Melissa Parks, DO, found a spirit of compassion and innovation at Phoenix Children's while completing a fellowship. She says she knew "it was where I could provide the unique care my patients needed."

Dr. Parks specializes in gynecology, caring for patients from birth through young-adult age. She also serves as the Research Division Chief, sharing research projects within Phoenix Children's while identifying ways to collaborate on projects with other areas. In addition, she educates and supervises the next generation of medical residents and students.

Dr. Parks earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Indianapolis. After completing her master's in physiology at Ball State University, Dr. Parks felt unfulfilled. "I missed interacting with people, and I wanted to help others," she says. She found her purpose in medical school at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

After earning her medical degree, Dr. Parks completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She also earned a master's in public health at the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health while completing her fellowship at Phoenix Children's.

Dr. Parks is active in research, believing it allows her to continually pursue excellence and provide patients innovative care. She has presented annually at the North American Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology annual clinical research meeting. She also serves on research- and education-related committees with professional organizations in her field.

Patient-centered care based on her patients' unique experiences and needs is Dr. Parks' priority. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, running and cycling.