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Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Ottawa, Canada, and moved to Michigan when I was 7. I went to Michigan State University, where I majored in physiology, with minors in bioethics and philosophy. After graduating with my bachelor’s, I took a research gap year at the University of Michigan before enrolling at CCLCM in 2021. I’m in my final year here and am looking forward to graduating in 2026.
Why CCLCM?
I love CCLCM’s approach to assessments. The lack of emphasis on testing means that we get more opportunities to engage in problem-based learning and collaborate with each other. CCLCM also strongly values introspection as a learning tool. I really enjoy the in-depth feedback and reflective writing exercises that we get. Those opportunities for growth are enhanced by small class sizes and faculty that are eager to help in any way they can.
What are some of your favorite CCLCM experiences?
One of my favorite experiences here has been being a part of Stethos, our medical humanities journal. I served as an editor for the first couple of years and am now co-editor-in-chief. I’m constantly in awe of the talent in our community. It’s refreshing to read different perspectives and look at medicine through a humanistic lens.
I also had the privilege of co-leading the school’s book club in my second year here. Not only did I get to connect with my peers over books but we also hosted amazing guests like Nobel Prize-winning physician and biochemist Robert Lefkowitz, MD, who spoke about his journey to becoming a physician-scientist.
Tell us about your research year project.
I conducted research here at Cleveland Clinic under heart failure specialist Wilson Tang, MD. Our work focused on a condition known as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, which impedes blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart. Current advances in technology mean that patients with the condition can now achieve improvement or even recovery. What we don’t know, however, is how best to manage patients now that new treatments exist. Do we discontinue therapy once the condition has improved? Do we continue to maintain improvement? Our research sought to better characterize the disease and identify clinical markers that can risk stratify patients. By identifying areas of stratification, we hope to make it easier for physicians to evaluate treatment options and deliver patients the most efficient care possible.
What advice would you give to new CCLCM students?
Trust the process. We have one of the most unique medical school curriculums in the country. At first, I had a lot of anxiety about whether I was absorbing all the material being taught, especially since we don’t have regular exams as guideposts. Our faculty, though, does a great job of assessing learning through presentations and personalized feedback. You’ll be more than ready for USMLE exams — and you’ll have an even deeper appreciation for the real-world relevance of the material.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My favorite show of all time is Avatar: The Last Airbender. It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen. It’s funny, it’s thoughtful, and people of all ages can enjoy it. As a former philosophy student, I really appreciate the show’s depth. I highly recommend giving it a watch!
