Where is your hometown?
Fayetteville, GA
Where did you attend:
· College/University: The University of Georgia. GO DAWGS!
· Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine
· Residency: Duke University Internal Medicine
List your Medical and Non-Medical Honors and Awards:
Adam Brock Award
Appleseed Award
Tell us briefly about your background before embarking on your medical training?
I was born in Kentucky although my earliest memories are from growing up in Mexico, where my family is from. We lived in Guanajuato until I was six years old and then moved back to the USA and rooted down in Georgia. I went to the University of Georgia to earn my undergraduate degree studying biology and French. From 2015 and on I've been at Duke for medical school and residency.
Outline your career plans in gastroenterology (If you know it at this point in your training)?
I am still reflecting on what my overall GI career plans are as Duke has vast opportunities. I feel called to work in an academic medical center as I am interested in teaching residents, fellows, and students. I have greatly enjoyed procedures during my training so far and look forward to continuing to refine my skills in performing them. Additionally, I've always found the liver to be such a fascinating organ so hepatology may be for me! Overall, I'm still very open in my career path and cannot wait to keep learning and refining my plans.
What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I sought community when I was interviewing for fellowship. Community that can be found and refined in a rigorous clinical experience to maximize my learning and expertise for my patients. During residency at Duke, I saw the fellows welcome new teammates firsthand and made work fun. For me, it was important to find a fellowship program that promotes learning opportunities to challenge and grow as a provider. I felt that Duke maintained that priority and that is evident in the amazing and incredibly hard-working faculty that foster this community.
What advice might you offer residents looking at fellowship programs?
Keep an open mind! It is also beneficial to tease out the differences in fellowship training and scheduling. Attending the pre-interview sessions were largely helpful to get to know the current fellows and ask their points of view.
From your experience in fellowship, what have you learned about training at Duke?
It is abundantly clear that everyone wants you to succeed. Celebrating the small victories is a priority (as well as the big victories!). I love my class and co-fellows, teamwork is a strong theme across the board. This is echoed with the support I have felt during my rotations and especially during my call days.
How is your life in the Triangle area outside of work?
I love Durham and the Triangle! Durham has a lot to offer and is a drive to the beach, mountains, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and much more. I love attending DPAC shows, Durham Bulls baseball games, Duke Basketball games, and Carolina Hurricane games. My wife and I enjoy the food scene, local breweries, and wine bars. For outdoor activities: there is no shortage of local hikes, biking/walking/running trails, and small parks around Durham.
What is your favorite restaurant in Durham?
That is such a hard question. There are so many great spots to eat in Durham and really depends on what you are looking for! For Italian I love Cucciolo Osteria, for Mexican food I love La-Superior Carniceria. In the triangle, my favorite restaurant is Brewery Bhavana (Raliegh). It is always packed, and the food is perfection. My wife and I's hot take: Bull McCabes has the best French fries in Durham.
List your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I cheer on my Georgia bulldogs every Saturday during the fall - some would say I have an obsession! I also like to read. Currently I am working to finish a series called the Stormlight archives. Other hobbies include: Biking to exercise (I'm on a peloton streak, so trying to keep it up during fellowship), playing board games and video games.
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