Rosemary Castoreno, M.D.
Physician/Owner of Women’s Comprehensive Clinic for Internal Medicine, PLLC

What do you do?
We are San Antonio’s first internal medicine practice exclusively for women. We recognize that women have unique health care needs that require special focus, and for that reason Women’s Comprehensive Clinic for Internal Medicine was established. We are a professional medical practice for women by women. Our goal is to provide quality, competent and caring health care that is woman-centered. We specialize in chronic disease management, acute illness care, preventive medicine, medical weight loss, hormone replacement and wellness optimization.

Length of time at this job:
Eleven years of medical experience.

What is it that you like best about your job?
I find it extremely gratifying to be part of the process of empowering women. I strongly believe in disease prevention and maximizing the potential for optimal well-being through education. I feel that through knowledge comes self-empowerment. Through learning more about one’s medicines, illness and its implications, women are better able to make informed decisions, thereby taking charge of their own health, creating their own outcome.

Education/Major:
Doctorate of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 2003, board-certified in internal medicine 2006.

What career path led you to where you are today?
Necessity and courage have led me to where I am today. In order to be able to live and enjoy my life I had to create a business in which I was able to take charge of my destiny. After years of working nights, I was exhausted, unfulfilled and guilty for not spending time with my young children. After discussing with my husband, my biggest supporter, I made the difficult decision to have courage in my own abilities and step out into the business world, which I knew very little about. Although it has been difficult and challenging, it has been the best decision I have made for myself and my family.

Would you encourage your children to go into the same field?
Most definitely; being a physician is a rewarding profession in which we are privileged to be part of and impact the lives of many individuals.

What person do you most admire?
I admire my 7-year-old daughter, Teresa, who despite having multiple medical problems and physical disabilities is always able to find a way to succeed.

What do you enjoy doing on a day off?
I enjoy spending time with my children and family simply relaxing and enjoying a good meal with good company.

What is your favorite vacation?
Although because of professional and personal obligations vacations are not an option, I imagine that the beaches in Hawaii would be amazing.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Crafting, baking, photography.

What is your all-time favorite book?
Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.

What type of music do you like?
Christian contemporary.

What brought you to San Antonio?
I was born and raised on the South side of San Antonio. After completing my medical education, I returned in order to serve the community I grew up in.

What do you like most about San Antonio?
I absolutely love the festive spirit of San Antonio and its unique traditions. I feel very fortunate to have grown up celebrating in traditions like the Fiesta parades, San Fernando’s Christmas Posadas, the River Walk, etc., which now I am able to experience with my own children.

What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer?
Bexar County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Chaba Thai, Indian Palace and Vegeria.

Do you have a favorite dish?
Tofu Pad Pak.

How do you find balance in your life — career, community and home life?
I prioritize and don’t fret about the small things. Years from now I would like to remember the time spent with my family and not if the dirty dishes were done.

What is your favorite relaxation strategy?
Listening to music.

What is the best advice that you have ever received?
“Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out. Live one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment.” From Joel Osteen.

People would be surprised to know that I…
am a party planner specializing in children’s themed birthday parties.