Where did you grow up?
Virginia Beach, VA
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Global health first made a strong impact on me during several service trips to a partner organization in Nicaragua, where I spent time at multiple feeding centers. I witnessed how these same children who were once malnourished and ill became noticeably healthier through the public health initiatives we helped support. Later, through conversations with physician leaders and witnessing the work they did every day, I came to realize that there are also many meaningful opportunities to make a difference locally, and that there is a significant need for care right here in our own community. Over time, I realized that becoming a physician is one of the most personal and powerful ways to make that kind of impact in people’s lives.
What is your favorite part about being a physician and why?
Operating! And creating a safe environment for women during some of their most vulnerable moments - that is a privilege.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Lots of wisdom has been imparted over the years. Hard to just pick one piece of advice, but this one feels the most relevant: enjoy it. Residency can be a grind, but you’ll never get this time again working these long hours this closely with your good friends. My dad is always reminding me to have fun with it!
What advice would you give to new MSV members?
Do more listening than talking. Just show up and soak everything in. And then try to reflect on how you could make the healthcare space where you work a better environment to practice medicine for yourself and your patients, and bring those ideas back.
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Cliché but Jesus. He’s wise and I have a lot of questions.
You are happiest when?
When I’m at the beach with people I love!