December 5, 2024
A Surgeon’s Journey: Alumni Spotlight with Emily Bubbers ‘99
Could you tell us more about your role as a surgeon and the path that led you to where you are today?
I currently reside in Helena, MT, as a General Surgeon and Colon and Rectal Surgeon. When I went to college, I always had an inkling that I would become a doctor. My mother was a physician, and my father has a PhD in Immunology. During undergrad, I shadowed a cardiothoracic surgeon and watched open-heart surgery. I never really looked back after that.
After attending Brown University, I moved home for a year and worked at UCLA. I applied all over the country for medical school and ultimately attended Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago. During my four years of medical school, I tried to keep an open mind about what career path to take but kept coming back to surgery. I love the fast pace of the job, how every day is different, and ultimately the impact it has on people’s lives. It wasn’t until I was in my General Surgery Residency that I finally chose colon and rectal surgery.
While I was in my residency in Portland, OR, I trained under many phenomenal surgeons in a wide variety of settings. I learned that I love the variety of general surgery. However, I found more passion in helping people with inflammatory bowel disease, colon and rectal cancer, and anorectal and pelvic floor disorders. During my training, I met my now-husband, and we decided that we would eventually live in a smaller town. Colon and rectal surgery overlap with general surgery and is a specialty that does not require all the resources that a big city offers. This allowed me to bring my knowledge to a small community.
We moved to Montana in 2015, shocking our family and friends. When I arrived, I was the only board-certified colon and rectal surgeon in the state. I brought a skill set to our community and state that helped keep people closer to home. I continue to practice as both a general surgeon—covering the ER for emergencies—and as a colon and rectal surgeon. I see patients from all over the state and now have two colleagues in Montana who are also colon and rectal surgeons.
I’d love to hear about your interests during your time at Oakwood. What clubs and activities were you involved in, and how did those passions develop and change over the years?
During my time at Oakwood, I was mainly involved in athletics. I played volleyball, basketball, and softball for four years. I had amazing coaches during that time who taught me the importance of hard work and showing up. They supported me and celebrated my successes. I learned the value of teamwork, which I still rely on today.
Were there any experiences or activities at Oakwood that, while not directly related to the medical field, helped shape your approach to medicine?
While at Oakwood, I excelled in math and science. These classes expanded my critical thinking skills and prepared me for studying and learning at a high level. I also improved my Spanish language skills, which I have used extensively during my years of training in medical school and fellowship at LA County Hospital.
Was there a particular class or teacher at Oakwood who influenced your choice of major in college or your general career path?
I had many teachers who kept me interested in learning. David Hammett for math, Garrett Biehle for physics, and Kathy Wien for math—who was also my advisor—supported me and put up with my antics for many years.
What excites and motivates you most in your work as a surgeon today?
I have been working as a surgeon for nine years, and every day brings new challenges. I love that no two days are the same, and I truly enjoy working with my colleagues. Living in a small town means I frequently see my patients and coworkers outside of work—at Costco, my son’s basketball games, or on the ski hill. I take care of friends and their family members. It’s a privilege to be part of their lives and to be granted their trust.
What advice would you offer to aspiring medical students or young people considering a path in medicine?
The path to becoming a doctor is long and hard. Do not get frustrated if it isn’t a smooth or straightforward journey. Keep working hard and showing up. Say “yes” to any opportunity that offers new experiences, such as shadowing a physician, observing surgery, or working in an office.
Do you have any memorable or funny moments from your time at Oakwood that you’d like to share?
I have many fond memories from my six years at Oakwood. One that will always stick with me is my senior year in AP Spanish. I loaded all six students and June Pitman into my Dodge minivan and drove us to our classmate’s house for double-period Spanish class. His mom fed us snacks. I know this experience would never have happened at another school. It is one small example of the teachers’ dedication to their students.
Can you share a standout moment or significant highlight from your career as a surgeon?
The main highlight for me is improving patients’ lives through surgery. This can be emergency surgery for appendicitis, planned surgery for colon cancer, or other minor procedures. I ultimately became a surgeon to help people. When I see these patients years later and receive a thank-you or a hug, it makes all the long hours worth it.