Which program did you choose for your Physician Assistant studies, and why did it make the top of your list? I completed my PA training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC was at the top of my list because of its strong academic reputation, broad clinical exposure, and emphasis on learning through rotations at a large academic medical center. From my interview experience, it was clear the faculty were genuinely invested in my success and growth as a PA, and that support carried through to my preceptors during clinical rotations as well.
How did you come to choose the field of medicine, and what drew you to becoming a PA? My interest in medicine started during my time working as an EMT. Responding to emergencies and caring for patients during some of their hardest moments made me realize how much I valued direct patient care. The PA role stood out to me because it is collaborative, hands-on, and allows you to be deeply involved in clinical decision-making. I also appreciated the flexibility of the profession and the emphasis on lifelong learning.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty? Emergency medicine felt like a natural fit coming from an EMS background. I enjoy the fast pace, the variety of cases, and the need to think quickly on your feet. During my emergency medicine rotations in PA school, I loved the teamwork and the challenge of managing everything from routine complaints to critically ill patients all within the same shift. It is a specialty that keeps you engaged and constantly learning.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice? I like that no two days are the same. Each shift brings something new, whether it is an interesting case, a procedure, or a meaningful interaction with a patient. I especially enjoy being able to provide immediate care in the emergency department and help patients feel relief or reassurance in the moment.
What led you to practice with MEMA? What really drew me to practice with MEMA was their commitment to supporting clinicians at every stage of their career, especially new graduates. As someone starting out in emergency medicine, I valued the emphasis MEMA places on structured transition-to-practice training through the APP Fellowship Program. I wanted to work at a place that would actively invest in my growth as a clinician, help refine my skills, and provide mentorship. Everyone I spoke with at MEMA emphasized the supportive culture, collaborative team environment, and focus on high-quality emergency care.
Is there a patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you? During my first emergency medicine rotation in Wilmington, I cared for a patient who came to a freestanding emergency department with a painful finger infection that required incision and drainage. She was unhoused, struggled with chronic cocaine use, and was understandably agitated when she arrived. It was also clear she was in significant pain and wanted relief.
My preceptor performed the digital block to demonstrate the procedure to me. During the setup, I focused on helping the patient stay calm and encouraged her throughout the process. I acknowledged how difficult it was for her to stay still and reassured her that she was doing a great job trying to cooperate. After the block was complete, the patient asked for me to finish the procedure. With my preceptor guiding me, we were able to successfully complete it.
That experience reinforced for me how powerful empathy can be. By recognizing her struggle and voicing that understanding, we were able to build trust and turn a challenging encounter into a successful one.
What are some of the biggest challenges of practicing in the emergency department? One of the biggest challenges is balancing efficiency with providing thoughtful, compassionate care, especially during high-volume shifts. The emergency department can be unpredictable, and learning how to adapt while still staying connected with patients is an ongoing challenge. At the same time, that balance is also what makes the work so rewarding.
Are you involved in any professional organizations or leadership roles? I am a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA), and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Have you received any awards or recognition from peers? Not yet!
What about Charlotte excites you? I grew up in the Charlotte area with my family and many close friends nearby. After undergrad, I worked at MEDIC, which further strengthened my connection to the community. Even when we moved away for PA school, my wife and I always knew we wanted to return and build our life here long term.
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you? Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, whether that is working out, doing yard work, or playing pickleball. I have recently started getting into golf, which has been both humbling and fun. My favorite activity, though, is skiing, and we are excited to take a trip to Jackson Hole this winter.