Â鶹´«Ã½

Was there anything or anyone at Â鶹´«Ã½ that inspired you to become the physician you are today?
My classmates, the faculty, and staff at Â鶹´«Ã½ Louisiana were instrumental in my journey to becoming the physician I am today. Their commitment to integrity, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to medicine has shaped my philosophy of care and reinforced the importance of serving others with a holistic approach.

How has the Â鶹´«Ã½ mission inspired you during residency or in your practice?
The mission of Â鶹´«Ã½ has continued to inspire me throughout my residency and resonated with me even while I was a student. The core principles of being globally-minded and community-focused encourage me as I work to meet the needs of diverse patient populations. Â鶹´«Ã½'s emphasis on serving rural and medically underserved communities has motivated me to always evaluate each patient individually and carefully, understanding that every patient presents an opportunity to learn, not only as a clinician but also as a compassionate caregiver.

What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?
The best advice I can give to a medical student is to give yourself some grace along the way. Medical school is a challenging journey, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or self-critical. Remember that growth takes time, and it's okay not to have all the answers immediately. Trust in your hard work and the knowledge you’ve gained, and lean on your support system!

What are your fondest memories about your time at Â鶹´«Ã½?
My fondest memories at Â鶹´«Ã½ revolve around the unique experiences of being part of the inaugural class, especially navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being in the first class, we truly formed a close-knit family, learning together and supporting one another through the tough times. Despite the challenges, it was a privilege to be part of a pioneering group and to now have lifelong friends and colleagues.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud to be a first-generation physician and to have matched my dream specialty of internal medicine-pediatrics, so I can take care of patients of all ages and backgrounds.

When not working, what activities do you enjoy?
Outside of medicine, I love playing tennis/working out, baking, trying out new coffee shops, and traveling. My best friends would say I’m a social butterfly because I’m always down to explore and hang out with friends and family.

The best advice I can give to a medical student is to give yourself some grace along the way. Medical school is a challenging journey, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or self-critical.

Who or what has inspired you while at Â鶹´«Ã½?

The mission trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was a transformative experience for me. Being immersed in an environment where resources are limited, and the need for healthcare is critical, the trip not only underscores the importance of medical expertise but also reinforces the profound impact a physician can have on underserved communities. 

This mission trip not only deepened my commitment to honing my skills but also broadened my perspective on healthcare delivery. It emphasized the importance of cultural competence, adaptability, and empathy in providing effective care. I learned to think creatively, utilizing limited resources to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. These lessons are invaluable and have become integral to my approach to medicine.

In many ways, the mission trip reminded me of why I embarked on this journey in the first place. It reignited my passion for medicine and strengthened my resolve to be a force for positive change, both in my community and beyond. The lessons I learned in Punta Cana will forever guide me as I strive to be the best physician I can be, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

How has the Â鶹´«Ã½ mission inspired you as a medical student?

The mission of Â鶹´«Ã½ aligns with many of the personal and professional goals I strive to achieve as a future physician. Specifically, being from a medically underserved area in Texas, I have witnessed firsthand how physicians can invoke positive change within their community. With an interest in advocacy, I aspire to represent and advocate for medically underserved populations. As the only Osteopathic Medical School in Louisiana, students at Â鶹´«Ã½ have a unique opportunity to discuss legislation with lawmakers and physicians within our state at events like White Coat Wednesday. I was fortunate enough to witness globally-minded, community-focused physicians at work during these events. I am very fortunate to be in a position to make a positive difference in my community.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?

During my mother's fight against cancer, I spent years learning about human sciences throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies. I developed a deeper understanding of the challenges and demands of the medical profession. Education was my respite and would place me in the best position to take care of my family. It was during my mother's treatment that I came to appreciate the significant role physicians play for people like my mother and myself. I witnessed the importance of empathy, dedication to one's patient, and appropriate bedside manners. These lessons would not soon be forgotten, and my first-hand experience with the medical field during my mother's fight reignited my passion for becoming a physician.

Why did you choose Â鶹´«Ã½?

After applying to and interviewing at medical schools around the nation, my experience at Â鶹´«Ã½-Louisiana's campus was the most personable. The faculty asked questions to really get to know me as a person, not just as a candidate. They gave us a tour of the city and fielded all of my questions without a hint of judgment. Overall, it was the best interview I had, and it offered a little sense of home, as I was born and raised in the southern part of the US.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?

The city of Monroe hosts several little events downtown that keep our time here fun and entertaining. Â鶹´«Ã½ students are welcomed with open arms. The whole city seems to know the medical school and holds it in high regard. Also, we have access to the University of Louisiana at Monroe's (ULM) facilities, which is great for interacting with undergraduate students and using the recreation center for playing all kinds of sports!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am a person of many hobbies. I like playing video games like basketball, golf, tennis, bowling, and football. There are recreation centers where we can play pickleball for free! A handful of golf courses range from very affordable to pricier options are also available. 

Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?

I have always been interested in surgery. As of right now, this remains true. I am leaning towards Ophthalmology, but I am still interested in other fields like Gastroenterology, Interventional Radiology, and General Surgery. I am keeping my mind open to all possibilities and look forward to clinical rotations to see what will fit my personality the best!

The mission trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was a transformative experience for me. Being immersed in an environment where resources are limited, and the need for healthcare is critical, the trip not only underscores the importance of medical expertise but also reinforces the profound impact a physician can have on underserved communities.