Start Year: 2021
Where is your hometown?
Manalapan, NJ
Where did you attend:
College/University: Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
List your Medical and Non-Medical Honors and Awards:
- 2012: Summa Cum Laude, Muhlenberg College
- 2016: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Scholarship Gala Awardee
- 2016: Alpha Omega Alpha, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- 2017: Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- 2018: Best Poster Award, Rutgers University 19th Annual Department of Medicine Residency and Fellowship Research Day
- 2019: Best Poster Award, Rutgers University 20th Annual Department of Medicine Residency and Fellowship Research Day
Fellow Perspective
Tell us briefly about your background before embarking on your medical training:
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in central NJ. I attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where I studied biochemistry. I took 1 year off between college and medical school and worked as a Program Manager for the newborn congenital heart disease screening program and immunization initiative at the NJ chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. I then completed medical school, internal medicine residency, and a chief residency year at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson.
Please outline your career plans in gastroenterology (If you know it at this point in your training):
I have multiple interests at this point including advanced endoscopy and hepatology. I’m keeping an open mind as I navigate my first year of fellowship!
What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I was looking for an academically rigorous program with a supportive and friendly environment. It was very important to me for the program to be invested in fellow education and wellness. I was also hoping to move south to be closer to family and enjoy the nicer weather!
What advice might you offer residents looking at fellowship programs?
Keep an open mind. Figure out what is important to you and choose programs that align with your interests and values. If you want to be near family/significant other, choose programs that are close to them. Remember to talk to the current fellows at each program to see where you feel you fit in best!
From your experience in fellowship, what have you learned about training at Duke?
Duke provides a very academically challenging clinical experience in a friendly setting. I have found that everyone at Duke is kind and helpful—physicians, nurses, techs, etc. The GI faculty is huge and there is so much opportunity for research and diverse clinical experience.
How is your life in the Triangle area outside of work?
I’ve only lived here for about 1 month, but so far I love it! I live in West Cary with my husband and 1 year old daughter. We live very close to the American Tobacco Trail. We are loving the nice weather, proximity to shopping/restaurants, and ability to take a day trip to the mountains or beach!
What is your favorite restaurant in Durham?
I don’t think I have been here long enough to answer this question confidently. For now, I will say Monuts.
Aside from travel, reading, and cooking…list is a hobby or interest outside of work:
DIY projects! My husband and I love doing DIY projects together. In our previous home, we remodeled a bathroom, put wood floors down, painted every room, re-tiled the kitchen backsplash, and put wallpaper up in our daughter’s nursery. We also love trying new breweries and entertaining in our home.