. That year, however, I was introduced to Medical Students for Choice (MSFC), and I remember hearing from older students who rotated at CHOICES about how much they learned and how meaningful the experience was. Ever since then, I have looked forward to the opportunity to come myself in fourth year. Even before starting my rotation here, I met Dr. Ottolenghi, CHOICES’ Medical Director, who was incredibly kind and generous in offering guidance with my residency application and personal statement.

Were there any things that surprised you about your experience at CHOICES or anything that particularly moved you or challenged you in some way? 

When clinical rotations – an essential part of medical school – begin in the third year of training, you quickly realize that much of what you have learned in the classroom doesn’t always reflect the realities of patient care. Before coming to CHOICES, I also had heard some totally mistaken views about abortion, even from medical professionals. For instance, I’d heard that even one abortion could significantly reduce fertility. At CHOICES, I learned that is totally wrong and just NOT the case. I also learned firsthand how patients are affected by the social context of their lives, and how patients are so uniquely different from each other.

I’m grateful for my time at CHOICES for exposing me to the real-world complexities of reproductive health and helping me become a more informed and compassionate future physician. It was both challenging and gratifying. I also learned so much from Dr. O and other CHOICES staff about the many systemic barriers patients face, such as those created by insurance companies as well as restrictive state laws outside of New York. CHOICES serves many out-of-state patients. I was truly inspired by how tirelessly this clinic works to navigate those challenges to ensure every patient receives the care they need.

Is there anything you would like to tell medical students who may be hearing about a CHOICES Internship for the first time?

I believe that for anyone interested in pursuing OBGYN, completing an internship at a place like CHOICES that specializes in women’s reproductive health is essential. It offers the opportunity to truly understand how advocacy for women’s reproductive rights is integral to women’s health for a diverse patient population, each with its own unique background, language, experiences, and needs. Interning at CHOICES helped deepen my clinical knowledge, cultural humility and commitment to equitable care.

I want to thank everyone at CHOICES for welcoming me and hosting me. I truly enjoyed meeting and connecting with all of you, and I’m so grateful for everything I learned during my time here. Hopefully, if I continue in New York, I’ll be back!