Dr. Yuka-Marie Vinagre first became interested in medicine when she was a college student and her father became sick. “I went to all of his appointments and supported him and took care of him,” she explains. “During that time I really saw the impact a physician could make by interacting with a patient and their family.”

The former Chief of Critical Care Medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Dr. Vinagre now enjoys working in the department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Reliant. “I just love the pace of it, the variety of the practice. Having the ability to really be there for families at the most critical time – probably the most stressful time that they have ever had. I get a lot of satisfaction from supporting them when they need me most.”

In her work, Dr. Vinagre always strives to partner closely with her patients. “That’s my main goal, to really partner with my patients and their family members. So I do spend a lot of time talking to them, listening to their concerns. Trying to incorporate their wishes and desires into the care I provide. Every person and family is unique in how much treatment they would want to go through. Sometimes the patient may not have had that conversation with the family member and now the patient is incapacitated and not able to make these decisions so it can be a very challenging time.”

In addition to her work with patients, Dr. Vinagre also enjoys teaching. “I really love teaching and find it exciting to be guiding the next generation of physicians. And having an impact on them and how they are approaching patients and medicine. Our patients in Critical Care are extremely complex with a lot of medical issues. I really love the physiology and putting all the pieces of a care plan together.”

In her spare time Dr. Vinagre enjoys traveling and pursuing her hobbies in between raising her two boys. She also enjoys skiing, hiking, playing tennis and pickle ball, as well as outdoor yoga and pottery.