I recently interviewed a unique and impressive woman who started out her marriage as a military wife, and later followed her dreams to become a physician.
Katherine and Kent Wingate
Dr. Katherine Wingate is a pediatrician, practicing in Ohio. She received her M.D. degree from Wright State University and did her pediatric residency at Dayton Children’s Medical Center. Katherine and her husband, Kent, have two sons and live in Beavercreek. I would tell you more about her husband, but that would spoil the interview! I can say that Katherine and Kent started out with a traditional marriage that turned into anything BUT…
When Katherine became a physician, Kent humbly traded roles and became her wingspouse. In this recorded interview, Katherine shares how she went from being a military wife to becoming a physician. We discuss how each phase in their marriage was another step toward a wonderful relationship with mutual career support. I also ask a few probing questions about how her professional husband handled taking on the role of wingspouse!
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Katherine talks about her early days as a military wife, and shares how after 13 years of marriage she decided to become a doctor.
(approx 8 minutes)
Wingate Interview Part 1
Katherine discusses how she and her husband adjusted to her new career, and what hurdles her husband overcame while taking on the role of wingspouse.
(approx 8 minutes)
Wingate Interview Part 2
Katherine reveals another twist in their marriage and careers… Can you say Dr. Wingspouse?
(approx 7 minutes)
Wingate Interview Part 3
Just wanted to say I really enjoyed listening to this interview. I have my own career aspirations which I have somewhat put on the backburner because of my husband’s job. (I am not bitter whatsoever- this is something we discussed for a long time and both acknowledge and support, but it’s still our reality- my career comes second). I’m encouraged to know that it is possible for the wingspouse role to switch later in life!
The thought that never left my mind was that in 10 years (the time it took to go back to undergrad school to get the necessary science and math I lacked, 4 years of medical school, then 3 years of residency) I would be 40 years old regardless of how I spent that time. It’s truly never too late. Keep your dream alive.