Hometown
Lytle Creek, California
What inspired you to pursue this degree?
I used to have a career working in the automotive industry working as a technician. Frequently I thought to myself that I wanted a career that involved more public service and helping others improve their lives. I ended up volunteering in hospitals and worked on a prospective study for patients with spinal cord injury. During these pursuits I realized my interests in medicine as well as the neurosciences. These activities led to me eventually going back to school to complete my premedical requirements so that I could apply to medical school.
Why did you choose Duke?
Where do I begin??? Professionally speaking, I couldn't imagine a better community to become a physician in. I still remember how warm and welcoming the faculty, staff, and students were for my medical school interview. There was an atmosphere of camaraderie that was infectious. I just knew that everyone there wanted to help build each other up and help them reach their professional goals. The curriculum was also perfect for my career goals. Having a year dedicated to research with the option to pursue dual degrees allowed me to really grow as a researcher. This opportunity opened so many doors for me and allowed me to apply into a specialty I never dreamed possible.
I also chose Duke School of Medicine for several personal reasons. My husband and I were hoping to start our family and wanted to do so in an area with a low cost of living. Living in Durham has allowed us to have two kids as well as own our first home. I'm also an outdoors enthusiast. I enjoy several outdoor hobbies, including fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Durham and surrounding areas have an abundance of trails as well as state and federal parks to enjoy several outdoor activities.
Do you have a favorite memory from your program?
As cliche as it may sound, Match Day was without a doubt my favorite memory. It was mine and my family's dream for me to match at Duke for residency. I truly felt like the faculty and staff at both the School of Medicine as well as the department I matched into had become my family. It was hard to imaging pursuing the next step in my educational journey without all the people I have come to know, love, and trust. It also meant that I could continue raising my children in an area that my family was thriving in.
How do you hope to make an impact with your career?
Currently my interests are in pediatric neurosurgery. One of the major contributors for why I enjoy pediatrics is the ability to work with family members and help them through some of their worst nightmares. As a mom of two, I could not imagine one of my children having a severe neurologic illness requiring surgery. My hope is that by staying up to date with most recent research and guidelines as well as excellent bedside care, I can help alleviate some of the suffering these families endure.
What was the most important thing you learned at Duke?
The importance of giving back. I would not be where I am today without excellent mentorship at every stage of my journey. This includes when I first changed my career from automotive to medicine, as well as currently from residents and faculty that I have been honored to work with. I'm so thankful I get to stay at Duke so that I can continue the tradition of giving back and mentoring future Duke School of Medicine students.
