Episode 145 · May 21, 2024
Dr. Erica Kumar is playing her cards right
with Dr. Erica Kumar, Dermatopathologist; co-chair of the Stacked Deck fundraiser
28 min
Dr. Erica Kumar is playing her cards right
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In this episode
In this episode I sit down with Dr. Erica Kumar — a dermatopathologist, mom, karate instructor, world traveler, and one of my sorority sisters — and I have to tell you, I admire her on so many levels. Erica is originally from San Diego, grew up in Alabama, trained in Houston and New York, and landed in Tulsa almost on a whim. She came for a practice interview, fell in love with the people and the city, and has been blooming where she's planted ever since.
We talk about the winding path that led her into pathology (including how a mentor first introduced her to "dermpath"), and I love how she connects her art history background to the pattern recognition she uses reading slides every day. She's honest about how she and her husband Neil juggle two demanding careers, two little ones, leadership roles, and a whole lot of travel — and her answer really comes down to a shared calendar, a good village of sitters, and knowing what to prioritize.
We also spend real time on something close to both our hearts: Stacked Deck, the fundraiser Erica and Neil are co-chairing that benefits Resonance Center for Women. I'm serving on that committee too, so this one is personal. If you've ever felt stuck in your job or unsure whether to trust your gut, Erica's advice will meet you right where you are. Keep going — I think you'll leave this one encouraged.
Key takeaways
- Bloom where you're planted — Erica came to Tulsa reluctantly after years in Alabama, and by staying open she built a life and career she genuinely loves.
- Find a mentor at every stage. A mentor first introduced Erica to dermatopathology, and she's clear that you're never too experienced to keep learning from other people's perspectives (and mistakes).
- Trust your gut. Whether it's a career move or a situation that just feels off, have confidence in what your instincts are telling you.
- You're never stuck where you are. No matter your age, your title, or how much you've invested in a path, you can pivot — someone has done it before you.
- Two-career households run on systems, not luck: a shared calendar, monthly planning conversations, a reliable group of sitters, and honest prioritizing of what matters most.
- Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Getting the small things done when you have margin frees up room for whatever surprises show up next.
- Traveling with kids is more doable than people fear — go in with low expectations, pack extra clothes and plenty of snacks, and start young.
Chapters
- —Welcome and sponsor thank-you
- —Meet Dr. Erica Kumar and her path to Tulsa
- —Why pathology — and how art history connects
- —Finding and valuing mentors
- —What she loves about the daily work
- —Being recognized as a Top 40 Under 40
- —Juggling two careers, two kids, and a full calendar
- —Advice to her 20-year-old self: trust your gut, you're never stuck
- —Celebrating Mother's Day
- —Stacked Deck and Resonance Center for Women
- —How you can get involved
- —A love of travel — with and without the kids
- —Grow more in 2024: don't put off today's work
- —Closing
“You should always be learning and growing, and you can learn from other people.”
“Trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable in this situation, get out of it.”
“You're never stuck a hundred percent in where you are. Somebody's done it before you.”
“These women just never had a chance — this organization really does break that cycle.”
Resources mentioned
About Dr.
Dermatopathologist; co-chair of the Stacked Deck fundraiser
Dr. Erica Kumar is a dermatopathologist in Tulsa who also reads neuropathology. Originally from San Diego and raised in Alabama, she trained in Houston and New York before settling in Tulsa with her husband, Neil, and their two children. An art history undergrad turned physician, she was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, teaches karate, is active in the Junior League, and co-chairs the Stacked Deck fundraiser benefiting Resonance Center for Women.
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