Shreshtha Banga, MD
My journey began in India, where I grew up as the child of two Pediatricians, naturally gravitating towards Pediatrics myself. I pursued my dream by completing an MD in Pediatrics at Lady Hardinge Medical College in India, where I also met my husband. Together, we embarked on this journey, fuelled by our shared passion for medicine.
During my time as a Pediatrician, I found myself particularly drawn to Endocrinology. The intricate balance of invisible yet powerful forces controlling every aspect of human function, coupled with the mathematical nature of endocrinology, appealed to my inner nerd. Motivated to further my training, I made the decision to move to the USA, which led me to New York for residency. I completed my Pediatric residency at OBH (One Brooklyn Health) and I am currently a second-year Endocrine fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
I am fortunate to have trained in an immensely nurturing program that has fostered both my professional and personal growth. While I thoroughly enjoy the breadth of Pediatric Endocrinology, conditions such as Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), Neuroendocrine disorders, Adrenal pathology, Obesity, Lipidology, and Diabetes technology ignite my interest the most. Under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Dabrowski, I embarked on a research project delving into the long-term neuropsychological impact of endocrinopathies in children with Craniopharyngioma. This project holds a special place in my heart, as it aims to shed light on often-overlooked aspects of these conditions and improve the quality of life for affected children.
However, my desire to make a difference extends beyond research. My Quality Improvement (QI) project focuses on enhancing the screening and treatment of Dyslipidemia in children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. By advocating for proactive care, I aim to support a generation of children with diabetes, preventing them from grappling with cardiovascular morbidity as adults.
Teaching is another passion of mine. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about imparting knowledge to medical students and residents, knowing I’m contributing to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. It’s a role I cherish, one that allows me to pay forward the guidance and support I’ve received throughout my journey.
Of course, amidst all these professional pursuits, I find immense joy in being a mother to two beautiful children. Balancing motherhood, a two-physician household, and a career in medicine isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my program director, Dr. Bethany Auble. Her guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my career goals and pushing me to reach new heights.
As I prepare to present a DSD case in the upcoming Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) SPARK session, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. It’s another opportunity to share knowledge and learn from this wonderful community of pediatric endocrinologists.