December 9, 2013 4:55 pm Meet Greenwich Pediatrician, Dr. Nancy Fazzinga!
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?
I have two girls ages three and seven. I love doing new activities with them, and watching them experience and accomplish new things. Whether it is jumping off a diving board, riding a chairlift, getting across the monkey bars, or catching a wave on a boogie board for the first time. I will never get enough of their proud faces, confidence, and pure joy!
I want my children to be kind, compassionate, and respectful to others. I wish for them to be happy and light hearted. I want to help them build an inner confidence that is unbreakable!
When and where are you the happiest?
On vacation with my family.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Right now, Africa. My youngest brother is living and working at an all girls boarding school in Rwanda. I would love to take my girls (well, at least my 7 year old) to visit his school and experience a different culture. I would like to work in a nearby medical clinic for 1 week, and also have some time to vacation and go on a safari too!
What quality do you most admire in a mother? And what woman has had the biggest impression on you?
Patience is a quality I admire most in a mother. I feel like it is so easy to get frustrated, and sweat the little stuff.
My mother has left the biggest impression on me. She is strong and smart, but also gentle and kind. My girls just adore her, and it has been a very cool experience watching her become a grandmother. She has so many fun little family traditions, and I love that she takes the time to share them with my girls. It selfishly lets me re-live my childhood as well. My Mom gave up a lot in her 20s/30s to become a devoted wife and mother, and I respect her a lot for that choice. I also have seen her grow her non-profit work in the last 15 years, and I am constantly amazed by all that she has accomplished.
What is your favorite book? Movie?
I really don’t have a favorite book, but I love and can’t wait to read anything Paul Offit writes. I just finished “Me Before You” and could not put it down (I also had a good cry at the end). I gave my girls the children’s book “Who Says Women Can’t be Doctors” which is a very cool story about the first woman doctor Elizabeth Blackwell. The story is great for girls to get an example of a strong-willed and determined woman, and also learn about the many doors and possibilities that exist for them because of these female pioneers.
I enjoy going to the movies with my husband (this is now a rare treat), and will watch any movie with Bradley Cooper in it! During this season, I love watching kids holiday movies such as Elf and Home Alone with my family.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Completing my pediatric residency — it was much harder than medical school! It was both physically and emotionally demanding. It was a huge sacrifice– especially for my family and friends. I was on-call and working overnight at the hospital every 4th night for 3 years, and my daughter Grace was so little! However, I truly loved my experience, and I would not trade it for the world. I learned SO much, had so many amazing and inspirational patients, and would do it all over again. Most of all it gave me the tools to do what I do now, and I love my job as a pediatrician!
What do you feel is your strongest talent?
Listening.
What do you like to do for fun?
Skiing with my family, golfing with my husband (a new sport for me), paddle boarding, and soul cycle. I also enjoy a good girls afternoon of shopping and lunch.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
Putting my children to bed (this sounds funny I know, but it is true). I adore our “bedtime routine!” I love most of the books they choose for me to read each night, and I can’t wait to hear who and what they are thankful for each night during our prayers.
My daughter Frances says “don’t make me dark” every night until I get just the right amount of night light and hall light in her room. It cracks me up. I just can’t get enough of her sometimes– I almost don’t want to shut the door so I can hear what she will say next.
I enjoy time catching up with my husband, reading, or watching a show once the kids are all tucked into bed.
I also love the day of the week that I round on the newborn babies at Greenwich Hospital. I know it is my job to check them and examine them, but it feels like a privilege. I can’t wait to talk to all of the new moms and dads, update them, and congratulate them. It is such an amazing relationship to witness, it is always different, and seems to fill my day with possibility.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what do you like to drink?
In the winter I love Polpo — it is always so festive. I like a good glass of wine and dinner with friends.