To recognize PRIDE Month, we highlight a member of NASPGHAN who is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ariel Porto, MD, MS, is a pediatric gastroenterologist in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in polyposis syndromes and the pancreas. She went to medical school at Boston University School of Medicine, did a pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and completed a fellowship at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Ariel identifies as queer and is loud and proud in everything she does, whether it is dressing brightly at work, having a pride flag on her badge, sharing her pronouns, or celebrating Pride Month. Some of her patients and families refer to her as Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus, which she really embraces.
Current position and institution: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Endoscopy at Oregon Health & Sciences University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Favorite GI Disease: My favorite GI disease is familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, not only for the opportunities for multiple polyp removals, but also because the disease itself provides a significant opportunity for education and psychosocial support for both patients and families. Many affected families have generational trauma assoicated with this condition and while they are well-versed in FAP in general, they are often learning about their own healthcare through our visits. I’m grateful to lead our Polyposis Multidisciplinary Clinic along with a GI Psychologist and Genetic Counselor where we treat not just the patient but the whole family as a team. I look forward to our time together in that clinic every single session.
Hobbies: I love cooking, trying new restaurants, listening to audiobooks, traveling, hiking, gardening, and lounging at home after a busy workday.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Wherever I am at the moment! I feel like I haven’t been enough places to go back to the same place twice, but I really enjoyed going to London and Kauai in the past few years.
Favorite Activist: There is not enough time or space to recognize all the important activists who have impacted LGBTQ+ lives, but Pride Month feels like an important time to recognize Marsha P Johnson, the queen of the Stonewall Riots. We have so many BIPOC queer individuals to thank for the progress that has been made in LGBTQ+ rights; however, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
Book You Recommend: During Pride Month, I like to recommend LGBTQ+ authors and books. This month, my favorite books are “Over the Top” by Jonathan Van Ness and “House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune.
Best Career Advice You’ve Received: When I was applying for my first job out of fellowship, I went to my mother-in-law for advice. She has always been a woman I look up to—she is strong, educated, and a fierce advocate. The advice she gave me was to prioritize finding a good boss, an “A” level boss who wants to hire “A” level individuals, someone who recognizes the importance of my personal vision and mission in my career satisfaction and trajectory. I found that at OHSU and am so grateful that I chose this path. FYI – we’re hiring!!!
