10 Questions with Ingrid Hyder, MD
Her journey from engineering to medicine fuels a love of problem solving and a deep commitment to early detection.
Long before leading a team of radiologists on Cape Cod, Ingrid Hyder, MD, spent a decade working in research and development as a materials engineer. “I was always interested in medicine as a child,” she recalls. “I just didn’t have any role models. There were a lot of engineers in my family, so I was gently pushed in that direction.”
Everything changed after 9/11, when she, like many others, reexamined her life’s path. “I realized that if I was ever going to do anything related to medicine, I’d better get to it,” she says. At age 32, she enrolled in premed courses, began volunteering at a hospital and never looked back. She earned her medical degree at Drexel University in Philadelphia and ultimately found her professional home in radiology — drawn to the field’s mix of problem solving, anatomy, technology and teamwork. Her engineering background proved to be an asset, especially in understanding the physics and technology behind modern imaging.
Today, as medical director of the Cuda Women’s Health Center in Hyannis, Dr. Hyder loves the opportunity to solve complex diagnostic questions and collaborate closely with her colleagues. A typical day involves a mix of reading exams and performing biopsies, all supported by strong teamwork. “We bounce cases off each other all the time,” she says. “It makes for better patient care — and better satisfaction when you have people you enjoy working with.”
“Nobody wants to be diagnosed with cancer,” Hyder continues, “but if that is what’s happening, we want to find it as early as possible. It makes all the difference.”
Dr. Hyder shares that her nontraditional journey to medicine gives her a unique lens on patient care. “I think going to medical school later in life gives me a different perspective,” she reflects. “You really understand that patients are people with full lives beyond their diagnosis.”
Originally from Montreal, Dr. Hyder has embraced the Cape Cod lifestyle with enthusiasm. A lifelong swimmer and avid gardener, she loves clamming, swimming year-round and cooking fresh local seafood with family and friends. She’s also passionate about creating wildlife habitats in her own backyard. “I feel so lucky to live here,” she says.
We recently caught up with Dr. Hyder at Cuda to learn more about her background, her favorite Cape Cod spots and what inspires her outside of work.
1. Do you have a favorite memory from medical school?
I’d have to say the most intense, fantastic moment was the day I got my first medical school acceptance letter. At that point, I had quit my job and was completely changing course with no guarantee it would all work out. Back then — this was 2005 — it arrived as an actual envelope in the mailbox. It was fairly thick, and I just remember my hands shaking as I opened it. When I saw that I’d been accepted, I was jumping up and down.
2. Do you have a personal mantra?
“Always swim.” Living on the Cape, I try to get into the water as often as possible—even in the winter. There’s something about being in the ocean that’s grounding and invigorating at the same time.
3. Describe your perfect day off.
My ideal day would start with a run followed by a swim, then spending time in the garden. I love being outside. I’d end the day cooking and eating with friends and family, ideally with oysters or clams we’ve harvested ourselves.
4. Favorite Cape Cod spot?
The dune shacks trail in Provincetown, such an awe-inspiring landscape.
5. Coffee or tea—and how do you take it?
Strong (she laughs). Both, actually. Strong with lots of milk.
6. Is there something colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I love clamming, swimming year-round and gardening. I’ve transformed my yard into a wildlife-friendly landscape filled with native plants, pollinators and birds. We planted multiple kinds of berries, including blueberries, thinking we’d get to eat them—but no, the birds got to them first.
7. If you weren’t a physician, what would you be?
Maybe a high school science teacher. I used to tutor a lot and loved it. But honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
8. What are some of your favorite books or shows?
For fiction, anything by Margaret Atwood. For nonfiction, I love Michael Pollan. TV-wise, “Schitt’s Creek” is my all-time favorite — it’s such a sweet, funny and hopeful show. I also really enjoyed “Ted Lasso.”
9. What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to go to Iceland and see the Northern Lights. That’s been a dream of mine.
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t wait so long to make a big change. I probably spent too much time trying to talk myself out of switching careers, but ultimately it was the best decision I ever made. Sometimes you just have to take the leap.
