Jessica Yih

What inspired you to work in sexual medicine?

My reason for working in this field is deeply personal as I have myself experienced sexual trauma, and I understand how much shame and suffering can come from staying silent about sexual health problems. Since medical school, I have had friends and family with sexual health issues that I have had the privilege of bearing witness to and trying to help. Whereas many people might avoid the conversation and change the topic, I found these issues very moving and wanted to explore them more to be able to help better. When I met Dr. Goldstein during my research year of residency at AUA where he was doing a presentation about the “female prostate,” the light bulb finally came on in my mind that, as a urologist, I could actually help women with their sexual health problems, and the rest is history.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

Often, when I am seeing patients, my ability to help is limited, and the rest depends on the patient’s commitment to making changes in their lives. However, during the time I have with them, the education I provide can be highly impactful. It helps them understand the reasons behind their experiences and the importance of making necessary changes. By empathizing and trying to understand their perspective, I can communicate in a way that resonates with them. Each day, I strive to educate my patients in a way they can understand and absorb, and witnessing the long-term impact of this education is truly rewarding.

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

If I didn’t love my work so much, my dream would be to “run away and join the circus” - my favorite things to do in my free time are circus arts like trapeze, aerial hoop, and acroyoga.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I’ve received a lot of advice that doesn’t truly resonate until after I have learned the lesson on my own. Most recently, I was encouraged to let go of perfectionism, and embrace the idea that I don’t have to be perfect. In fact, it’s helpful to think of our job as failing as much as possible until we find the right solution. This perspective has helped me keep going even when things don’t seem to be working out.

What would your ideal vacation be?

Somewhere hot where I can sweat it out on a good hike, then jump into some cool water like a huge lake or the ocean.