Dr. Brittany Henderson of Charleston Thyroid Center

CW: When did you decide to go into the business you are in?
“I always loved science and had a very influential chemistry teacher in high school. Chemistry came naturally to me, and my teacher pushed me to consider a career in chemical engineering. Although I started as a chemical engineering major, when my grandmother got sick and required 24-hour medical care, I changed my career path to pre-med (although I did still major in chemistry). During medical school, I enjoyed all of my rotations and chose a residency in internal medicine because it allowed me more time to pick a subspecialty. During my training, I volunteered at an endocrine office and really loved seeing thyroid patients. I was accepted as an endocrine fellow at Duke University Hospital with a focus on thyroid disease, and the rest is history.”

CW: How do you find your passion?
“I allowed myself to be open to many different majors and career paths. I was lucky to discover a passion of mine with thyroid disease. The negative feedback loops and hormone pathways in thyroid disease are very much like chemistry pathways. My mind just works that way! Choosing a thyroid specialty allowed me to combine my love of science with my love for helping others.”

CW: What inspires you?
“I am inspired every day by my patients. To see them get better and regain their lives is an absolute blessing and confirmation that I am making a difference for others.”

CW: Tell us about how you grew up and what or who shaped you into the woman you are today.
“I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio as the oldest of four children. My parents raised us to be hard workers and to pursue our own paths in life, even if our goals were different from normal societal goals of raising a family or getting married. I was raised with Christian values and have placed God at the center of my life. My family shaped my worldview. In my opinion, no matter what you do or who you are, if you are working in the workplace or in the home, if you give your all and do the best that you can do with the talents that God has given you, then you are a success and are making the world a better place for everyone around you.”

CW: Tell us about your family.
“It’s just me and my husband, Jeff, who is also a physician. He has been working alongside me in our practice for the last 2.5 years. He is my best friend and confidante. Doing life with him has been nothing short of amazing.”