Basics

Hometown
Little Rock, Arkansas

College/University
University of Arkansas

Medical School
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

What are your career goals?
My main goal is to find a career path that makes me motivated to go to work every day, to leave a legacy that I can be proud of, and to always put my patients first. I want to be my patients' biggest advocate and supporter. I want to be challenged by my peers to consistently reupdate my practice and incorporate feedback so that I am constantly implementing the most up-to-date evidence-based guidelines specific to my patients' individual needs.

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a residency program that was going to challenge me constantly, to immerse me in an environment in which people push each other to grow in their knowledge and skill level. I wanted to work with subspecialty faculty who are the ones creating the most up-to-date guidelines that we follow in managing our patients. I also wanted to join a program with administrative staff that prioritize resident well-being and are constantly reanalyzing the program based on resident feedback to enhance the experience for each resident.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
What makes the Duke Program so strong is the Duke Family. The faculty are some of the greatest minds that I have had the opportunity to work with and learn under, but what really makes them so great is how down to earth and genuine they are as people. The faculty take the opportunity to get to know you, not just on the professional level, but as a friend. I have never felt as supported as a member of a healthcare team as I do here at Duke.

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
The relationship between faculty and house staff is what makes Duke so great. The transition to residency from medical school was so seamless thanks to the incredible faculty that were always there for me during my rotations. They constantly checked in on me, offered to ease my work burden, and took a genuine interest in my well-being. There is no doubt that each of the faculty cares deeply about this program and the residents that make it up.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
My co-residents are a truly amazing group of people who have done incredible things in their careers thus far. Not only are they some of the smartest people in the country, but they are also great friends. We constantly check up on each other and make the effort to get together so we can spend time outside of the hospital. There is always someone there to listen, debrief, or give you feedback.

What has surprised you most about Duke?
The biggest surprise about Duke is the atmosphere and culture of the hospital and residency program. Coming from a state school, I was intimidated to join an institution with such prestige and history. However, from the moment I got here I have felt like a valued member of the team. People generally want to get to know you and help you succeed. The Duke Family is incredible, and I am forever grateful that I get to be a part of it.

About Life in Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
The best thing about living in Durham is all of the outdoor activities that we have at our fingertips. When I'm not in the hospital, I am outside getting a run, walk, or hike in. There are dozens of paved, shaded running trails that are spaced throughout the city. There are great natural trails that are within a 15 minute drive. Everything here is just so accessible, so there's no excuse to not get out and explore.

How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
The Triangle brings some of the nation's brightest innovators into a single area. There is such an incredible representation of cultures here that is apparent in the restaurants, neighborhoods, and events hosted throughout the year. I have made friends from all over the world and have had the opportunity to increase my own social and cultural awareness simply by being in such a diverse area with so much to offer.

Where did you choose to live and why?
I live in Trinity Park. Having never stepped foot in Durham, I had to rely on the recommendations of friends of friends and my co-residents. Trinity Park was mentioned over and over again. It has been such an incredible place to live. I live in a rent house with a back yard, which is perfect for my chocolate lab Roux, who can play fetch 10 hours a day. The neighborhood is great - it is accessible to downtown, easily walkable, and safe. I feel like part of the community rather than just a renter. I would highly recommend.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
There are so many unique neighborhoods/areas that all have so much to offer. There are the downtown high-rise apartment complexes, the quiet suburban neighborhoods, and everything in between. My main advice would be to know what you are looking for in terms of accessibility, amenities, commute, etc and then to talk to someone who has lived in that area. We are more than happy to give you our own honest advice.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
Spending time with my fiancee Quinn and our chocolate lab Roux Running, hiking, outdoors, working out Cooking, exploring local restaurants and bars Survivor, Netflix, movies