For over two decades, Dr. Amy Yakaitis ’94 has been a steadfast presence in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, dedicated to shaping women’s health and accompanying them through pivotal life moments. Her journey from Carondelet to her current role as a respected practitioner at Kaiser Permanente is a testament to her passion for service and commitment to delivering compassionate, meaningful care.
“A career in medicine is hard work!” Said the alumna who is also the parent of a current Carondelet sophomore. “There are no shortcuts. I never lose sight that every day I have an opportunity to make someone’s journey a bit better. I am always grateful for this at the end of a long, busy day.”
Amy’s academic odyssey began in Boulder, Colorado, where she pursued her undergraduate degree after graduating from Carondelet. Guided by a profound interest in science and math, she found her calling in medicine during her college years. “I always enjoyed working with others and felt I wanted a career in some type of service,” she said. “I always gravitated toward science and math in school, and I felt like medicine was the ultimate career but probably a bit too ambitious for me.”
Despite harboring doubts about the ambitious nature of a medical career, Amy’s prowess in science courses and the encouragement of a perceptive career counselor led her to the realization that she could indeed pursue her dreams. “Honestly my career counselor in college was the one who said do what you really want to do because you’re doing great so far.”
She came home to the Bay Area to attend medical school at the University of San Francisco, before completing her residency at Stanford. Driven by a desire to serve her hometown community, she chose Kaiser Permanente as her professional home. For Amy, patient care takes precedence over the business side of medicine, and Kaiser’s collaborative environment, coupled with access to experts in various fields, aligns seamlessly with her values.
“I was drawn to women’s health because it’s an opportunity to share some of life’s most important moments with people and also a chance to help women live their best lives with the body they were given,” she said.
Reflecting on her formative years at Carondelet, the OBGYN credits the school for instilling in her the importance of service. Volunteering at a convalescent home through a community service program, she discovered the profound joy of helping others. This experience became a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. Amy fondly recalls making lasting friendships during this time, illustrating the transformative impact of service on her life.
More than anything, Amy found that her spiritual foundation, nurtured at Carondelet, has been a guiding force throughout her career. “I think Carondelet taught me how to have faith in God’s plan. This is so important when choosing a career,” she said. “You may not be able to do it alone but with God’s help you can find the best path where your unique talents and interests intersect. Certain people are placed in our life to help us believe in ourselves and give us the confidence to move forward. It’s this understanding and trust that to allowed me to pursue my goals. “
Now a parent of a sophomore at Carondelet, she is excited to share the traditions and values of the school with her daughter.