10 Questions: Dr. Xibei Jia
Dr. Jia shares her passion for world traveling, art history and mastering the sport of snowboarding.
Dr. Xibei Jia, a fellowship-trained specialist with a special focus in urogynecology, started in September at Urology Associates of Cape Cod. Dr. Jia specializes in urinary control issues, pelvic floor dysfunctions and female reconstructive surgery. “There is a 100 percent need on the Cape for these services because of the aging population,” says Dr. Jia. “A lot of these women used to get care in Boston and transportation can be difficult. They are very appreciative that there is someone local. It truly is a privilege to take care of these women.”
We recently sat down with Dr. Jia to learn what brought her to Cape Cod Healthcare and her outside interests, including world traveling, art history, and most recently, mastering the sport of snowboarding.
What was your very first job?
I worked at McDonald’s at age 15 in Mystic, Connecticut. As a child growing up, I loved McDonald’s. I haven’t been to one in so long, but even up until med school, there was a McDonald’s around the corner in Boston’s Chinatown. We would go there for the Oreo McFlurry. I still get it from time to time—the snack size. It’s less than 200 calories! Around the same time, I also volunteered at the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Seaport Museum, giving tours and explaining the history.
Hike to Trolltunga, Norway
Hike to the base of Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia
Hike to the base of Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia
A coffee shop in Montreal
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in China and moved to the United States when I was 14 years old. I spent high school in Connecticut and completed my undergrad at Boston College and received my medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. I went back to Connecticut for my residency and came back to Massachusetts for my fellowship. My parents are still in Connecticut.
What brought you to Cape Cod Healthcare?
The majority of my training in the United States was spent in Massachusetts and New England. I’ve always liked it here. I still have a lot of friends and family in Connecticut and Massachusetts, so the Cape is a perfect place. I used to come to the Cape in the summer with some of my medical school friends. I have lived in cities for many years, but I really enjoy nature and relaxing outside when I’m not working. When I rented a house in Hyannis, I enjoyed running to the beach after work. It was gorgeous.
What led you to pursue a focus in urogynecology?
I truly feel there is a need to care for older patients. A lot of the urinary issues and prolapse are very taboo. People don’t talk about it and I see a lot of women who have been suffering from these conditions for decades. I am very happy my specialty exists to be able to treat and help women.
If you could have another career, what would it be?
I love to travel. I love different cultures, learning about them and going to different places. I took art classes and art history courses up until college. If I didn’t work in medicine, I’d probably want to be an art historian, working at a museum, either restoring art or teaching people about it. When I retire, I plan to have a second career, move to Europe, work as a tour guide at a museum and write travel blogs.
Favorite food?
Ice cream. I have a sweet tooth. I used to be able to eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner when I was younger. My favorite is Ferrero Rocher flavored ice cream. The first time I had it was at an ice cream shop in Bogota, Columbia. I’m excited to try some of the ice cream shops on the Cape.
What’s the next thing on your to-do list?
I’m preparing to travel to Rwanda for two weeks in May. I have mentors who have been going to Rwanda for many years who do medical mission work there. I will be traveling with the International Organization for Women and Development (IOWD) to help women suffering from obstetric fistula (an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina) in Kigali, Rwanda. It happens a lot in underdeveloped countries. There’s definitely a need for this type of medical care in third world countries.
What are you most excited about these days?
I am learning snowboarding. I think I finally got it! When I lived in Shrewsbury, I lived really close to Wachusett. I always wanted to learn snowboarding, so I tried to teach myself. But that didn’t get me very far. This year, I was committed to learning and I took lessons. There were so many times I wanted to give up because I kept falling a lot. But it finally clicked for me.
What is your favorite spot on the Cape?
I really like the Sandwich Boardwalk. I visited there in the fall and thought I was in heaven.
As a world traveler, what are some of your most memorable trips?
Most recently, I went to Chile and hiked the Patagonia trails to the base of the Torres del Paine National Park. I’ve also been to Norway and hiked up to Trolltunga—the mountains and scenery were so gorgeous. My travels to Morocco and Switzerland rank high on my list as well.
