Dr. Ann Schutt-Aine Provides Insight into Her Career in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Work with Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast

Dr. Anne Schutt-Aine is a highly regarded obstetrician/gynecologist serving the Gulf Coast region. With extensive experience from her time working at Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania and California, she has been an influential figure in the medical community since 2008.

Currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Schutt-Aine is dedicated to both direct patient care and medical education, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her dedication to improving medical education is highlighted by her role in bringing the first Ryan Residency Program in Abortion and Family Planning to 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 renowned medical associations.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Schutt-Aine offers valuable insights into her career, core values, and the meaningful impact she’s had on women’s healthcare.

What Motivated You to Choose a Career in Obstetrics and Gynecology?

I chose OB/GYN because it’s a surgical specialty that allows me to do what I love—perform surgeries—while also building long-term relationships with patients. We see them for annual exams, then more frequently during pregnancy to monitor progress and deliver babies. As they age, we may perform surgery or continue care, which keeps me engaged in their lives over time. It’s truly a fulfilling combination.

My decision to specialize in abortion care stems from the opportunity to make a profound impact in a short amount of time. Patients seek abortion care because they are unable to continue their pregnancy for any number of personal reasons. The ability to change the course of someone’s life with a 5-10 minute procedure is an incredible privilege.

A Moment That Shaped My Career

While there isn’t a single defining moment, I’ve encountered many smaller but significant instances that have deeply shaped my approach to care. After completing an abortion, patients have often expressed their gratitude—not just for the care provided but for the compassion and “nice” my team and I showed them. It’s heartbreaking to realize that many people expect abortion providers to be cold or judgmental, yet they still seek care because it’s a necessity. These experiences have reinforced for me how crucial it is to offer not only technical expertise but also compassionate care, ensuring that every patient knows they are deserving of respect and kindness, regardless of the procedure.

My Personal and Professional Values

I firmly believe in equity, where everyone has the right to quality medical care, regardless of their social or financial circumstances. Throughout my career, I have worked with “underserved” communities, beginning at a Federally Qualified Health Center and continuing for the past 16 years at the Harris Health System, Houston’s largest safety-net health provider (formerly known as the Harris County Hospital District). My focus has always been on caring for patients who are often neglected by others, whether due to the type of care they need or their ability to pay.

The Advice I Would Offer My Younger Self

I would tell my younger self to trust the process more. The full picture isn’t always clear at the outset, but progress often occurs behind the scenes. Focus on being consistent, accept discomfort as an essential part of growth and embrace opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. Learn to value relationships and connect with those who challenge and inspire you. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Both success and failure are temporary, but the ability to learn from each experience is what truly lasts.