Physician Feature: Dr. Natoushka Trenard

Dr. Natoushka Trenard is the Chief of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. She joined PAGNY in 2019 as the Director of the Intensive Care Unit, and was promoted to Chief of the Divison in 2021. She is also a Assistant Clinical Professor at New York Medical College.

In honor of Women's History Month, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Trenard on her experiences as a physician and why she chose PAGNY. Here's what she said.

PAGNY: Why did you choose a career in Pulmonary Care at PAGNY and NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan?

Dr. Trenard: I am a Pulmonary/Critical Care Attending at Metropolitan Hospital, and I chose this specialty because it allowed me to satisfy multiple areas of interest in medicine.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront the significant health disparities that exist within the population I am serving at Metropolitan. It inspired me to redirect my interests and focus on health equity.

With my Chairman, Dr. Mattana, and talented colleagues in the division, I feel that I can use my leadership to improve health outcomes and impact positive change in our community. I hope to use any growth in my career to implement initiatives that aim to narrow that health gap.

PAGNY: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Dr. Trenard: It is very rewarding to be able to take care of patients at different levels of acuity. This was especially true during the COVID pandemic, where I would follow up with patients in the pulmonary clinic. I previously cared for intubated and critically ill patients in the ICU. Caring for patients and their families during very challenging times is a privilege.

I also enjoy being involved in resident and fellow education. It adds another dimension of purpose to my daily work.