Staff Spotlight, Julia Yarkoni

TEP: Hi Julia! Can you introduce yourself?

Julia: My name is Dr. Julia Yarkoni and I am the medical physician at the Cleveland Outpatient site, as well as the supervising physician at the Cleveland Residential site. Outside of The Emily Program, I am a proud wife and mother to two young sons. 

TEP: Why did you choose to work for The Emily Program?

Julia: I chose to work at The Emily Program for two main reasons. One is that when I became a doctor, I intended to go overseas in order to serve unrecognized international need but when that plan changed, my prayer was to serve unrecognized needs in the United States. That prayer was answered when I got accepted to work for The Emily Program. The medical community at large does not do enough recognition of eating disorders and I hope to change that—starting with myself. The second main reason is I highly value the work-life balance that The Emily Program promotes and with my husband currently being a full-time student, the flexibility of my schedule allows me to be there for my husband and children.

TEP: What is your favorite part of the day?

Julia: The best part of my day is when I come home to see shining smiling faces who missed me even if it has just been for a few hours. 

TEP: Do you have any advice for those struggling with eating disorders?

Julia: My advice to those suffering from an eating disorder is to remember that their daily fight, in so many ways, has an eternal purpose.  May they remember that as they fight not just to stay alive but to live full lives that they are cultivating an inner beauty that belongs solely to them—which no other human being holds the key.  Their fight inspires us all. I also want to add that there is hope for more peace and less fighting.

TEP: As a medical physician, what is one thing you wish people knew about eating disorders?

Julia: As a physician, one thing I wish people knew about eating disorders is that unlike other chronic diseases when there are clear signs that treatment is not working and people are more prepared for complications, eating disorders cause acute and unprecedented bad clinical outcomes regardless of patient age. So if someone has an eating disorder or a person who loves someone with disordered eating is reading this, please realize there is no time like the present to get help!

TEP: What are you looking forward to this year?

Julia: I enjoy mentoring/sharing knowledge and therefore I am looking forward to expanding our team later this year!