Dr. Ann Schutt-Aine Talks About Her Role in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Her Contributions at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast
Dr. Anne Schutt-Aine is a highly respected obstetrician/gynecologist based in the Gulf Coast region, with extensive experience honed through her work at Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania and California. Since 2008, she has been a cornerstone of the medical community.
In her role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Schutt-Aine is not only committed to direct patient care but also plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of doctors. Her dedication to medical education is further demonstrated by her successful establishment of the first Ryan Residency Program in Abortion and Family Planning in Texas.
A Harvard Medical School graduate, Dr. Schutt-Aine completed her residency at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh and is an active member of several leading medical associations.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Schutt-Aine discusses her career, core values, and the significant impact of her work in advancing women’s healthcare.
What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Obstetrics and Gynecology?
I chose OB/GYN because it combines surgery—which I’m passionate about—with the opportunity to form long-term relationships with patients. We see patients annually for exams, then more frequently during pregnancy, delivering babies, and continuing care as they age, sometimes performing surgery. It’s a fulfilling mix of surgery and ongoing relationships with patients.
My decision to specialize in abortion care came from the chance to make an immense impact in a very short amount of time. People seek abortion care because they are not in a position to carry a pregnancy, regardless of their personal circumstances. To have the ability to significantly affect someone’s life with a 5-10 minute procedure is truly a privilege.
A Defining Moment That Shaped My Career
While I can’t pinpoint a single defining moment, there have been many smaller yet deeply impactful instances. After providing abortion care, patients expressed their gratitude, not just for the medical care itself but for the compassion and “nice” my team and I showed them. It broke my heart to realize that many people come to us expecting to face judgment or coldness, yet still seek the care they need because they feel there’s no other option. These experiences reinforced for me the importance of delivering medical care with both technical skill and deep compassion, ensuring that every patient understands they are worthy of respectful and empathetic care, regardless of the procedure.
My Personal and Professional Values
I am deeply committed to equity—believing that everyone deserves access to quality medical care, regardless of their social or financial circumstances. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to serving “underserved” communities. I began my career at a Federally Qualified Health Center and have spent the past 16 years working within the Harris Health System, Houston’s largest safety-net healthcare provider (formerly the Harris County Hospital District). My professional focus has always been on caring for patients who are often overlooked, whether due to the nature of the care they seek or their ability to pay.
The Advice I Would Give My Younger Self
I would tell my younger self to trust the process more. You may not always see the entire picture immediately, but progress often takes place in the background. Stay focused on consistency, embrace discomfort as a natural part of growth, and don’t hesitate to take on opportunities that challenge you. It’s important to prioritize relationships and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself. Success and failure are both fleeting, but the lessons you learn from each experience are what truly endure.