Start Year: 2021

Basics

Hometown
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Where did you attend college/university?
College of William and Mary

Where did you attend medical school?
Drexel University College of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am excited to pursue a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine. I find meaning assisting patients and families through difficult end of life decisions, and I enjoy working with older adults while helping them achieve their highest quality of life. In terms of scholarship, I am interested in medical ethics as well as the ways grief and bereavement impact health outcomes.

"There are a lot of different types of clinical experiences within the residency curriculum, so your breadth of exposure is vast. You have the opportunity to learn from some of medicine's most impressive trailblazers. "

-Sara Barlow

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
Kind, hard-working, supportive, and down-to-earth co-residents and mentors. Excellent clinical training that would prepare me to adapt as the field of medicine evolves. All in a location that would allow some decompression and easy-living.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
There are a lot of different types of clinical experiences within the residency curriculum, so your breadth of exposure is vast. You have the opportunity to learn from some of medicine's most impressive trailblazers. But the biggest thing is that the Duke community is truly a supportive, welcoming family. This is what supremely sets it apart.

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Extremely collegial. We have so much fun!!

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
We've had the opportunity to get together a ton and get to know each other since people are vaccinated against Covid. We've tried breweries, people (more athletic than me) play sports together, go hiking, all kinds of stuff. The program strives to get to know not only the residents but also their families. And of course, seeing a familiar face of one of my co-interns in the hallway of the hospital when I'm having a busy day is sure to brighten it up.

What has surprised you most about Duke?
It wasn't totally a surprise, more like it proved to be true. The kindness and humility that I've encountered at Duke is extremely humbling to me on a daily basis. The assumption is that everyone is doing their best and has good intentions. Having that attitude towards each other, towards patients, and amongst leadership creates such an awesome work environment.

About Duke University and Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
The beautiful warm weather!!

Where did you choose to live and why?
My partner and I bought our home in the Southpoint area right in the middle of the explosive housing market. So the real answer is, because we finally won an offer! But we are so glad we ended up in our neighborhood. It's great living close to a lot of restaurants and shopping (the mall is super nice), and we are a short drive from Raleigh and Cary as well.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
Durham is my favorite place I've ever lived. My advice would be to get a Yelp and start bookmarking restaurants that people recommend. There are so many fantastic places to eat here.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
Trail running Reality TV Wineries/restaurants