Why I chose general surgery as a career: I did not plan to become a surgeon at the start of medical school, however, I’m very glad I kept an open mind about it as I found my surgical rotation to be the most exciting part of my medical school experience. I was fascinated with how complex anatomy factored into a surgeon’s clinical decision making. I found a lot of satisfaction in directly impacting patient care from an operative standpoint, and I loved the team atmosphere of the OR. Ultimately, I chose general surgery after witnessing the strength of the surgeon-patient relationship and seeing the unique privilege surgeons are given in the form of trust from their patients.

Why I chose the IU School of Medicine General Surgery Residency Program: I chose IU School of Medicine because I knew that I would receive outstanding surgical training and it was the place that made me feel the most at home. I am lucky to have wonderful colleagues that I look forward to working with each day. Additionally, the strength of the surgical education department means that there is a significant focus on resident education. The variety of practice environments and exposure to different hospitals and systems provides a great framework for developing future professional goals.

Professional/Research Interests: I am planning on spending time in the lab conducting research with the Surgical Education research team as well as pursing a Master’s in Health Professions Education. I am still trying to narrow my clinical interests at this time, but plan on incorporating clinical projects into my research time as well.

Personal Interests/Hobbies: I love to travel, especially to Europe, and have lived in both Scotland and Austria. I also love to sing; I’ve sung in various choral groups as well as performed in several musicals, and I always enjoy going to a good play or concert. My favorite thing to do in Indy is explore new restaurants with friends. Coming from Wisconsin, I’m a proud Cheesehead and Badger.