Meet Sunny Soroosh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Soroosh.

Hi Sunny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an east-coast-based Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Actor, and Stand-up Comedian. I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and I have traveled and worked all over the world. My parents are Iranian immigrants, and I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi (Persian). I was inspired to become a midwife by my grandmother, who was a midwife at the largest public hospital for women in Iran. I received my education at the University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University, and Frontier Nursing University.

I was a Registered Nurse for 8 years before pursuing an advanced degree in Nurse-Midwifery. I have worked in many fields, including Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, but my true passion is sexual and reproductive health. I worked as a RN in the Dominican Republic, and at birth centers in Guatemala, New York City, and on the Texas-Mexico border. I was also a Registered Nurse at Planned Parenthood of New York City. In addition to my clinical work there, I became involved in public relations, fundraising, and reproductive rights activism. I was featured in Vogue Magazine, Huffington Post, Rewire News Group, and Time Out New York for my healthcare and advocacy work. I have also spoken twice in front of the New York State Senate and for many other panels and events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I served my NYC community by working at the Javits Center Military Hospital during the beginning of the crisis in 2020 and then at testing and vaccination sites throughout the city. I recently completed my Nurse-Midwifery Fellowship at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC, and have accepted a new Midwife position at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC.

I fell in love with Nashville when one of my close friends attended Vanderbilt University. I love country music (surprising to many!), and the indie culture and local, small-town vibes. I visit as often as possible and hope to one day start a second midwifery practice there.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
There have always been ups and downs, but I would say the Covid-19 pandemic was definitely a struggle! I was in midwifery school completing my clinical rotations at the beginning, and we were forced to pause that and then I was furloughed from my part-time job. I found myself with no way to pay my bills. I had to find work quickly in hazardous situations to survive, but I was happy that I could help others in my community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In addition to being a healthcare worker, I am a SAG-AFTRA actor and stand-up comedian. I have been featured on many popular shows, including Orange is the New Black, The Politician, Gossip Girl XOXO, and Pose. I am best known for my costarring role as “Pammy” on Amy Schumer’s Life and Beth on Hulu. I also played Jason Alexander’s assistant on The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV in his role as Jeff Bezos and I have worked with comedian Mo Amer on the Hulu show Ramy. I often take on medical roles in addition to comedic roles, acting as a nurse, medical technician, and surgical hand double on set. My recent work as an Operating Room Nurse on the Peacock show Dr. Death premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.

I have also performed stand-up on comedy stages all over the country. I am one of the co-producers of the Yes Queen! Comedy Show in Washington, DC and I opened for comedian Kate Robards at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco. My comedy credits include performances at the DC Comedy Loft in Washington, DC, Laughs Comedy Club in Seattle, WA, and Eastville Comedy Club in New York, NY.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Pursuing two separate careers (acting/comedy and healthcare) is a risk, and it can be hard to find the time for both sometimes! People often don’t understand and find it strange or think you aren’t dedicated to one or the other. I aim to show that you can be both scientific/medical and creative simultaneously and succeed in both. You don’t have to pick one, and you should do whatever you are passionate about, no matter what it is!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sunnysoroosh.com
• Instagram: @sorooshisonfire

Image Credits
Anthony Leo