I am the Medical Director of Population Health for South Shore Health and divide my time between administration and patient care. My administrative interests include integration of care, professional development, and community centered program development. I value long-term relationships with my patients and find it a privilege to care for patients over their lifespan.

My philosophy is to listen carefully, ask the right questions, and offer my expertise within the scope of my skills.

I was born in New York City to immigrant Latino parents. Yes, I root for the Yankees, of course!

Outside of work, I enjoy physical fitness and spending time with my family. 
 

Before becoming a midwife, I was a labor and delivery nurse at South Shore Hospital for 14 years. Women's health is my passion, and it is a privilege to return as a provider. I am honored to care for women during pregnancy, labor, birth, and throughout the lifespan. My care focuses on a team approach with the patient as the leader. Beyond midwifery, I enjoy hiking and yoga and love being a mom most of all.     

I have been a physician's assistant in women’s health for close to 30 years on the South Shore. I enjoy seeing women in their many phases of life. I feel privileged when patients I met at the start of my career bring their daughters and granddaughters in to see me for their care. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family.

My treatment philosophy is to provide high quality, compassionate, and patient centered care.

Throughout my career at BU Medical Center and South Shore Health, I have divided my time between healthcare administration and direct patient care. Administratively, I have focused on medical education, patient safety and quality improvement. However, my true passion for medicine is driven by the bonds I build with my patients and caring for them throughout life. 

Establishing a good patient-physician relationship is crucial to help provide the best care. I believe in allowing ample time in a visit to listen to my patients' needs and thoroughly explain their diagnosis and treatment plan. Most podiatric issues can be treated with aggressive conservative therapy, although when surgical intervention is necessary, I will communicate that to the patient in a direct and concise manner. 

Having grown up on the South Shore, it is a pleasure to care for patients of this region. I served in the US Navy following medical school and completed my surgical training through the Navy. Following multiple military assignments, I chose to return to the area in order to serve my local community and reside closer to my family. 

I strive to build a space where patients feel safe to discuss their health concerns and engage in shared decision-making.

Prior to joining South Shore Health, I had the privilege to train at UMass Family Medicine Residency and complete an additional year of fellowship to also care for patients living with HIV/viral hepatitis at the Family Health Center of Worcester.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, running, gardening, and camping/hiking.

It is an honor to have patients place their trust in my hands. I strive to provide excellent care throughout a patient’s entire hospital stay, be it in the ED, OR, ICU or ward. Outside of work I enjoy spending as much time as possible outside with my family and friends.

Dr. O'Brien is Medical Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at South Shore Health. 

As a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician, I am dedicated to caring for women and families navigating high-risk and medically complex pregnancies with expertise, compassion, and individualized attention. 

I strive to integrate evidence-based medicine with a holistic approach that recognizes the physical, emotional, and social factors that shape each patient’s experience. 

I am also committed to advocating for equitable healthcare and improving access and outcomes for marginalized and underserved communities.