What are your career goals?
My primary goal as a family doctor is to build trusting, long-term relationships with my patients and their families. I aim to provide compassionate, personalized care and hope to help every patient reach their individual health goals. Outside the clinic, I hope to partner with community leaders to advocate for accessible high-quality healthcare, especially for groups who have traditionally been disadvantaged.
What attracted you to the Duke Family Medicine Residency Program?
The culture at Duke Family Medicine is exactly what I hoped for in a residency program. Program leadership and DFM faculty truly care about our growth as clinicians, as leaders, and ultimately as people. The program is committed to community health and social justice and I am so excited to continue engaging with the Durham community.
In your opinion, what makes Duke Family Medicine special?
It's impossible to interact with the people of Duke Family Medicine without feeling inspired. Every person I've met is dedicated to going above and beyond for their patients while also stressing the importance of maintaining a life outside of medicine. I feel lucky to learn from so many compassionate, humble, and hard-working individuals on a daily basis.
What strengths or skills do you have that could be a benefit to the community?
During medical school, I got to know Durham by volunteering with local organizations that worked to combat food and housing insecurity experienced by older adults. My time with these groups connected me with several community leaders and provided me a deeper understanding of the barriers patients face to feeling healthy and well.
What are you passionate about?
Professionally, I am most passionate about preventative medicine, rural health, addressing social drivers of health, and providing excellent care to patients who struggle with substance use.
What is your hometown?
Minnetrista, MN
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love spending time outdoors especially hiking, camping, and fishing. I also enjoy going to Durham Bulls baseball games, checking out local restaurants, listening to podcasts, and creating mediocre works of art.
If you have lived in the area for awhile, what is the best part of living in Durham/the Triangle?
I love the Triangle for a number of reasons! Durham is home to friendly people, great food, and abundant green space. From Duke Gardens to Eno River State Park to the nearby mountains in western NC, it's so nice being able to unwind by immersing myself in nature.
What is something interesting that not many people know about you?
After college I worked as a substitute teacher in the same school district I attended as a kid.
So far, what has surprised you most about Duke?
I am pleased with Duke's commitment to wellness and the emphasis that is placed on mental wellbeing during residency.
Education and Training
- Duke University School of Medicine, MD
- University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Science