Describe your path to the Emory AA program.
I am from Johns Creek, GA. My mother is Belizean and my father is Trinidadian. I graduated from Georgia College in Milledgeville, GA with my major in biology and a concentration in pre-med.
After graduating, I worked as a pediatric ears, nose, and throat medical scribe. It was at this job where I was immersed in the thought process behind physicians' clinical judgments. I shadowed these physicians dictating their every word for medical office visits. This is where I learned communication with the anesthesia care team carves the path for the best patient outcomes. While working as a medical scribe, I was also exposed to therapeutic interventions leading up to the pre-operative time.
Before beginning the AA program at Emory I spent some time working at a physical therapy clinic where I was exposed to the post-operative experience. These jobs allowed me to understand how much time and preparation goes into the pre- and post-operative time period, and how important the intra-operative side of it is to help better patient outcomes.
What would you want others to know about your years in the Emory AA program?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Emory AA program. This program provides educational opportunities delivered by faculty who have ensured that I learn to my fullest potential. The faculty have helped me become an understanding, principled, and evidence-based student integrated within the anesthesia care team.
I have noticed myself grow in many ways, especially my confidence and knowledge of anesthesia and my desire to help and advocate for patients.
My favorite part about clinical is how dynamic each day and case is. It constantly keeps me on my toes and tests my comfort level which I think is one of the best ways to grow - by quickly and safely reacting to emergent situations to assure patient safety.
I perform diagnostic and therapeutic tasks including invasive procedures such as peripheral and central venous catherization, arterial puncture and cannulation, spinals and epidurals, bag mask ventilation, supraglottic airway insertion and management, and endotracheal intubation.
My favorite experience was the first time I did a spinal. I had practiced doing spinals and epidurals in lab simulations, so doing my first spinal on a patient was a surreal moment for me. The most exciting part of this experience was the fact that the patient was awake, and I was able to talk them through everything and ease their mind and worries.
A lasting memory that I will always carry with me every day occurred during my OB rotation. After a long and rewarding day of managing and running cesarean section cases, I changed out of my hospital scrubs, took off my scrub cap, and I started making my way out of the hospital. While on route to exiting the hospital, I watched a man walk onto an elevator with the biggest smile on his face. He was radiating so much happiness and joy. Earlier that day, he had been in the same operating room with me holding his wife’s hand in one of the cesarean sections that I had been a part of. Knowing that I played a part in what may have been one of the best days in this man’s life gave me goosebumps. I will never forget this feeling and I carry it with me in each patient encounter. It helps me remember that I am caring for people or loved ones during their most vulnerable moments.
What do you plan to purse post-graduation?
Upon graduating, I will have completed approximately 2,500+ hours of clinical experience delivering anesthesia care in wide-ranging operative and procedural settings to an encompassing span of pediatric to geriatric patients. I cannot wait to be in the hospital every day. There is so much for me to learn and experience. I am excited to get started and utilize the skills that I’ve gained during the program. I am also looking forward to the growth of our profession and plan on helping to mentor others interested in the anesthesia profession.
What did you like most about living in Atlanta?
The diversity, the culture, and the great food!