“When I first meet with patients and family members, I want to establish their understanding of why they’re here. I ask questions about their symptoms and what’s going on biologically. I also ask what’s important to them in their lives — their kids, their work, what they do for fun. Once I have a comprehensive picture of who they are, I’m able to help them in a way that’s meaningful to them.”
Dr. Flippin leads a mostly quiet, contemplative life with her husband and pets. Her five children return quarterly from college and contribute significantly to “the spice of life.” They are all avid sports fans and divide into Duke University and UNC at Chapel Hill contingencies. She avoids watching basketball with the family in March. Dr. Flippin is an avid reader of fiction, biographies and science. She enjoys jogging, yoga, hiking, swimming and collecting ornamental pumpkins, ceramic roosters, and hand-made quilts.
