Hometown: Naperville, IL
Bio: I am the third child of four; my parents are an engineer and freelance writer who cultivated curiosity and gratitude in each of us. At first I thought I’d be a pediatric physical therapist, like my Aunt/hero. But in high school, I recognized the unique privilege that physicians have to accompany people in their most vulnerable moments and realized that I was much better at physiology than anatomy anyway! I studied Biology and Chemistry at Valpo, minored in Spanish, played euphonium in the concert band, did some social work internships and took all the humanities classes I could. After graduating, I worked briefly as a COVID screener for a local ER before starting medical school in Omaha, NE. There, I coordinated the psychiatry branch of our student-run free clinic, did some clinical work in the Dominican Republic, and loved every rotation that wasn’t surgery. I met family physicians whose joy and humility I want to emulate, who are learning constantly and responding to the needs of their community one relationship at a time. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else!
Why Memorial: I first met Memorial people by chance at the AAFP conference, and they reminded me of my friends. Looking into the program I realized it was what I was looking for: an unopposed community-based program close to home with strong OB training, and emphasis on continuity of care for an underserved population. At my interview day, I was surprised how much fun I had and knew something special was here!
Clinical interests: Broad spectrum care for underserved populations, fertility awareness
Hobbies: Plants, line dancing and swing dancing, camping/hiking, musicals, audiobooks
Favorite quotes: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world”. – CS Lewis
Favorite books: Shirt of Flame by Heather King, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Educated by Tara Westover
Favorite podcast: Restore the Glory, The Moth Radio Hour
Best advice: Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
Favorite thing to do in South Bend/Mishawaka: Time will tell 🙂 I think I will love living by the St. Joseph River and visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame’s campus!