Please tell us which program you chose for your Physician Assistant studies? Why did this program make the top of your list?
I chose Albany Medical College because of its strong reputation for developing well-rounded, compassionate providers. Its emphasis on patient-centered care, diverse training settings, and exceptional clinical opportunities through Albany Medical Center truly set it apart.
From the day I interviewed it felt like home and I immediately connected with the staff noting their unwavering support and passion for our success. Along with the program’s academic rigor and impressive statistics, the location allowed me the opportunity to remain close to home with my support system in reach throughout my journey.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine. What about becoming a PA was attractive?
I was drawn to the field of medicine because I have always wanted to help others in meaningful and tangible ways. Fascinated by the sciences from a young age, I pursued a pre-health track early in college. After learning about the PA profession, I realized it represents the perfect combination of autonomy, collaboration, and the ability to diagnose and treat patients to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
As a PA, the capacity to heal and help is not limited, and I admire the versatility and adaptability the profession offers. PAs are valued across all areas of medicine, and the ability to practice in multiple specialties while continually learning is exhilarating. The role provides a broad knowledge base and a strong work-life balance, allowing for lifelong growth in a field that is constantly evolving.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
Emergency Medicine captivates me due to its high intensity, team-driven environment, and the wide variety of cases and challenges it presents each day. As a former Division I athlete, I have grown to admire and thrive in fields that demand quick thinking, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. The energy of the ER mimics that of a championship game where it is essential to maintain focus under pressure, adapt to constantly changing circumstances, and have strong team communication skills to collaborate effectively and achieve the best outcomes for patients.
What excites me most is that no two days are ever the same and the opportunities for learning and growth are endless. The ER keeps me energized and challenged while allowing me to make a meaningful difference for patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
I am looking forward to being part of a dynamic team and contributing to the calm chaos and camaraderie that the emergency department demands. I hope to build strong relationships with my colleagues and feel supported in my work while supporting others as well. I am especially excited about the opportunity to practice hands-on medicine, perform procedures, and continue learning every day as we strive to become the “jack of all trades” type providers. Most of all, it is both thrilling and deeply rewarding to have the chance to make an immediate impact on patients’ lives at the time they come through the door.
What led you to practice with MEMA?
While searching for ER jobs and exploring Charlotte’s healthcare landscape, I came across the MEMA post-graduate training position and quickly knew it would be a great fit. I was drawn to its mission and values, and after a warm and welcoming phone call with John Murphy, it became clear that MEMA’s culture and vision aligned with what I was looking for. The program’s emphasis on mentorship, hands-on training, and PA/NP empowerment, combined with its commitment to education and provider support is clearly reflected in its impressive provider retention, close-knit team, and long-standing success.
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
While I have been fortunate to have had many meaningful patient interactions, one of my earliest remains the most impactful. During my sophomore year of college, I completed a medical internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I met a young boy in the pediatric oncology ward. I was struck by the hope and positivity he radiated despite his circumstances. From afar, we played monkey-see-monkey-do through the bars of his hospital bed, and his laughter was contagious. No words were exchanged, yet the moment spoke volumes. That child left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me that compassion, human connection, and presence are as essential to healing as any clinical skill. From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to become the kind of provider who could make a difference during the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice, for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
One of the biggest challenges of emergency medicine is the unpredictability of the work. Patients often arrive with undifferentiated symptoms, and clinicians must rapidly determine who is critically ill and requires immediate intervention, often with limited information. This fast-paced decision-making is further complicated by high patient volumes and ED overcrowding, which can stretch resources and prolong wait times.
Another significant challenge is the many patients who present here due to limited access to healthcare and often lack a primary provider. As a result, the emergency department often becomes their main point of entry into the medical system, even for non-emergent issues. While it is important to address these needs, they continue to contribute to overcrowding, resource strain, and longer wait times, making it even more difficult to prioritize true emergencies.
Are you a member of any associations, societies, or organizations? Any leadership roles?
I am currently a member of AAPA and hope to join more this upcoming year!
Have you received any awards or been recognized from your peers? If so, tell us about it!
I received a Dean’s Award for my clinical poster presentation as part of my capstone project, which was especially meaningful as it focused on a topic close to my heart. I was honored to be recognized while spreading awareness and education about Hannah’s Hope Fund and its mission to fund research, treatment, and an eventual cure for Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN), an incredibly rare disease affected a family close to me. Additionally, my classmates voted me “most likely to be found in the library at 2 a.m.”a title I respectfully dispute, but that’s neither here nor there. (:
What about Charlotte excites you?
Charlotte provides the perfect opportunity to build connections and make friends in a welcoming, close-knit community. As an up-and-coming city, it has a vibrant energy and a wealth of opportunities, both professionally and personally. What excites me most as a newcomer is all there is to do, see, and eat in and around the city. At the end of the day, I’m just an upstate New York girl looking forward to exploring everything Charlotte has to offer.
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
Some of my hobbies include working out, spending time on the lake or doing just about anything with friends and family. I love traveling, going to concerts, and trying all the restaurants and coffee shops I come across. I can also happily spend an entire day laying on the couch catching up on my favorite TV shows, a skill I like to think of as a superpower. I’m excited to utilize my new post-grad free time to discover new hobbies and interests along the way.