University of Arizona physician Kathy Mosher Hiller talks work life balance with her daughters Jane, 4, and Eleanor, 3 months, and what it was like saving the life of Congresswoman Giffords.

I didn’t think I’d be a doctor. I was a swimmer in high school, and a lifeguard. The next step: I became an emergency medical technician.

I loved being a paramedic so much I almost didn’t go to college. But I did and continued to medical school. The minute I got into the emergency department I knew it was right.

People told me when I had my first child that my priorities would shift. I just feel like I have more of them now. I know there’s a lot of drama about being a successful mother and a successful career person, and honestly, it’s just who you are. It’s all of you.

We’ve never hired a babysitter. Dave, who taught high school math for years, has been home with Jane. His parents, my mom, my sister and cousins with kids all help. I’d love to pick up Jane and be with the baby more. But they’re well taken care of.

By January 8 this year I’d begun my second trimester. I’d been exhausted and had a long sleep the night before. It was a sunny, mellow Saturday morning. I like working the day shift because i get to have dinner with my family, give Jane a bath, read books and cuddle before bed. But I sometimes work the swing shift.

I’d never met Congresswoman Giffords, but I supported her politically. Like everyone else, I was sickened by the shootings that day. I was also scared. My first thought was for my daughter. I had no idea if they’d caught the guy or if there was another shooter.

Initially it was utter chaos in the hospital. I was the only emergency physician on duty that morning. But another attending physician happened to be upstairs and came to help, and so did another colleague who was in the building.

There were erroneous media reports that Rep. Giffords had died. Members of her family asked us if it was true. In such circumstances, we don’t usually get to tell family that a patient isn’t dead. Notification usually goes the other way. Her recovery since has been just remarkable.

I still think about 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green. [Born September 11, 2001, she lost her life in the tucson tragedy.] I relate her to my daughter and think how sad her entire family must feel.

Later Jane asked me, “Why did that bad man do that?” I had no idea what to say. I still don’t. But my family helped her process that mom was safe. Jane loves to play with her doctor kit. She says she wants to become a mama doctor like me.

As told to Claire McIntosh