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Tell us about yourself.
I’m from Lima, Ohio, and went to the Ohio State University (tOSU) where I studied neuroscience. I’m actually a third-generation Buckeye. I’m planning to specialize in neurology. I’ve always been fascinated with the nervous system. My younger sister has spina bifida, and my mom has multiple sclerosis, so I’ve always loved learning about the nervous system. I wanted to understand what the people in my life were experiencing. My passion for disability advocacy also made neurology a very easy choice for me.
What has your experience been like while enrolled at CCLCM?
Immediately it felt like family. I think it’s mutual that I would drop anything to help any of my peers, and they would do the same for me. An example of this is when I got COVID and had to self-isolate. One of my classmates was doing her longitudinal clinic near where I live and said, “I’m going to go to the grocery store for you. What do you need?” I was just so touched.
Share a stand-out moment.
Defending my thesis was a great moment because friends, family and mentors came to support me, and they finally got to see what I had been doing all year. Other than that, starting the Disability Action Group has been so incredible. We have a wonderful group of people and more joining each year. I have a good feeling that the group will continue after I graduate. That means a lot to me, like a legacy almost.
What drew you to CCLCM?
When I was applying to medical school, I mentioned Case Western Reserve University to my advisor, and he said, “Well, if you’re applying to Case, have you heard about the Cleveland Clinic’s medical school?” After that meeting, I went home and read everything I could about CCLCM. I watched all the student videos talking about the school and immediately fell in love. I knew that it was my number one choice.
What specifically helped prepare you for your future?
I think one of the most impactful aspects of the program is our longitudinal clinic. We start working with patients and gaining that experience right off the bat. It really hones those communication skills and prepares us for patient interaction.
How has community service impacted your education/outlook?
I’m the education lead for The Haven Home screening clinic, which takes place at a shelter for homeless women and their children in Cuyahoga County. Many of the women at the shelter have not had medical care in many years because their main focus is getting their kids through a tough living situation. I think it is a privilege to be able to screen them for common and treatable conditions and connect them with primary care. I have worked with the unhoused population for many years, and it is a population I hope to continue to serve in the future.
What advice do you wish you had received prior to starting the program?
I wish someone would have told me to give myself a little grace. I think I was very hard on myself that first summer, and I didn’t necessarily have to be. There’s a perfectionism a lot of medical students face. I don’t need to put pressure on myself to be perfect. I just need to put pressure on myself to improve constantly.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to the program?
Don’t minimize the work you’ve done in terms of research or anything in that wheelhouse. We want people who are excited about being a physician scientist and also who are excited about our philosophy of constant growth.
Future goals?
I hope to be as good of a mentor to students as the faculty and former students have been to me. Ultimately, I just want to be a good doctor.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I enjoy crocheting, watching Netflix and reading fiction novels. My husband and I have been making wine and mead for several years. We have our own labels with our hometown mascot, Beanie the lima bean! We are always so excited to share our creations with family and friends!
Fun fact?
I’m in a family of ob/gyns, and my grandpa actually delivered my husband!
