About Me:
I was born and raised in Winter Park, Florida with my four sisters, our huge extended family, and a revolving door of rescued stray animals. I graduated from the University of Florida then spent a year in Chicago working in the UIC Families, Affective Neuroscience, and Mood Disorders Lab. There, I found a passion for research (and survived my first real winter). I came back to the Sunshine State to pursue my medical degree at USF, completing a scholarly concentration in Health Disparities research for my work with the North American Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on health disparities in the medical management of cystic fibrosis. I also worked with various community organizations, creating outreach projects and helping establish a new free clinic for LGBTQ+ youth. Throughout these experiences, I found myself drawn to advocacy and health equity work, particularly relating to childhood-onset chronic disease, complex care needs, and adolescent populations. This ultimately led me to Med-Peds! In my free time, you can find me doing the NYT crossword, spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants, taking in whatever injured wildlife that invariably ends up on my doorstep, or picking up a new craft!
Why I chose Michigan:
I come from a large, close-knit family that always prioritized community and service to others, and I knew I wanted to be in a residency program that shared those same principles in the setting of academic rigor, strong research, and exceptional leadership. Everyone I spoke to – whether an interviewer, resident, or Michigan alum – was so warm and genuinely enthusiastic about the program. I was in awe of so many people who were not only intellectually curious and passionate, but also remarkably kind, authentic, and well-rounded. On interview day, I really resonated with what Dr. Lukela said about Michigan being a place of “builders” and saw my own values reflected in the program’s clear dedication to combating health disparities. I was also very impressed by Michigan’s residency union, which to me was a testament to genuine investment in resident wellbeing. Overall, I felt that Michigan was a place where I would find like-minded co-residents and mentors who would challenge and support me to become a well-rounded physician and strong advocate for my patients.