Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:
Denver University - Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience
Medical Degree:
Medical University of South Carolina
Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school?
- 5 years at Emory University (1 year preliminary internal medicine, 4 years radiation oncology)
- 1 year fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard University Medical School in Pediatric Proton Radiotherapy and Clinical Research
In practice since:
2015
Specialty:
Radiation oncology, with a focus on proton therapy and treatment of pediatric cancers
How did you choose your Specialty?
I wanted to be able to work with cancer patients and I liked the diversity of the patient population (pediatrics to geriatrics) and disease sites (radiation is used for the vast majority of solid tumors), the advanced technology, and the focus on research.
What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?
Most: The patient population/interaction with patients, and technology. What we do is pretty cool.
Least: As a very subspecialized referral-based specialty, we sometimes have a very limited role in the care of our patients.
In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?
Being a good clinician and having a good bedside manner. As oncologists, we are taking care of patients going through a very though period in their lives. Also you have to be willing to study hard to get through residency. The learning curve is steep as medical school does not prepare you for this field, and we take a lot of board exams.
Hobbies/Interests:
- Traveling
- Running
- Hiking
- Boating
- Spending time with family and friends
- Dining