Start Year:
Basics
Hometown
Cooper City, Florida
Where did you attend university/college?
University of South Carolina (BSc) & University of South Carolina SOM (PhD)
Where did you attend medical school?
Duke University
Where did you attend residency?
Duke University
Fellow Perspective
Tell us briefly about your background before cardiology fellowship.
I grew up in South Florida and moved to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina, where I studied Biology/Chemistry. I stayed to pursue my PhD in immunology before moving to Duke for medical school. During my early rotations at Duke, I was drawn to cardiology, especially after meeting and interacting with the faculty members here. Their passion for the field and commitment to teaching was truly inspiring, and it solidified my desire to pursue cardiology. I’ve been at Duke ever since and am excited to continue my journey in this specialty.
What are your career plans in cardiology?
My goal is to pursue a career in academic medicine as a physician-scientist, continuing to care for patients with advanced heart failure while advancing research to improve treatments and outcomes for this population. I aim to focus on the pathobiology of immunometabolism and its role in cardiovascular disease. Additionally, I am committed to improving our understanding of transplant immunology to enhance outcomes for heart transplant patients. My research interests include macrophages, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, animal models of heart failure and transplantation, and HLA epitopes.
Why did you choose Duke for your cardiology fellowship training?
I chose Duke for my cardiology fellowship because of its exceptional research expertise and world-class facilities. The division has a strong legacy of excellence in basic science research across all areas of cardiovascular medicine, with an ongoing commitment to its research mission. This dedication is especially evident in its support for junior faculty members, fostering an environment of innovation and mentorship.
What advice might you offer residents looking at fellowship programs?
I would recommend thinking about the geographic location where you ultimately see yourself, as well as looking for programs that excel in the sub-specialty you're most interested in. Equally important is finding a program with a strong culture of excellence, inclusion, and a commitment to teaching. A supportive and educational environment can have a significant impact on both your training and your future career.
What do you enjoy doing in the Triangle area outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, whether we’re exploring the Museum of Life and Science or enjoying the diverse food scene in Durham and the greater Triangle area. In the summer, we often spend time at our local YMCA pool swimming and relaxing. I enjoy watching and playing soccer. I’m an avid Manchester United supporter. In addition, I enjoy tackling handy work and repairs around the house, such as building a treehouse with my kids.