Please tell us which program you chose for your Physician Assistant studies. Why did this program make the top of your list?
I chose Mary Baldwin University’s (MBU) PA program for several reasons, including its effective preparation of students for the boards and clinical practice (MBU has maintained a 100% first-time pass rate on the PANCE). MBU is located at the base of Shenandoah National Park, a pretty cool location, and I wanted to live somewhere new.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine. What about becoming a PA was attractive?
I grew up in a rural, medically underserved community and learned from a young age the importance of access to healthcare. As I progressed through school, I enjoyed learning about anatomy, physiology, and diseases. Learning about the flexibility of the PA role, the collaborative team environment, and the ability to expand healthcare access to underserved communities confirmed that this was the right path for me.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
Emergency Medicine provides a dynamic, fast-paced environment where every shift brings new challenges. The wide range of conditions encountered allows me to fully apply my training—not only through knowledge of diseases and treatments, but also by utilizing hands-on procedural skills. I take great pride in being there for patients in times of stress and what better place to do that than the emergency department?
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
Evaluating and treating such a wide variety of patients and conditions while ensuring each patients’ needs are met is what I enjoy most about the day-to-day practice. The emergency department is an environment where patients are often in distress and I like being able to level with them and make sure they feel heard, while also problem-solving and determining the best solution and plan for each individual patient.
What led you to practice with MEMA?
As a new graduate, I was especially drawn to MEMA’s APP Post-Graduate Training Program, which allows me and other APPs to zero in on our knowledge and skills in a structured environment. This program will help build a strong foundation in emergency medicine and allow me to continue to learn and to provide the best care for every patient I encounter.
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
My most important goal in every patient encounter is to be personable but also upfront and to create a comfortable environment. My most memorable encounter was in a family medicine office where I was working with an elderly patient and his family. After going through the visit and sharing some laughs, a family member said to me, “You have a very good attitude for medicine. I love your enthusiasm, you are going to make a great PA.” This encounter reassured me the importance of connecting with patients, being personable with them, and making the effort to ensure they are comfortable even in stressful times.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice, for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
The biggest challenge for an emergency department clinician is balancing a fast-paced environment and high patient volume with providing each patient with enough time to feel heard and valued. Seeing too many patients too quickly can lead to dissatisfaction, while spending too much time with individuals can delay care for others and cause frustration in the waiting room. Maintaining the right balance is a constant and difficult task.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations? Any leadership roles?
I have been a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) throughout my training. I was also able to serve as a peer mentor and tutor during my training for the younger class of future PA’s at MBU.
Have you received any awards or been recognized from your peers? If so, tell us about it!
During my PA training, I received an award for Excellence in Pediatrics for my work throughout my pediatric clinical rotation where I learned to connect and communicate well with patients and their families. I had a great preceptor and clinical team that allowed me to take charge and prove my knowledge and skills with the pediatric population and eventually earn this award.
What about Charlotte excites you?
Being from a rural community, moving to Charlotte is a major and exciting change. It is a great location in North Carolina and offers a massive variety of activities, restaurants, parks, lakes – really anything one could think of to do for fun. I’m really excited to explore the area and everything Charlotte has to offer!
Do you have any Hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
I love staying active and enjoy golf, basketball, pickleball, and tennis. I try to make it to the gym 5 days a week when I can and I also enjoy hunting and fishing. I am looking forward to exploring opportunities to continue these hobbies in North Carolina!