“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands for all women.”
-Maya Angelou
Resident Vicki Sears might be small in stature, however, she always stood tall throughout her entire life. In the 1950’s, some might say she was a giant. Vicki wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps of becoming a doctor. He practiced in family medicine specializing in chronic diseases. At the time, Vicki had her heart set on becoming a surgical resident. “I knew my marriage wouldn’t survive the hours and enormous commitment, so I decided to study Psychiatry instead.”, Vicki openly admitted. “My husband and I decided to go to Switzerland for me to complete my schooling. I will never forget how my fellow male classmates were discouraging me to leave school as this was a “man’s field”. I would look them straight in their eyes and laugh!”, Vicki giggled. “Men dominated the medical field and thought a woman would go to school, get married, have babies and leave the field.”, Vicki shared. That was not in Vicki’s plan. Vicki stayed strong and graduated in the top of her class.
Vicki and her husband, Wade spent the next 10 years in Europe while raising their only child, Andy, who is now 63 years old and a project manager. “I have enjoyed my life immensely, my personal ups and downs, has only made be a better psychiatrist for my patients,” Vicki shared.
After moving back to the States, Vicki helped begin the first outpatient psychiatry facilities at Mercy Hospital and North Shore Hospital in Manhasset. Very proud of her career accomplishments, Vicki eventually started her own private practice. Vicki and Wade loved taking their sailboat to Martha’s Vineyard and taking day trips around Long Island. “It was my opportunity to decompress from my career. It was one of the biggest joys of my life,” Vicki stated.
When asked what was one of the misconceptions of her field, Vicki shared it was never her job to fix her patient’s problems. Her job was to listen and encourage.
“Three years ago, I moved to The Regency from Great Neck and it was the best choice for me. I have been able to crochet and relax. What more can a woman want at my age? The Regency staff has been loving and kind to me and that has been such a great gift,” Vicki shared. Vicki and Wade divorced over 25 years ago. However, their deep friendship will forever keep them bonded as they catch up in their weekly phone calls with each other.
On November 3rd, Dr. Victoria Sears will be turning 91 years old. Still loving life. Still independent. Still listening and still standing TALL. Happy Birthday, Vicki!
