For a little girl who grew up in Chimbote, Peru, what was once the world’s largest fishing port, the dream of becoming a doctor felt like something Claudia Lara, MD, might not be able to reel in. But she recently caught her dream with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group OB/GYN in Bethlehem, where she’s accepting new patients.
Dr. Lara is fluent in English, but, as a native Spanish-speaker, she fought through the challenges of learning the language as she moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. As she went through school, she realized she truly enjoyed helping others and wanted to make a difference in peoples’ lives. She knew that the field of medicine would allow her to care for others through procedures, advocacy and patient education. She found her calling in the field of obstetrics and gynecology during her rotation at Mercer University School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree.
“Taking care of women throughout their stages in life and building a relationship with them as they navigate their reproductive years and beyond is something very special to me,” Dr. Lara said. “I truly think, every woman should have an OB/GYN who listens to them and someone who they trust. I aspire to be that type of provider for all my patients.”
Dr. Lara completed her OB/GYN residency at the University of Florida, but earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia. So it’s a homecoming of sorts for her as she begins practicing at Medical Plaza 1 in Bethlehem – just a few short miles from where she spent her college days in Athens.
“Coming back to this area to care for patients where I spent so many of my formative years is something I’m blessed to do,” Dr. Lara said. “It’s always held such a special place in my heart, so I’m excited to help women in this incredible community.”
In her free time, Dr. Lara enjoys spending time with her husband, their 6-month-old baby boy (Adrian) and their pug (Louis). She also enjoys visiting family who live nearby and exploring local restaurants and shops.
NGPG OB/GYN is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., inside Medical Plaza 1 at 990 Loganville Highway in Bethlehem. Call 770-848-9511 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lara or visit ngpg.org/lara to learn more.