Start Year: 2019

Basics

Hometown
Durham, NC

Where did you attend college/university?
Dartmouth College

Where did you attend medical school?
University of North Carolina

If applicable,what other degrees do you hold and from what institutions?
MPH from UNC's Gillings School of Global Public Health & MSt in Latin and Greek Languages and Literature from the University of Oxford

What are your career goals?
I see my future career in geriatrics.

"I've very much enjoyed working with the attendings! They really emphasize house staff autonomy and learning. They're always available, but they mainly allow residents to work through the cases and develop their own plan of care. It's also amazing to work with such renowned doctors who are on the cutting edge of clinical research and practice."

-Chelsea Perfect

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program that would challenge me to become an amazing doctor - but where I also felt supported.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The people. Residency is a big adjustment - but I always felt supported by those around me. Additionally, I love the opportunity to work in a number of clinical settings including a major academic center, a community hospital, and a VA.

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
I've very much enjoyed working with the attendings! They really emphasize house staff autonomy and learning. They're always available, but they mainly allow residents to work through the cases and develop their own plan of care. It's also amazing to work with such renowned doctors who are on the cutting edge of clinical research and practice.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
We started a Group Me thread within a month of matching. It's been great for organizing social events and asking questions about residency topics (including pre-residency paperwork!)

What has surprised you most about Duke?
The support from everyone - including the program, co-residents and faculty. It's why I picked the program - and it lived up to my expectations!

About Duke University and Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
Growing up here, I've always loved the area. However, it also has allowed me to see how the city is constantly growing and improving. There are so many things to do in the area: from food to the outdoors to the arts. You're also 3 hours from the mountains and 2 hours from the beach - which makes weekend trips easy.

Where did you choose to live and why?
I live in southwest Durham (near Southpoint mall). My significant other works in the Research Triangle Park so it was a location that worked well for both of us. We really like it here. It's a bit easier to get to nearby cities like Chapel Hill and Raleigh - and allows us to have quite a bit of space.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
You can live anywhere in Durham and it's still easy to get to Duke. I live further away than most interns and it still only takes me 15 minutes to drive to work. It's all about preference! There are also affordable apartments and houses in the downtown area.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
Food, trivia, reading, and attending some of the local sporting events like the Durham Bulls games or the Carolina Courage matches!