Start Year: 2021
Basics
Hometown
Alpharetta, GA
Where did you attend college/university?
Furman University (Greenville, SC)
Where did you attend medical school?
Emory School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA)
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to work as an academic hospitalist and be involved in medical student or graduate medical education.
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a residency program with strong clinical training, opportunities to get involved in medical education, and a supportive environment while still providing the autonomy needed to grow as a resident. Duke checked all of those boxes with the additional benefit of being in a great city, not too far from home.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
It’s cliché, but the biggest strength of the Duke Program is the people. Everyone from faculty to program leadership go out of their way to make things easier for the house staff and truly want you to succeed.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
In my experience so far, faculty have generally been a source of support to the house staff while really allowing them to spearhead patient care. The relationships are less formal than I initially anticipated- attendings are genuinely interested in hearing house staff input on management decisions and often find opportunities to educate on rounds.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
My co-residents are an outstanding group of people. Everyone is so humble despite all of the amazing things they have accomplished, and I am continually impressed by the compassionate and patient-centered care that they provide.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
I have just been amazed at how supportive everyone at Duke has been. The transition from medical student to resident can be difficult, and upper-level residents have really helped me manage the increased responsibility and answer the many questions I have, however small.
About Duke University and Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
I would say the best part about living in Durham is the diverse food scene and number of different things to do without having to deal with the traffic and other inconveniences of living in a big city. It is also a short drive to the beach or the mountains, so there are lots of fun weekend trips you can take.
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
People come to Duke/Durham from all over the country and even the world for their education, clinical training, and the Research Triangle. Even just within the Duke Hospital system, we interact with individuals from so many different backgrounds.
Where did you choose to live and why?
My partner and I bought a home near downtown Durham. We love being able to walk downtown to try new restaurants and breweries. It is also a quick 8-minute drive to the hospital!
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
It’s a wonderful place to live! There is a wide range of different housing options for all different preferences and budgets, so there is something for everyone here. It is growing very quickly with many tech companies opening offices here in the next couple years, so it’s the perfect time to relocate here.
What are your interests outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my dog, trying new restaurants/breweries, and game/movie nights. I am also a huge sports fan- I love cheering on my teams, the Falcons and Atlanta United.