Please share with us where you attended medical school and tell us about why it made the top of your list.
I attended the Brody School of Medicine at ECU in Greenville, NC. I really appreciated the small class sizes where we were able to get to know all our classmates and form lifelong friendships. As someone who grew up in NC and plans to be here long-term, I also appreciate the school’s mission to train physicians to serve North Carolinians.
Please share with us where you completed residency and how/why you ended up choosing that location.
I completed my pediatrics residency at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC. This program is unique in that we train at 3 different hospitals, which helped provide insight into various ways to practice medicine in an academic vs community setting. There is also a strong emphasis on training diverse, inclusive physicians and serving diverse patient populations, which I think is incredibly important to provide quality care to our patients.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine.
Since I was in elementary school, I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician, and nothing ever swayed me from that goal.
What about becoming a physician was attractive?
I was excited for the opportunity to form relationships with patients, solve interesting puzzles and never have two days at work that are the same.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
During my fourth year of medical school, I was exposed to pediatric emergency medicine and knew that was the path for me. I appreciate the acuity of patients’ presentations, the fast-paced environment, the ability to perform various procedures and the wide variety of pathology we treat.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
Working alongside awesome people! I could do just about any job as long as I am working with good people. Emergency medicine is a team sport, and I love working in a supportive environment with people who love what they do.
What led you to practice with MEMA? How long have you been with MEMA?
I am brand new to MEMA! This tight-knit group of PEM physicians truly love their jobs. I have always envisioned working in a hospital where I can provide comprehensive care to my patients without having to transfer them elsewhere, and that’s what this group and hospital provide.
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
I think the beauty of emergency medicine is that you come across so many different people, both as patients and team members, that there are too many stories to choose just one.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice, for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
One of the biggest challenges is building quick rapport with a family who is presenting with their child on possibly the worst day of their lives. They are often stressed and scared looking for answers. We have the unique opportunity to help guide them through a scary time and help provide exceptional care for their child.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations?
I am a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians and the NC Medical Society.
Have you received any awards or been recognized from your peers? If so, tell us about it!
I was inducted into AOA during residency.
Who/what did you want to be as a child?
In elementary school I told people I wanted to be a neonatologist, because I loved babies and thought that big word made me sound smart!
What about Charlotte excites you?
I grew up in the Lake Norman area and love all that the area has to offer. My husband and I have two young boys, and we are excited to have moved back home closer to family!
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
I enjoy baking, reading, travel, snow skiing and spending time with my husband and two sons. I’m not sure I have a secret power, but if I could have a super power, I’d love the ability to teleport.