Start Year: 2017
College/University: Saint Mary's College of California
Medical School: University of California at San Francisco
Clinical and Research Interests
I have a strong clinical and research interest in abdominal transplantation and transplantation immunology. My first experiences in surgery were in liver transplant and I am inspired by the ability of transplant to change a person's life in a single operation. I am fascinated by the problem of immunologic rejection and motivated by inadequate long-term outcomes in both liver and kidney transplantation. I participate in translational research that seeks to more clearly understand markers of rejection and elucidate mechanisms that may yield more effective immunosuppression or operational tolerance utilizing costimulation blockade.
What were you looking for in a residency program?
Most academic residency programs offer a similar array of resources for applicants. Duke is unique in its commitment to ensuring that each and every one of its residents has the resources to pursue a career in academic surgery. This dedication to academic surgery very much stood out to me.
What are the strengths of the Duke program?
The strength of the Duke program lies in its multi-generational commitment to the surgeon-scientist at a busy quaternary care center. As one of only a few large hospital systems in the state, Duke has a robust referral basis that allows for extensive, high-quality, and high volume clinical training. At the same time, Duke affords residents access to all of the resources to pursue academic careers. Finally, the patient population at our various hospitals (Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, and the Durham VA) is diverse and allows us to work with patients from all walks of life.
What advice do you have for incoming interns?
Do something fun before residency starts. Also, remember that your role matters. You keep the wheels running and that is worth a lot.
What do you like best about living in Durham and the Triangle?
Lots of wonderful pubs, parks, and trails to get outside and enjoy with our dog!
What do you like to do outside of Duke?
As above, taking the dog out and enjoying the weather in Durham. You can run 360 days a year. It snows for maybe 5 days. Those are 5 hard days, but it is only 5 days.
Honors and Awards
- NIH R38 Stimulating Access to Resident Research (StARR) Grant Support
- Translating Duke Health, Controlling the Immune System Grant (Institutional Award)
- ASTS Resident Scientist Scholarship
- ACS Resident Research Scholarship
- ATC Young Investigator Award
- Appleseed Award for Medical Student Teaching
- Golden Apple Award for Medical Student Teaching