Which program did you choose for your Physician Assistant studies, and why did it make the top of your list? I chose to attend Elon University because of its small class size and supportive learning environment. The close-knit nature of the program allowed the entire cohort to build strong relationships with one another, as well as with the faculty and staff. I appreciated the personalized experience and the strong sense of community throughout the program.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine. What about becoming a PA was attractive? Medicine always felt like a meaningful way to support and give back to my community, which is something that was instilled in me at a young age by my parents, mentors, and role models. I did not have much exposure to PAs until I was working in my previous career as an athletic trainer. Once I had the opportunity to work alongside PAs, I really appreciated the important role they play in expanding access to healthcare, collaborating within care teams, and bringing a broad range of knowledge and skills to patient care. Those experiences ultimately encouraged me to return to school and pursue a career as a PA.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty? There were many aspects of Emergency Medicine that appealed to me during my rotations, including the acuity, procedural opportunities, and fast-paced environment. What especially drew me to the specialty was the challenge of evaluating undifferentiated complaints and building a differential diagnosis from the ground up. I also really enjoy the team-oriented nature of emergency medicine. Everyone in the department plays an important role, and there is a strong sense of collaboration focused on helping patients.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice? One of the things I enjoy most about emergency medicine is that every shift is different. Because each day brings new patients, challenges, and learning opportunities, the work always feels engaging and rewarding. I appreciate that there is always something new to learn or experience.
What led you to practice with MEMA? I was fortunate to complete my emergency medicine rotation with MEMA during PA school, and I also completed several rotations at hospitals staffed by MEMA providers. Through those experiences, I had the opportunity to interact with the team many times. MEMA felt like a great fit for me because the physicians and PAs I worked with were welcoming, encouraging, and passionate about teaching. Seeing how they collaborated with one another and cared for patients made me certain that I wanted to pursue a position within the fellowship program so I could continue learning from such a strong team.
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you? I have been fortunate to have several impactful mentors throughout my career, but the PA who inspired me to pursue this profession is someone who especially stands out to me. She had an incredible ability to balance administrative responsibilities while still providing exceptional patient care. Her bedside manner is something I strive to emulate. She approached every patient interaction and task with positivity, compassion, and a genuine smile.
What are some of the biggest challenges of practicing in the emergency department? Expanding access to healthcare is something I am passionate about, and the emergency department often serves as the first point of care for many patients. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring patients are connected with the appropriate resources and follow-up care after leaving the ER. Not every issue can be fully addressed during an emergency visit, so strong social support systems and relationships with outpatient providers are essential to helping patients receive the ongoing care they need.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations? Any leadership roles?
I am a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
Have you received any awards or recognition from your peers? I was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national honor society for physician assistants, through the Elon University chapter upon graduation. Only 15% of the graduating class is eligible for membership, so it was a tremendous honor to be recognized in that way.
What about Charlotte excites you? Charlotte has been a fantastic city for my fiancé and me to call home over the past two years. We love that there is always something to do, and we especially appreciate the city’s proximity to both the mountains and the beach, which makes weekend getaways easy and enjoyable.
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you? I really enjoy cooking in my free time and am always looking for new recipes to try out. When I am not working, you can usually find me spending time with my dog at the Whitewater Center as well.