Meet doctors Erika and Jaron Pettis, a dynamic duo of physicians who recently relocated to La Porte, bringing not only their medical expertise but also their newest role—parenthood. As proud parents of their 6-month-old son, Leo, the couple is now balancing demanding careers in healthcare with the joys and challenges of raising a baby.
Erika Pettis, an obstetrician-gynecologist, wrapped up her residency in New Orleans just in time for Leo’s arrival.
“I delivered Leo right at the end of my residency,” Erika Pettis said. “It worked out perfectly, we’ve had this incredible gift of spending time with Leo before starting work here in La Porte.”
Jaron Pettis, a general surgeon, has been equally busy balancing fatherhood while preparing for his new role in the La Porte healthcare community.
“Erika’s been killing it, both as a doctor and a mom, but we’re ready to dive into our work here and really become part of this community,” Jaron Pettis said.
The credit to how the couple met goes to a wireless router store, a young man minding his own business, and a mother who wasn’t shy about playing matchmaker.
“My mom saw him wearing a School of Medicine shirt and said, ‘If you don’t talk to him, I will!’” Erika Pettis laughed. “Next thing I know, she’s chatting him up, and I said, ‘Okay, I guess this is happening.’”
Erika Pettis found herself pulled into what would become the start of their love story.
Their first date was a gourmet meal cooked by Jaron Pettis himself — lamb with rosemary and mint pasta, which left Erika Pettis both impressed and smitten. This meal is now a staple in their home.
“It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had,” Erika Pettis said. “I was like, ‘Wait, this guy can cook, too?’ I was blown away.”
The Pettis family’s move to La Porte was driven by a desire to be closer to Erika Pettis’ family in Indiana. After completing their residencies in New Orleans and spending time working in South Carolina, the couple felt La Porte offered the perfect balance of professional opportunities and a supportive environment to raise Leo.
“We wanted to be closer to my parents, especially with Leo in the picture now,” Erika Pettis said. “La Porte felt like the right place. It has that small-town charm, and we love how tight-knit the community is. We’ve already been welcomed with open arms.”
One of their first big local experiences was the annual Sunflower Fest.
“Those sunflowers were huge, Leo couldn’t stop staring at them,” Erika laughed. “It was such a fun way to get a feel for the community and see everyone come together.”
The couple is also embracing La Porte’s “lake life” culture. Avid travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, Erika and Jaron Pettis enjoy activities like hiking and water sports. Jaron Pettis is already eyeing his next adventure — kitesurfing on Lake Michigan.
“I’m excited to try kitesurfing here,” Jaron Pettis said. “We’ve always been big on outdoor activities, and La Porte is perfect for that.”
Though their paths to medicine were slightly different, both Erika and Jaron Pettis share a deep commitment to patient care. Erika Pettis, inspired by her father, an orthopedic surgeon, was drawn to obstetrics and gynecology due to her passion for women’s health.
“I realized I loved the continuity of care in OB-GYN,” she said. “Being there for women throughout every stage of life is incredibly rewarding.”
Jaron Pettis, who didn’t come from a medical family, was drawn to surgery because of his love for working with his hands.
“I always knew I wanted to do something hands-on,” Jaron Pettis said. “Surgery was the perfect fit. It’s challenging, but it’s incredibly satisfying to help someone heal.”
While they adjust to parenthood and life in La Porte, Erika and Jaron Pettis are also preparing to take on their new professional roles. Both have extensive experience in their fields, having worked in diverse medical environments during their training.
During their residencies in New Orleans, both Erika and Jaron Pettis gained invaluable experience working with diverse and often underserved populations. This experience shaped their patient-first approach to medicine, something they’re eager to bring to their new roles in La Porte.
Jaron Pettis’ work as a general surgeon has taken him to underserved communities, where he gained a wide range of experience treating different medical conditions. He is eager to bring that knowledge to La Porte and continue serving patients with the same level of dedication.
“We both learned a lot working in New Orleans — treating patients from all walks of life really opened our eyes to the challenges people face,” Jaron Pettis said. “It’s important to us that we bring that same level of care and empathy to La Porte.”
Erika Pettis’ work in obstetrics and gynecology has allowed her to focus on women’s health and the full spectrum of care, from routine checkups to childbirth and surgeries. Her approach to patient care emphasizes empathy and building lasting relationships with her patients.
“I want my patients to feel comfortable and confident in their care,” Erika Pettis said. “I believe in providing comprehensive, compassionate care that meets each woman’s individual needs.”
As they prepare to take on their new roles in La Porte’s healthcare community, Erika and Jaron Pettis are also navigating the demands of being first-time parents. Leo, whom they affectionately describe as the light of their lives, has already made his mark on their family, with both parents adjusting to the joys of parenthood amid busy schedules.
“Having Leo has been such a gift,” Erika Pettis said. “It’s definitely a challenge balancing everything, but we’re figuring it out as we go.”
“We’re still finding our rhythm, but it’s been great,” Jaron Pettis added. “Becoming parents has made us even more excited about raising Leo in a place like La Porte.”
While their work as physicians is demanding, Erika and Jaron Pettis are committed to maintaining a healthy balance between their careers and family life. They’re also excited to introduce Leo to their shared love of travel and outdoor adventures, even if their pace will slow down a bit with a baby in tow.
“We’ve always loved to travel, and we want Leo to experience that with us,” Jaron Pettis said. “Whether it’s skiing, hiking, or exploring new places, we want him to grow up with a sense of adventure. We’re excited to build our lives here, not just as doctors, but as part of this community. We want to be as involved in La Porte as we are in the hospital.”
For now, the Pettis family is focused on balancing their professional lives, enjoying the outdoors, and embracing the joys of parenthood.
As they settle into their new lives in La Porte, Erika and Jaron Pettis look forward to building a future here, both as physicians and as a family. This new chapter represents not only a professional transition but also a personal one, as they embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood while serving the community.
“We’re grateful to be here,” Erika Pettis said. “La Porte already feels like home, and we’re excited for the future.”