My One Thing: Treah Haggerty, M.D.

Physicians are incredibly committed to their patients and families, but everyone needs their own “one thing” – an activity they do for themselves that feeds their soul and refills their ‘tank’. Our "My One Thing" interview series highlights some of the amazing things our physicians are doing - not directly for their patients - but for themselves. Having our own passions isn’t just nice to have; it’s a necessity – like putting on your own oxygen mask first before helping others on an airplane – and ultimately it makes us better able to care for others. 

What’s your name and role at WVU? 

My name is Treah Haggerty, M.D., and I’m a physician in WVU Medicine’s Medical Weight Management program and a professor in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine.

What is your “one thing”? 

My "one thing" is biking with my kids. We enjoy various styles, including downhill mountain biking, cross-country mountain biking, and self-supported bike touring.

What do you love about it? 

There are a few aspects I love about biking with my kids. Watching them overcome what they initially see as difficult challenges is incredibly rewarding. It’s also a great way to connect with them because they tend to open up and share a lot about their day or what’s on their mind while we're riding. I also appreciate that biking allows me to model an active lifestyle for them. One of the most important things we've learned from our long-distance rides is that we can face tough challenges and succeed, which is a valuable life lesson.

When did you start it? 

I started biking with my kids in 2016, when my oldest was four. I only wish I had discovered my passion for biking earlier in life!

How have you maintained doing this throughout the stages of your life and career? 

We make it a priority and fit biking into our daily lives in creative ways. For example, I’ll often spend an entire workday with bikes hanging off the car, ready to go for a ride afterward, so I don’t lose time loading up after work. Honestly though, living in a place like Morgantown makes it easier, as we have access to fantastic biking spots like Westover Park, WVU’s West Run Woods Trails, the area’s rail trail network, and Coopers Rock State Forest.

How does this activity enrich your life? 

The most enriching part is the quality time I get to spend with my kids doing something they enjoy. Between school, work, and other commitments, it’s easy to feel like we’re all too busy, but biking gives us dedicated, screen-free time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.

How does doing this activity make you a better physician? 

Having a non-work-related passion is crucial for maintaining balance. On stressful workdays, I remind myself that after getting through my responsibilities, I have something to look forward to that rejuvenates me: time with my kids doing an activity we all love.

Do you have any advice for others on continuing their one thing? 

The key is to make sure it fits naturally into your life. For me, my kids were already interested in biking, so it became something we could do together rather than me pursuing an activity that took time away from them. This way, it enhances both my family time and my personal enjoyment.