Where did you grow up?
Northern Virginia (NOVA)
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
I wanted to be a surgeon since I was eight and had an appendectomy. I liked the hospital, my surgeon, my abdominal scar, and really wanted to see my appendix. I figured the only way to get there was to be a doctor and I pursued it and became more interested in it throughout my life and ended up applying to be a neurosurgeon this year for residency.
What is your favorite part about being a physician and why?
I love operating. I find something so unique in understanding the anatomy of a person’s body and spirit. Giving someone function back, cutting out cancer, and being someone’s rock during the most difficult period of their life appeals to my strengths. Furthermore, I enjoy the work. I enjoy being in the operating room, the aspect of precision and sewing.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
My parents always tell me “Swim in your own lane”. I struggled with comparison a lot, as I know most medical students do, so I just repeat “swim in your own lane” to myself a lot when I feel myself comparing. Everyone’s path is different and you just gotta focus on your own things.
What advice would you give to new MSV members?
You get out of MSV what you put in! People are very open to ideas, so be enthusiastic and come with energy and a fresh perspective. Be creative and learn first to advocate for yourself, because how are you going to advocate for others if you can’t do it for yourself first?
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
This is very Gossip Girl coded question and I love it! I would interview Katharine Hepburn, she defied so many gender stereotypes early on in her career and is a queer icon! She also played Jo March in the OG Little Women movie, who is my favorite literary character.
What are some of your hobbies and/or passions?
I love musical theatre! I like to act, sing, watch musical theatre, I love everything about it. I also love crafting, being able to create things through crochet, knitting, embroidery, and sewing are some of my favorite things to do. It’s a great creative outlet for me. I also love Twilight, a true passion of mine.
Complete this statement, ”I am happiest when…”
I’m sleeping.