About Me
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma
Undergrad: University of Oklahoma
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Residency: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
Career interests/interests within pediatrics: Infectious Diseases, Global Health & Tropical Medicine, Advocacy (specifically working with and on behalf of marginalized youth, immigrant children, and gender-diverse youth)
Hobbies/interests outside of work: All things related to food and being outside! (Few examples are: cooking, trying new local food spots, hiking, gardening, learning the art of bonsai, skiing, and soccer). I'm also a cat mom :}
Why Utah Pediatric Infectious Disease? Utah is the only program that allowed and encouraged me to participate in a dual fellowship program (global health/infectious disease). Also I have a particular fascination with helminthic infections and there was a research opportunity studying Schistosomiasis!
What is your favorite part about our program? The learning environment - hands down. Ever since arriving, the entire division has been so warm and welcoming. I feel comfortable asking questions and am given ample opportunity to take the lead in situations I feel that I can handle. I've been amazed by the breadth of pathology, even in only my 1st few weeks on service. I also think the experiences and skills gained in caring for patients, not only from Utah, but also Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho are invaluable.
What is your favorite part about living in Salt Lake City? Waking up to a mountain-view every morning.
What is something you didn’t know before coming to Utah that you wish you did? There are more Pride and Black Lives Matter flags/signs in people's yards and windows than I thought there would be - it's been a pleasant surprise coming from Oakland, Ca.
What are your plans following fellowship? The sky's the limit! I'm still early in my fellowship journey, so haven't entirely decided. Whatever I do, I know I want to continue to build a life and family with my partner and further my skills as a pediatric infectious disease clinician working in the intersection of global health and tropical medicine.
