Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BS, Biology, graduated 1999.

Medical School:

University of Virginia, graduate 2003.

Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school?

Residency, Pediatrics, Children’s National Medical Center, 3 years (2003-06)

Fellowship, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University, 3 years (2006-09)

In practice since:             

2009

Specialty:           

Pediatric Hematology/oncology (primary hematology practice)

How did you choose your Specialty?

I enjoy working with children and families, thus was drawn to Pediatrics early in medical school. As a student, I experienced the broad range of opportunities within pediatrics, from health maintenance to acute and critical care and subspecialty focus. I was particularly inspired by patients and dedicated attending physicians in pediatric hematology/oncology. As a Pediatric Resident, I received strong hematology exposure, caring for children with sickle cell disease during crisis in the emergency department, hospital wards, and ICUs. Learning more about this chronic, debilitating illness, confirmed my desire to focus on pediatric hematology/oncology, and I sought fellowship training at Emory because of the large, comprehensive pediatric sickle cell treatment program in Atlanta.

What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?

I most enjoy the long-term continuity of care and therapeutic relationships that develop when treating a child or adolescent with a chronic illness. Hematology appeals to me because of the diagnostic challenges and individualization of treatment to the patient.

Least enjoyable are the inadequacies of medicine to fully treat and help all patients. It is these frustrations and desire to do more for patients that drive my ongoing pursuit of clinical research in addition to clinical care of patients.

In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?        

Most important is empathy and being able to see patients and their families as vulnerable human beings at all times. On top of this, a strong work ethic, interest in lifelong learning, and drive to go above and beyond to help your patients.

Hobbies/Interests:

My hobbies include running, pure barre, and baking. I am a mom with young children and try to volunteer and participate in their school activities whenever possible. I love travel, hiking, and national parks.