Which program did you choose for your Physician Assistant studies, and why did it make the top of your list? I chose A.T. Still University of Arizona for my PA studies because of the program’s emphasis on teaching medicine through an osteopathic philosophy focused on body, mind, and spirit care. I have always believed it is important to care for the whole patient, and that approach strongly aligned with my own values and the type of provider I hope to be.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine. What about becoming a PA was attractive? My passion for medicine began at a young age when I helped my grandmother care for my grandfather after complications from uncontrolled diabetes led to multiple amputations. What started as the amputation of a single toe eventually progressed to a below-the-knee amputation. Witnessing the physical and emotional challenges he faced made a lasting impact on me. Helping with dressing changes and learning more about how diabetes affected his health sparked my desire to pursue a career in medicine and care for others during difficult moments in their lives.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty? My interest in Emergency Medicine began during my emergency medicine rotation in PA school. The specialty aligns with my passion for acute care and my desire to make a meaningful, immediate impact on patients’ lives. I enjoy the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the emergency department, and I appreciate the opportunity to care for a wide variety of patients and conditions.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice? What draws me most to Emergency Medicine is the team-oriented environment and the ability to provide immediate care to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. I value the opportunity to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other providers to stabilize, treat, and support patients of all ages and backgrounds.
What led you to practice with MEMA? What led me to practice with MEMA was the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality emergency care while also investing in the training and growth of its clinicians. I was drawn to the supportive environment and the opportunity to continue building on my foundation of education as I begin my career in emergency medicine.
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you? One person who had a significant impact on me was my preceptor during my emergency medicine rotation. As an emergency medicine PA, she practiced at the top of her license while also treating patients with genuine compassion and care. Watching the comfort and reassurance she was able to provide to patients and their families during vulnerable moments left a lasting impression on me. It is the same level of compassion and care that I hope to bring to every patient encounter throughout my career.
What are some of the biggest challenges of practicing in the emergency department? One of the biggest challenges in emergency medicine is the potential for burnout. The emergency department can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it is important for clinicians to take time to recharge and care for themselves. Prioritizing personal well-being ultimately allows us to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations? Any leadership roles? I am a member of the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA), and Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery (PAOS). During undergrad, I also served on the board of Physician Assistants Coming Together at California State University, Fullerton, where I was the head of Community Service Outreach.
Have you received any awards or been recognized from your peers? Not yet!
What about Charlotte excites you? What excites me most about Charlotte is being close to family again. For the past nine years, my husband and I lived in California and Arizona away from our families. Recently, both of our families moved to the Charlotte area, so we are excited to have that support system nearby again and build this next chapter of life together.
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you? Two of my favorite hobbies are cooking and antiquing. I love transforming simple ingredients into something memorable and exploring the depth of flavors that can come from even the most basic foods. I also enjoy antiquing because of the thrill of discovering hidden treasures and learning about the unique history behind each piece.