Start Year: 2021
Basics
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Where did you attend college/university?
UNC Chapel Hill
Where did you attend medical school?
Wake Forest School of Medicine
If applicable, what other degrees do you hold and from what institutions?
MSc - Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich
What are your career goals?
I hope to have a career that combines specialty training with global health capacity building.
"I have loved working and learning with such a fun, talented, and dedicated team! All the faculty I've worked with here have treated me like a colleague and have been enthusiastic teachers, that really go above and beyond to push us to be the best doctors we can be."
-Catherine Cheney
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a residency program with strong mentorship, enthusiastic residents, and opportunities to tailor my residency experience to my unique career goals.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
There are so many strengths! I am constantly blown away by how nice and supportive everyone is. It's inspiring to have the opportunity to work with so many talented and passionate people, all with unique interests and experiences. There are abundant opportunities for research, leadership experience, and crystallizing career goals. The residents are given a significant amount of responsibility and the opportunity to truly take ownership of their patients, with attendings who are invested in your development as a physician and a person.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
I have loved working and learning with such a fun, talented, and dedicated team! All the faculty I've worked with here have treated me like a colleague and have been enthusiastic teachers, that really go above and beyond to push us to be the best doctors we can be.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
I love my co-residents so much! Talk about an incredible group of people from all over the world! Everyone has such an interesting story, and it's been a ton of fun getting to know everyone. We've really enjoyed exploring the Triangle and having group hangouts. One of the great things about Duke is that we have a cohort that we spend our +2 weeks with. That way there is always a group you know you will have the same weekends off with and can plan activities.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
I was surprised how down to earth everyone is, despite being incredibly talented and often times game changers in their respective fields.
About Duke University and Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
I grew up in NC, and I've got to admit that Durham is one of the coolest places in the state! I like to call it the Brooklyn of the south. It has all the amenities of a bigger city, with the benefits of living in a smaller town (i.e. no traffic). There is an amazing international airport, great restaurants, a huge performance arts center, but with beautiful hiking trails right near by.
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
I think the Triangle is an interesting crossroads. It contains many universities, tech industries, and yet is also not far from surrounding rural areas. So, there are people here that intersect many political, racial, and cultural spheres. The Triangle is also growing and changing incredibly fast! I wouldn't be surprised if it's diversity continues to grow and thrive.
Where did you choose to live and why?
I chose to live in an apartment downtown. I love being able to walk to the farmers market, restaurants, and venues. Then, it only takes me 10 minutes to drive to the hospital!
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
Durham is unique in that you can have a more pedestrian experience by living downtown or a more suburban experience if you prefer that.
What are your interests outside of medicine?
I love doing pottery at local studios, going to live events at DPAC and The Carolina Theater, and hiking at Eno River State Park.