Growing up as one of four children, Dr. Oluyinka Reno always seemed to know she would become a doctor. “I sometimes joke that my parents brainwashed me into becoming a doctor. But the truth is I always had an interest in science and math, so it was natural for me to be drawn to medicine.” she remarks.

Dr. Reno has always enjoyed being with children, even at an early age. “As the oldest of four, I used to babysit my siblings and some of the neighborhood kids. So being a pediatrician was always high on my what to be when I grow up list. When I finally did my first pediatric rotation in medical school, I had such a great experience. It was wonderful working with kids. That rotation solidified my career path. Now, in my day-to-day life as a pediatrician, I get so much joy from my work. The pre-school to early-school aged kids are especially fun and quite funny.”

One of the most common problems that Dr. Reno encounters in practice are patients’ struggles with obesity. “When a child is affected, it is an entire family issue,” she explains. “To be successful in helping the child, the whole family must be willing to make changes. Struggling with obesity affects children negatively in so many ways. In addition to the negative medical impacts, self-esteem and academic performance are often adversely affected. It is such a sensitive and tough issue. I try my best to empathize with my patients when addressing this concern.”

When it comes time for decisions about care, Dr. Reno wants to make sure that both children and parents are involved. “I like to make sure that kids are aware of the plan of care just like their parents. Having children be active participants in their healthcare allows them to know that their opinions matter. They matter.”

In her spare time Dr. Reno enjoys spending time with her husband, young daughter, and their puppy. She enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.