College/University: University of Connecticut

Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine

Clinical and Research Interests

My clinical interests include but are not limited to: reconstructive microsurgery, craniofacial surgery and peripheral nerve surgery. My research interests are broad but currently focused on outcomes in microsurgical breast reconstruction as well as education in Plastic Surgery.

What were you looking for in a residency program?

I was looking for a program with high clinical volume covering the breadth and depth of plastic surgery as well as resources and support for research pursuits. It was particularly important to me that my residency program felt like a family, and that the residents and faculty supported each other in and outside the operating room.

What are the strengths of the Duke program?

Duke has so many strengths- it is a top-tier hospital with excellent faculty, residents and staff across the board with a diverse and complex patient population. The resources for research and collaboration are extensive and provide essential support to get projects moving while also balancing the busy schedule of residency. Duke's greatest strength, though, is the people. Having gone to medical school here, I can say I was especially drawn to stay by the amazing, brilliant and caring people that make this place so special.

What advice do you have for incoming interns?

Support yourself and each other, as your co-interns will be with you day in and day out. Always ensure that things are done right, even if it means staying late or admitting you may have made a mistake. Remember that if you knew everything about being a resident when you started, you wouldn't be training for (many) years.

What do you like best about living in Durham and the Triangle?

I love living in Durham. I love the outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful weather and easily accessible parks, trails and mountains that are close by. I love the Triangle food scene and after 4 years still have a never-ending list of new places I want to try. I also find the Durham community to be very unique in how it brings people together and it has such a vibrant community, whether at a Duke Basketball game in Cameron or at the weekly farmer's market. Living here is fun and enjoyable but also easy, especially when you're so busy in the hospital.

What do you like to do outside of Duke?

I am an avid runner and you can usually find me on the American Tobacco Trail or subsequently at the nearby coffee shops and bakeries on the weekends. I also love biking, yoga and dance, and am usually trying out a new workout class when I can. I love going to the Durham craft and farmer's markets, and exploring the food and drink around Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh. I'm almost always looking for a new recipe to cook or DIY project to do on my house.

Honors and Awards

• American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery Medical Student Scholarship, November 2019
• Palumbo Family Medical Scholarship, Duke University School of Medicine, August 2019
• Senior Merit Scholarship, Duke University School of Medicine, April 2019
• Alpha Omega Alpha, March 2019
• Rheumatology Research Foundation Medical Student Grant, March 2019
• Eugene A. Stead Research Scholarship, Duke University School of Medicine, 2018-2019
• Outstanding Senior Woman in the University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, May 2016
• University Scholar, University of Connecticut, 2015-2016
• Phi Beta Kappa, 2015
• Paul J. Volpe Award, University of Connecticut, 2015-2016
• Summer Undergraduate Research Fund Grant, University of Connecticut, 2014