Start Year: 2020
Basics
Hometown
Miami, FL
Where did you attend university/college?
UNC Chapel Hill
Where did you attend medical school?
UNC Chapel Hill
What are your career goals?
After residency, I plan to pursue a combined fellowship in adult and pediatric Hematology/Oncology. My goal is to care for children who have blood diseases and cancer through adulthood.
"The faculty at Duke give house staff the autonomy, support, and guidance needed to become exceptional physicians. Attendings are approachable and always available to house staff when needed."
-Ashley Thrower
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program that valued excellence and would push me to be the best clinician I could be while supporting me through the process. Diversity also mattered to me both at the resident and attending level.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
Duke has many strengths, but the first one that comes to mind is the outstanding faculty. The faculty at Duke are all leaders in their respective fields. While rounds are "family centered," faculty are always eager to teach on the spot and throughout the day.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
The faculty at Duke give house staff the autonomy, support, and guidance needed to become exceptional physicians. Attendings are approachable and always available to house staff when needed.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
I have THE BEST co-residents. We are more than just "co-residents," we are friends. We are all different people from different backgrounds and have different life experiences but that is what makes us "click." We started a group chat within the first week of matching at Duke and have found creative ways to enjoy each others company in a socially distanced way since then. You can catch us grabbing a late night snack when we are working nights or grabbing snow cones from Pelican's Snoballs after clinic. I feel very fortunate to have them by my side and I look forward to continuing our friendship through residency and beyond.
About Duke University and Durham
What has surprised you most about Duke?
I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the residents got along with one another. The residents at Duke are some of the smartest and kindest people I have ever met.They welcomed me to the Duke family with open arms and I truly feel like I belong here. While the training is rigorous, we work hard and play hard.
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
As a mother, I really value how family oriented the Triangle area is. There are so many museums, parks, and excellent schools in the area. As a foodie, I enjoy the diverse food scene here. From M sushi to Backyard BBQ there is something here to satisfy anyone's taste buds.
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
The triangle appeals to people of diverse backgrounds for many reasons. From medicine, to tech, to law there are so many opportunities for professional growth. The area is ranked as one of the best places to raise a family and is also a powerhouse when it comes to sports.
Where did you choose to live and why?
I live in a townhome in Chapel Hill, NC about 20 minutes from Duke University Hospital. It was convenient for me to remain in the same neighborhood that I lived in during medical school. However, I would love to purchase a home in Durham in the near future.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
Be ready to experience friendly people, great food, and all four seasons!
What are your interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy spending time with my 6 year old daughter Ava Skye. Lately, we have been really into Star Wars and hope to visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the near future. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.