Kristen Otto, MD, MSc
Service: Obstetrics, Maternal-Child Health, and Women’s Health (Family Medicine with Obstetrics)
Education:Maternal-Child (Obstetrics) Fellowship, St. Anthony North Family Medicine (Denver, CO)
Family Medicine Residency, Oregon Health & Science University (Portland, OR)
Master of Science (MSc), Global Health, Duke University (Durham, NC)
Medical Doctor (MD), Keck of School of Medicine of USC (Los Angeles, CA)
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Health & Humanity, University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Inspired to pursue a career in nursing, I completed my BSN at the University of Central Florida in 2007, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012.
Gender: Female
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish (fluent, non-native)
Accepting New Patients? Yes
What is your patient care philosophy?
We are all human, all imperfect, and mostly well-intentioned. Modern life is difficult. In the age of 24/7 connectivity, smart phones, social media, and now AI, we are all pulled in too many directions... and deal with challenges on a regular basis that can be either seen or hidden. As a physician, I believe in providing a safe and nonjudgmental space to meet individuals where they are, make personal connections wherever possible, and alleviate a small portion of the stress that comes with navigating new health concerns and the healthcare system. I believe in respecting different cultures/perspectves and the sanctity of the individual, while also working to educate, inform, and empower each patient to make smart choices about their bodies. As a prenatal care (and delivery!) physician, I try to ease concerns, while also guiding each patient to achieve the healthiest pregnancy outcomes possible for both mom and baby.
How does your work affect lives?
I help women to navigate the joys, struggles, and monumental moments of pregnancy, as well as new gynecologic concerns. I perform diagnostic and treatment procedures for women with abnormal pap smear results, which is a frightening moment in many women's lives. I also do my part to assist individuals in their family planning decisions, including performing all birth control insertions and vasectomies in the office, and take time to participate in medical missions around the world whenever able.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Helping a mom to welcome a healthy baby into the world!
What are some interesting facts about you?
I speak Spanish fluently! Originally from San Diego, CA and fairly new to Florida, I have lived all over the country and spent time in various countries throughout the world, but will always consider myself a "San Diego girl" at heart. I try to seek balance, new experiences, healthy lifestyles (exercise and nutrition), contribution/creation, and connection with God, people, nature, music, and animals as much as possible. In my personal time, I do my best to raise my young daughter to do the same... and am always planning the next trip/adventure to experience all that this world has to teach us. I love to sing (and have joined a local choir to feed my soul), to garden/cook, to attend church, and (now) to enjoy Orlando-area attractions with my family. Yes, we are Disney and Hogwarts people!