Advancing Endocrine Care Through Patient-Centered Leadership and Teamwork
January marks Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to highlight the significance of early detection and treatment of thyroid disease.
For Sonia Bahroo, MMS, PA-C, the month has personal significance. Her path from patient to PA began with a routine physical exam that altered her career direction.
“In January 2001, I had a routine physical exam. At the time, I was in graduate school earning a master’s degree in biochemistry with plans to work in pharmaceutical research and development,” Bahroo said.
During the visit, her primary care doctor noted a right-sided neck mass and ordered a thyroid ultrasound which revealed a growth involving the entire right thyroid lobe. A biopsy confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Within two weeks, Bahroo underwent a total thyroidectomy, began lifelong thyroxine therapy, established care with an endocrinologist, and received radioactive iodine treatment soon afterwards.