I was 10 years old when I realized I wanted to become a doctor. I’ve always wanted to be at the top level of my capabilities, while helping people and whole communities at the same time.
Family medicine was the perfect choice for me because it means caring for people throughout the entire spectrum of their lives. It isn’t just about treating a condition or disease, it’s also about taking the patient’s whole life into account. Choices add up, so helping someone take small steps and make small changes in order to reach a major health goal is tremendously satisfying.
But I’m not only a physician, I’m an educator. My role gives me the precious opportunity to mentor a new generation of doctors who are building the skills and developing the practice philosophies they’ll use throughout their careers. I love figuring out ways to teach different concepts, with a practical focus on why something does or doesn’t work.
I encourage students to take a personalized approach to each and every patient they encounter, to listen carefully, and to combine the best of everything they learn so they can be better than all their instructors. It’s wonderful to watch them grow and learn over the course of our three-year program.
Outside of work, I love trying new restaurants, playing with my cats, and using my Arizona Cardinals season tickets.