Please tell us where you attended medical school and why it was at the top of your list.
I attended medical school at the Wake Forest Bowman Gray School of Medicine. With several friends who were accepted a year ahead of me, they provided great reviews of the program, and it was also close to home and family in Charlotte. As a frugal student, the cost of living was unbeatable. Wishing rent was still just $325 a month for a 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment.
Please share with us where you completed your residency and how/why you chose that location.
I completed my Emergency Medicine residency at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. Honestly, the apartment deal was too good to pass up! After completing away rotations there, I had seriously considered programs in New York and Pennsylvania, but in the end, I chose the state with four distinct seasons and mild winters. Also, I grew to appreciate the ER faculty and staff during my third-year rotations, so it felt like a natural fit to stay on for residency.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine.
Medicine perfectly blended my interests in science, technology, and helping others. During my undergraduate years studying biology at UNC Chapel Hill, I spent my summers volunteering and gaining hands-on experience by volunteering in hospitals during the school year. I enjoyed seeing how different parts of the hospital functioned and the impact of healthcare.
What about becoming a physician was attractive?
Becoming a physician can seem daunting—the years of study, endless tests, and long clinical hours. Before medical school, I had this “Why not me?” attitude. Later, during the grind of medical school and residency, it often flipped to “Why me?”, but looking back, it has been an incredibly rewarding journey and one full of life lessons. I’m grateful for the support of family, friends, and mentors.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
I quickly knew Emergency Medicine was for me during my first ER rotation in my third year of medical school. Some may wonder why someone would work in such a chaotic environment—full of loud noises, strange smells, and sometimes gruesome injuries. For me, it’s exciting to sort through undifferentiated patients and provide care that’s often life-saving. Emergency Medicine is the gateway to the hospital, and you never know what will come through the door, which keeps the work dynamic and rewarding.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
Human connection is a huge part of what I love about Emergency Medicine. We’re social beings, and teamwork and building rapport with patients and staff are essential in the ER. Nothing quite like seeing a patient smile with gratitude after receiving care. Even on the toughest shifts, there’s a deep sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. The shift work in Emergency Medicine is another plus, offering flexibility and the freedom not to take work home.
What led you to practice with MEMA? How long have you been with MEMA?
I was born at Novant Presbyterian Hospital, so there’s a special connection to my home hospital. After completing residency in 2019, I was looking for a strong, democratic group near Charlotte, and MEMA was a perfect fit, though they weren’t hiring then. MEMA offers all the qualities you want in a physician-owned group—transparency and true autonomy. I’m also grateful to my friend, Mike Slisz, DO, MBA, for connecting me with the Rowan Hospital. I’ll start with MEMA in January 2024 and am excited to join the team!
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
One case I’ll never forget involved a woman in her mid-20s who had just delivered a child at another hospital less than 48 hours before. She came to us with severe back pain since her delivery, despite an unremarkable ultrasound, and was prescribed pain medication at the outside ER the previous night. She could barely lay comfortably on the bed. After administering IV pain meds, I ordered a CT scan, which revealed a large paraspinal thoracic mass compressing her spinal cord. It was a relief to find the cause, but it was heartbreaking to see her diagnosed with such a devastating condition. That case reinforced the importance of truly listening to patients and pursuing further tests when something seems off.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
Emergency Medicine faces well-documented challenges, including overcrowding, boarding patients, increased volumes, staff shortages, burnout, and a lack of resources like psychiatric services or primary care access. These reflect broader systemic issues in healthcare, and while they’re difficult to tackle, we do our best to come up with reasonable plans based on our resources.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations?
I am board-certified with the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) and have previously been a member of the North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians (NCCEP) and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM).
Have you received any awards or been recognized by your peers? If so, please tell us about it!
I was honored to be named Physician of the Quarter while working at Piedmont Medical Center.
Who/what did you want to be as a child?
I always wanted to be a star athlete, but unfortunately, I wasn’t gifted with otherworldly genetics. However, I learned early on that genetics can’t replace hard work, which has shaped my approach to life and medicine.
What about Charlotte excites you?
I fondly remember growing up in Charlotte, like taking the bus uptown and spending afternoons at the main library. Seeing how the city has grown just as I’ve evolved has been exciting. I’m really looking forward to coming home and exploring new opportunities as I continue this journey.
Do you have any Hobbies, interests, or secret powers unique to you?
I enjoy playing tennis—I have spent many weekday mornings at Mason Wallace Park and weekends with the Dilworth Tennis Group. I also like staying updated on the latest advancements in technology and space. In high school, I peaked in chess and even won the NC state scholastic chess tournament!