What is your current role?
I’m a 4th year medical student at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, dedicated to advancing my career through residency and eager to contribute to the field of women’s health, especially with respect to the care of underserved patients, local and national advocacy, and surgical expertise. Aligning seamlessly with my aspirations and passion, I cannot envision a more fulfilling career path.
Tell me about your accepted abstract and why you were so passionate about that topic?
My abstract is titled: The Efficacy of Fibrin Sealant in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for the Prevention of Postoperative Hematoma Formation. This project is one that delves not only into evidence-based practices and surgical expertise in benign, minimally invasive hysterectomy, but also importantly addresses resource utilization, potential complications, and cost to the healthcare system and patients – a topic I am incredibly passionate about. I hope to continue to think critically about the resources we use on a daily basis and help inform my colleagues of ways that we can optimize patient outcomes while utilizing fewer resources, with the goal of effectively reducing cost, resource consumption, and waste produced in the OR.
How did you become interested in Obstetrics and Gynecology?
I chose to pursue a career in medicine because of the unique integration of scientific knowledge with human relationships. The field of OBGYN excites me because I will be able to build and maintain these strong relationships with my patients and their families through life-long care, while also caring for them acutely in the clinic, delivery suite and operating room. I am driven to women’s health because of the way my curiosity for anatomy, human physiology, and interpersonal relationships is satisfied, but most importantly I know that I will be able to help make tangible change, both in the lives of my patients and in the field of women’s health as a whole. I am eager to empower my patients through education and evidence-based practices to make decisions that best suit them and their families, while continuing to grow and expand my knowledge to become a leader in advocacy for my patients in the ever-changing landscape of medicine.
How did you become involved with the SAAOG?
I am attending medical school in Virginia and am fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Wade Neiman, a past president of SAAOG and chair of ACOG District IV, who remains active in education, advocacy and advancement of the field of OBGYN. I have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Neiman throughout medical school and he has played a large role in my pursuit of OBGYN and participation and interest in research. As I am interested in local, regional and national advocacy, his encouragement has been integral to my participation in SAAOG and the annual conference!
What would you like to see occur in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology during your career?
On a large scale, I want to work to make women’s health care more accessible to all patients, through dissemination of evidence-supported information to our communities. Through this, I will work tirelessly to reduce the stigma that still exists in the field. On a smaller scale, I want to become a physician who is known and trusted as a community member, to ensure that women from all backgrounds, especially those in underserved and minority communities, feel seen, heard, and supported in their healthcare journeys. By fostering trust and understanding, I aim to bridge gaps in care, advocate for equitable resources, and empower patients to take charge of their health with confidence and dignity.
What are your hobbies outside of the office?
Outside of medicine, I am an avid runner, hiker and am learning to fly fish. I enjoy spending time outdoors and am always seeking a new adventure. I also love to cook, bake, and host at our home.
What is something surprising that most people do not know about you?
I studied Spanish for my undergraduate degree, and spent a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain, where I became fluent in Spanish! I am working on gaining certification as a certified Spanish language interpreter to best serve my patients who are non-English speaking.
