Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

I have always had a desire to solve problems, care for others, and make a difference. Being a physician fit this mold and my attraction may have stemmed from my early exposure to medicine. When I was a young child, I spent a lot of time observing as my brother fought and lost his battle with leukemia. Then, growing up as an only child, I watched my father face a different cancer with such honor and strength. In my adolescence, I learned what it was like to be a patient myself. These experiences allow me to have friendly, compassionate, and personable care-the care I would have wanted.

What I want my patients to know about me:

Fun facts: 1) I enjoy art (drawing, painting) and was a paid medical illustrator for my medical school. 2) I have been to Africa three times doing mission work. The first time was to Central African Republic where I spent several weeks in the rain forest living, hunting, dancing, and walking with the Bayaka (the pygmy people of the rainforest). The second trip was to Chad. I was in medical school at the time, and the experience is partly what led me to choose surgery as a career. The third time to Africa was to the country of Niger where I provided more of the much-needed surgical care.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

I love spending time with my family first above all other things. Currently, I am trying my hand at amateur beekeeping which has been pretty sweet (honey joke). It is an amazing privilege to see and care for nature in this way. Like medicine, it is rewarding and humbling all at the same time.