Education & Training
Undergraduate: Washington State University
Medical School: UCSF School of Medicine
General Surgery Residency: UCSF-East Bay
Graduate School: MPH, Johns Hopkins University
Fellowship: Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania
Employment
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Assistant Professor of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
What was your favorite thing about UCSF East Bay?
My favorite thing about East Bay is definitely the people that we worked with, including the nursing staff, radiology techs…everyone. It's such a team atmosphere, which I love. And of course I really loved caring for our patients, who were always so appreciative.
What about UCSF East Bay most helps you in your career now?
The early autonomy and operating - you become comfortable with so many procedures. Not having fellows and getting to do these big cases...I didn’t realize until I was gone what a gift it is.
What would you like to share with applicants about your experiences at East Bay?
East Bay is a safety net hospital, so you’re going to see the most vulnerable of our community in their most vulnerable state. Know and understand that your patients are scared, but they put trust in you very early to do your very best for them. I feel like I learned so much from my patients, and I am so appreciative of the patients putting their trust in me. This was precious and we need to realize that.
Do you have a favorite memory from UCSF-East Bay?
My class was super close, and as a result we ended up helping each other out and operating together. It’s hard to think of a favorite because I have so many memories, but there was one case where I felt everything clicked and I knew I could be a conscientious and independent surgeon. Everyone told me to trust the process, but still felt imposter syndrome. However, one day, a patient came in with a complex esophageal injury. I made the clinical and surgical plan for the patient, performed his operation, and took care of him postoperatively. The attendings allowed me to take the lead in this complex patient’s care because they believed in my knowledge and abilities. That patient was able to walk out of the hospital. That was my moment when it all clicked. I knew I would be able to take care of patients well. That moment was very formative for me.