Where are you from and where did you go to undergrad?
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and I’ve lived in Chicago since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. So far I’m enjoying Pittsburgh, but I’m still getting used to the hills.
What experiences inspired you to become a doctor?
I am entering medicine from a career in healthcare business journalism and communications. Over the years, I’ve written and learned about the healthcare system through the eyes of health system executives, physicians, founders of healthcare startups and other leaders in the industry — but it wasn’t until I experienced the healthcare system as a cancer patient that I became interested in pursuing medicine myself. What really stood out to me was the value of communication between the physician and the patient, and just how much health outcomes can hinge on their ability to connect. From my own experience as a patient, and through volunteering at an FQHC in Chicago, I’ve seen that making this connection isn’t always straightforward. Each person, both physician and patient, brings their own backgrounds, belief systems, knowledge, and even languages spoken to the conversation. I'm excited to take on this challenge and learn more about it during my time at Pitt Med.
What areas of medicine are you interested in?
I’m most interested in working with patients with complex and/or chronic conditions, especially in oncology, GI or internal medicine.
What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?
I’m looking forward to being surrounded by like-minded people who are also passionate about learning medicine. I’m also excited for anatomy lab!