Please share with us where you attended medical school and tell us about why it made the top of your list.
I attended medical school at Duke University in Durham, NC. Duke’s medical school is top-notch, and the location was great because it wasn’t too far from home.
Please share with us where you competed for residency and how/why you ended up choosing that location.
I completed my residency at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. I’m originally from the Atlanta area, so training in and giving back to the community that raised me was an awesome opportunity.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine.
Growing up, I was always interested in the sciences. However, it wasn’t until I interacted with physicians who modeled the leadership, compassion, and service that I wanted to emulate in my own life and career that made medicine the obvious choice for me.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
During medical school, I was able to rotate in the emergency department, and I loved that emergency medicine combines aspects of all other specialties into one. You really never know what is going to come through the door. I enjoy the fast-pace and spontaneity that results from that.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
I enjoy being able to meet and help people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I also enjoy the variety in the work I do. From splinters to heart attacks, it is extremely rewarding to be able to assist patients in their times of need.
What led you to practice with MEMA? How long have you been with MEMA?
As this is my first job position out of residency, I was looking for a democratic group of like-minded individuals in an ideal location. MEMA checks all of those boxes, and I’m excited to begin working with the team!
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
It is honestly difficult to choose just one interaction, but any time I meet someone during a terrible day in their life and can make a positive impact (sometimes even to the point that their issue is completely resolved), that is a memorable experience that refills my cup.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
In the emergency department, I am often, unfortunately, only able to address a patient’s immediate needs. Patients regularly face many long-term, often socioeconomic challenges that I may not be able to fix during our relatively brief encounter. However, I love the fact that, as ER providers, our doors are always open.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations?
Yes! I am a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the National Medical Association (NMA).
Have you received any awards or been recognized by your peers? If so, tell us about it!
Of the awards I’ve received, the most impactful has been the Michelle Winn Inclusive Excellence Award. I received this award in medical school for promoting diversity and inclusion within my academic and personal communities. Diversity and community service are two passions that are extremely important to me, so to be recognized for this was particularly special!
Who/what did you want to be as a child?
As a child, I had plans to be a world-famous music producer. Now, I stick to creating music playlists of my favorite artists/genres and send them to my friends. Close enough.
What about Charlotte excites you?
Charlotte is a rapidly growing city that reminds me of Atlanta in many ways. I’m currently enjoying exploring the city and trying some of the awesome restaurants in the area (too many to name).
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
I’ve been told that my ability to fall asleep in any environment (light, dark, loud, etc.) is uncanny. On a serious note, I enjoy finding new restaurants, finding new shows to binge-watch, spending time with my loved ones, and generally being around lakes.