Basics
Hometown
Bentonville, AR
Where did you attend university/college?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Where did you attend medical school?
University of Alabama in Birmingham
Where did you train for residency?
Duke University
If applicable, what other degrees do you hold and from what institutions?
PhD in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics
What are your career goals?
My ultimate goal is to become a physician scientist at an academic hospital system. I hope to maintain a narrow clinical focus treating patients with pancreas and biliary cancers. My research interests focus on developing new methods for assaying genome alterations of solid tumors and improving our interpretation of currently assayed mutations.
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I applied to Physician Scientist Research Track (PTSP) programs, thus was focused on identifying a fellowship program paired with a strong internal medicine residency. I was also looking for a program with expertise in treating pancreas and biliary cancers and faculty interest in precision oncology.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The greatest strength of the Duke Heme/Onc fellowship program is its committed and responsive leadership team including Dr. Riedel and Arepally. Duke is home to a comprehensive cancer center with expertise in every cancer type and supportive colleagues in surgical and radiation oncology specialties. Duke is also home to a large graduate program that provides extensive research opportunities.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Faculty really respect the time of the house staff. The priority is always patient care and your education.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
Duke has a close-knit, community feel that allows you to develop personal relationships with a significant number of faculty members across disciplines.
About Duke University and Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
Durham has relatively affordable housing with yard space only a short commute from the hospital.
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
Durham is a very diverse population and that is reflected in the medical staff and patient population.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
Come visit the city and the program and get a feel for how/where current fellows are living and how Durham differs from larger metropolitan areas.
What are your interests outside of medicine?
I have two children and two large dogs that consume the majority of my free time. We like to spend time hiking in the Eno State Park, hanging out at local breweries and exploring local family friendly institution like the Durham Museum of Life and Science and the North Carolina Zoo.