Women in Business: Kristin Roller
by June 24, 2019 8:52 am 1,160 views
Residence: Fayetteville
Education: B.S., biochemistry, University of Oklahoma; M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical School; family medicine residency, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Professional background: Roller and her husband co-founded Roller Weight Loss in 2009, which now includes 53 employees in three cities and two states. She has helped grow the company to one of the largest bariatric surgical practices in the country and has presented at multiple national surgical conferences.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I decided I wanted to be a doctor in high school. I witnessed a terrible accident involving a classmate’s mother, and I sat there thinking to myself, “I wish I knew what to do to help her right now.” I started focusing my extra time and energy into going to medical school.
What was your dream job as a kid and why? When I was 6, a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader. Totally my cheerleader personality. After that, I wanted to be a math teacher. I loved math in school and had some great teachers that really inspired me. I love math because the answer to any problem is either right or wrong. It’s not up to anyone else to determine if they like my answer or not. It was up to me to find the right answer.
What’s the most important aspect of achieving a balance between your career and your family? Making spending time with my family a priority. One example for me is trying to exercise first thing in the morning so that I can take the girls to school and be available for after-school practices or activities, and being able to be home to have dinner all together.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Go for it. I frequently speak to the bariatric medical community regarding the specialty of bariatric medicine. It’s a fantastic opportunity to use your medical education, help patients regain their life and have time for family life.
What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? There are so many. In bariatric medicine, I get to witness my patients becoming their most healthy self and get their lives back. My patients end up losing so much weight that their medical conditions are cured, and they can stop most, if not all, of their medications. It’s absolutely inspiring to see patients get back to doing the things in life that make them happy.
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I’m in the midst of it right now. We have recently started Radiance by Roller, a full-scale modern medical aesthetic practice. I initially felt like the old saying, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” But that’s absolutely not true. I have ventured out of my comfort zone to learn the practice of medical aesthetics including injectables and other technologies. It’s really exciting, and I’m loving this new addition to my career.
How do you spend your time away from work — if there is such a thing? What are your hobbies? Spending time with my husband and our girls and being involved in their activities. I like to exercise and travel — love the beach, the mountains and the big cities.
Do you feel like we’re getting closer to gender equality in the workplace? Yes, absolutely. There are so many more women leaders in business, medicine, politics and education than when I was growing up.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself? First and foremost, I’m a Christian. Other traits that describe me are dedicated, hardworking and outgoing.
What qualities do you feel are most important in a company leader? Dedicated. And being able to surround yourself with intelligent, hardworking and loyal support staff.
Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? My husband. Josh and I have been married for almost 20 years, and we have been each other’s support all through medical school, residency, fellowship and finding our career paths. He is the first one that suggested I go into bariatric medicine and work with him as a partner. He is a gifted surgeon, teacher and leader, as well as an amazing husband and father.
What time do you get up on workday mornings? 5 a.m. if I go exercise, or 6:45 a.m. if I sleep in.
If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? I really don’t have a bucket list. But I do have a few travel destinations on my list: Amalfi Coast, Greece, Mallorca and Israel.