Lydia Torres DO

What made you want to become a health care provider or what is your earliest memory of wanting to be one?

I've always been a lover of science and fascinated by "how the body works" for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I would spend hours combing through our Encyclopedia collection reading any & everything. Growing up in an underserved community with immigrant parents, I came to idolize the physician role in primary care- being able to step in whenever my mom had a medical concern, assess, treat, and educate- regardless of socioeconomic status, or language barriers- shaping my career choice in many ways today.

What do you love most about your specialty? / Why did you choose your specialty?

I love the versatility and diversity that my specialty allows, such as the ability to see a wide range of patients from all ages, cultural backgrounds, and for several medical conditions. I chose this specialty because I believe strongly in the doctor-patient relationship, and primary care creates the foundation of a strong rapport with patients, where I hope to become a safe space for their medical concerns. Together we can talk through any symptoms, and help guide patients through their medical journey towards optimal health.

How do you connect with your patients?

I approach patients with an honest ear and seek to have open dialogue about not only their health, but their background, their work/career, interests, and family/social life. Throughout these conversations I find it helpful to pick up on similarities that we may share, and I'll often follow up on these areas during medical visits to embrace my patient as a whole, rather than solely focusing on the presenting symptom. For instance, it's not uncommon of me to ask about your cats, new cooking recipes, or upcoming travel plans!

What are your interests outside of the office (hobbies, activities)?

I enjoy maintaining a strong work-life balance by spending much of my free time with my kids, which entails making home-cooked meals together, creating epic song & dance sessions in our living room, reading during our quiet times, and traveling. I am also a big advocate of self-awareness & self care, for which I frequently seek out nature walks around my neighborhood, engage in yoga/meditation/exercising, and I love discovering new restaurants with my friends and family as I am a self-proclaimed "Foodie".

What is your advice for your patients?

I always encourage my patients to become in tune with their body and learn how to best advocate for themselves, as they are the primary drivers of their own health. I like to say "you know your body best" and that allows me to receive their concerns with an unbiased and empathic approach.