Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine.
I’m not sure exactly when I decided that I wanted to go into medicine, but I have always liked science. I was a biomedical engineering major in college, and I enjoyed how those classes taught me how to apply knowledge from math and science to solve real-world problems. Medicine is a great fit for me because I can use the skills I learned while studying engineering to solve problems for patients and have a real impact on their lives.
Tell us about which medical school you attended and why. How did your experience there shape your trajectory in medicine?
I went to medical school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Emory is close to where I grew up, which was great for all of the family support (especially meals!) during medical school. Additionally, between third and fourth year, we had a five-month period to explore specific interests in medicine and do research projects.
Where did you complete your residency? How and why did you choose that location?
I did my residency at Carolinas Medical Center here in Charlotte. When I interviewed, I loved how the residents and faculty made the program feel like family, and I loved Charlotte so much that I am still here!
Tell us about your journey into emergency medicine. How did you choose it as your specialty?
When I first started medical school, I wasn’t sure which specialty I wanted to go into. My first rotation as a third year was on surgery, and while the operating room was not my favorite place, I absolutely loved trauma call and the fast pace of the emergency department that I experienced. I then did my first rotation in my fourth year in emergency medicine and knew it was the specialty for me!
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
I love that when I go to work it’s never the same day twice! When you walk into work, you never know what you’re going to get. Every day, you get to meet new people, and every day, you have a chance to have a real impact on someone’s life.
What led you to practice with MEMA?
I have been practicing in Charlotte for nine years. I have a friend from residency who works at MEMA, and I kept hearing great things about the group. When I met and talked with other physicians in the group, I knew MEMA would be a great fit and I couldn’t wait to get started!
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations?
ACEP (American College of Emergency Physicians)
Have you received any awards or recognition from your peers?
I was selected as Physician of the Year in 2019 by leadership in my prior group.
What gets you up in the morning?
My kids! I’m not much of a morning person, which is a big part of the reason I work the night shift in the ED.
If you could share any advice for other physicians who are interested in emergency medicine, what would that be?
I would tell them to get exposure to as many different areas of medicine as possible. One of the great things about emergency medicine is that you see a wide variety of patients and medical problems, and the more you are exposed to different areas of medicine, the more helpful you can be to your patients.
What about living and/or working in Charlotte excites you?
I love that Charlotte has all of the things a big city has to offer, with major sports teams and lots of restaurant options. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available, including greenways and places to hike. I also love that it has much less traffic than Atlanta, where I grew up!
Do you have any hobbies or interests unique to you?
When I am not at work, I enjoy cooking, spending time outside, and playing with my three boys, (ages 9, 5, and 3).
If you could choose your own super power, what would you pick?
I would love the ability to stay awake as long as I want!