Basics
Hometown
Orlando, FL
Undergrad
Caltech
Medical School
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
What are your career goals?
I'm unsure if I want to do hospitalist medicine or sub-specialize - right now I'm absorbing all the different career paths with an open mind. I'm currently leaning towards subspecializing after residency, but I'm still figuring out which subspecialty I want to go into. I ultimately want to work at an academic center where I'm practicing clinical medicine and involved in medical education, such as mentoring and teaching pre-med students, medical students, and/or residents as well.
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I wanted a residency program that has strong clinical training with multiple training sites, abundant mentorship for residents from faculty members, opportunities to grow my medical education skills, and also a warm and fun culture amongst the residents where it's common to socialize and relax together and feel like a family.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
There are so many strengths of the Duke Program! For one, we have 3 different hospital training sites including Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and the Durham VA to give us diverse training experiences. We have a 4+2 schedule which means 4 weeks of inpatient schedule and 2 weeks of outpatient schedule, which encourages work-life balance. Lastly, the culture of our program amongst residents absolutely feels like a family - residents are so supportive towards each other, hang out often, and enjoy lots of fun traditions together.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
The faculty are so nice, welcoming, and supportive towards the house staff. There does not feel like there is any formality in place - the faculty are very approachable and there to support us residents.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
My co-residents are awesome! Since starting residency, we have all hung out with each other regularly. Whenever people are free, there are plans to go to a brewery, hang out at someone's place, watch a movie, play tennis, or just vent to each other. It really feels like a cohesive family.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
I've been most surprised by how great the culture is here! I had been a little concerned about feeling alone or unsupported after moving to a brand new place for residency, but my co-residents and faculty have been so supportive and kind that the transition was much easier than expected. It is really a positive environment that helps me learn and become a strong clinician while also maintaining my work-life balance.
About Life in Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
A great food scene! There's so many restaurants on my list of places I want to try, and I can't wait to. Also, the great weather and how close everything is!
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
The Triangle is a diverse environment. I've been able to work with diverse patient populations. There's also so much to do around here whether its restaurants of different cuisines, bars, coffee shops, farmer's markets, hiking, museums, etc. so anyone can find things to do.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
I'd visit before moving! It's definitely a different vibe than a big city, but also not a small town - it's sort of in the middle and it'd be helpful to visit before deciding if you could live here. I visited before making my rank list and really liked the vibe of the city.
What are you interests outside of medicine?
I love playing tennis and pickleball, watching reality TV and Bollywood movies, trying new restaurants, hiking, working out, and watching basketball and football.