Dr. Dana McQueen
Professional Experience
Dana McQueen, MD, MAS is a reproductive endocrinologist who received her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine, and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago. Dr. McQueen completed a one-year Fellowship in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss at the University of Illinois, received a MAS (Masters of Advanced Studies) in Clinical Research from University of California, San Diego, and completed a fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is an established fertility expert and published researcher.
You can follow her on Instagram @drdanamcqueen.
Education
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Irvine
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois
- Northwestern University
Credentials and Certifications
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellow
- Doctor of Medicine
- Board-certified OBGYN
- Clinical Research MAS
Q&A with Dr. Dana McQueen
When did you know you wanted to go into medicine? How did you decide to specialize in reproductive medicine?
I decided to go into medicine during a clinical research internship in college. After a summer working in the hospital, I was hooked. I loved that it combined my love of science with a chance to form long lasting relationships with patients.
We truly have the best job: growing families! We are trusted confidants during some of our patients hardest moments, but we also get to share their joy with each success. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career.
Tell us about your medical training (med school, residency, fellowship) and your experience while in the thick of it.
After undergraduate at UC Berkeley, I went to UC Irvine for medical school and UC San Diego for a Masters in clinical research. My husband and I then moved to Chicago for residency at University of Chicago. Following residency, I had the opportunity to do a one year fellowship in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss with one of the leaders in the field, Dr. Mary Stephenson. Afterwards, I joined Northwestern University for a three year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
I was lucky to meet my husband during college (also pre-med) and so had a built-in study partner for medical school, residency, and fellowship! Being a two doctor household has its challenges, but it has been amazing to share the journey.
What is your most impactful memory from practicing medicine thus far?
Delivering a baby for the first time was probably my most impactful memory from practicing medicine. Seeing the excitement on the mother's face as I handed her the baby was something I’ll never forget.
Are you a parent? If so, what was your journey to parenthood like?
I am the proud mama to a sweet little girl and am expecting a boy in June. My journey to parenthood was complicated by miscarriage, retained pregnancy tissue, and multiple surgeries to correct asherman’s syndrome (scar in the uterus). I am so thankful for the doctors I have had along the way!
On the challenging days, what keeps you going? Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in my patients! They are some of the most resilient, motivated, and courageous women! Their motivation to be successful drives me to find a way to make it happen!
What is your ideal way to relax and unwind?
While I should say my Peloton (New Years resolution!), I actually unwind by being with my family, preparing and enjoying a good meal, and getting outdoors! I also enjoy practicing mindfulness and use mindfulness meditation to help me relax from especially stressful days.
If there was just one thing you could impart on women and/or men as they begin trying to become parents, what would it be?
You’ve got this! There are a lot of new challenges that you’ll face, but you and your doctor are a team. Remember, we’ve been down this path before so don’t hesitate to ask us questions and let us help you navigate the road to parenthood!