Basics

Hometown
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

College/University
University of Michigan

Medical School
University of Michigan

What are your career goals?
I'm still figuring out what I want my career to look like, because I think I could be happy in many different environments- I know that I definitely want to be a clinician educator because I love all things MedEd. In terms of specialties, I am most interested in hematology-oncology at the moment, but am staying open-minded!

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a residency program that would give me excellent clinical training in all areas of internal medicine, provide ample mentorship opportunities, and make me feel supported every step of the way. It was important to me to be in a program with evident camaraderie among the residents.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The amazing clinical training, the support infrastructure for the residents, and most importantly, the community -- it is such a cliche, but I couldn't imagine a more supportive residency leadership team and co-residents. The DukeFam vibes are real!

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
The faculty are unbelievably supportive of the house staff, and are very approachable. It doesn't feel like there is a rigid hierarchy whatsoever- they make it evident that they are there to support us and help us grow as both clinicians and as people.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
My co-residents have been the absolute best part of residency! I know that no matter what I need, whether it's someone to try a new brewery with, help me move a couch, watch trash TV, vent about a long day, talk about efficiency in residency, or discuss research, there is someone (and often, many people) in our residency who is/are excited to join in and support me.

What has surprised you most about Duke?
I was surprised at just how much I love the workplace culture- Duke sometimes gets a reputation for being very intense, and so I was a little nervous that there would be a competitive vibe, and that the relationship between faculty and residents would feel very old-school and hierarchical. But I could not have been more wrong-- It is such a positive environment, one that has really allowed me to grow in the short time that I've been here.

About Life in Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
There are so many cute mom-and-pop shops & restaurants, which means there are a TON of new places to explore that you can't find anywhere else. In addition, I absolutely love being so close to so many hiking trails, and only being a few hours away from both the ocean and the mountains.

How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
The triangle is much more diverse than I expected, which I see reflected in the patient population that we treat. It feels like the kind of place where anyone could feel at home.

Where did you choose to live and why?
Downtown Durham -- since we are new to the area we wanted to be in proximity to a lot of different restaurants/ activities (we love going to the Durham Bulls baseball games!)

What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
It can feel like there are an overwhelming number of options, but just know that no matter where you live, it is an incredibly easy/affordable place to live in and you are only ever a 10-15 minute (maximum) drive to anything in the city.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
Trying new restaurants, being creative, running & cycling, baking, and watching trash TV with my two cats and my husband (who happens to be my co-resident who I couples matched with!)