Program:

Transitional Year Graduating Class of 2026

Where are you from originally?

Troy, Mich.

Medical training:

Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

Why did you stay in Michigan?

Though I am comfortable moving anywhere, I chose to stay in Michigan this year because I wanted to remain close to my friends and family.

Why did you choose your specialty?

I have a strong interest in cutaneous oncology, and dermatology offers extensive exposure to this area while also allowing me to develop expertise across the full spectrum of skin disease.

Family

My family consists of my mom, dad, and younger brother, who have all been a big source of support for me.

When you're not working, what do you do for fun?

In my free time, I enjoy playing chess, tennis, pickleball, and boxing. I also love hiking whenever I get the chance!

What do you like most so far about Hurley and the Flint area?

What I’ve enjoyed most so far is the strong sense of community both within Hurley and in the surrounding area. People are welcoming and down-to-earth, and I’ve also appreciated the mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm while still being close to bigger cities.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by people who stay resilient and positive in the face of challenges. In medicine, that often means patients who keep fighting despite difficult diagnoses, and colleagues who show up every day with determination.

Toughest challenge?

One of my toughest challenges was not matching into dermatology after committing a full year to research. It was a difficult setback that tested my confidence, but ultimately it pushed me to reflect on my motivations and resilience. I leaned on mentors for guidance, focused on continuous growth, and reminded myself that setbacks don’t define the end of a journey. That perspective helped me move forward with determination and a clearer sense of purpose.

What do you miss most about home?

What I miss most about home is the social support of being around family and friends every day. And definitely the home-cooked meals. I make it a point to visit them whenever I can.

Favorite book?

My favorite book is The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho). I like how it emphasizes following your personal journey and staying true to your purpose.

Favorite quotation?

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

I like it because it’s a simple reminder that growth requires action, and if I want different results, I need to be willing to adapt, take initiative, and push myself outside of my comfort zone.

What surpised you the most about working at Hurley or living in the Flint area?

What surprised me most about working at Hurley and living in the Flint area is how welcoming and supportive everyone has been. The sense of community, both inside the hospital and in the city, has made the transition much easier than I expected!

Special talents?

I’ve always enjoyed strategy games, and I’m pretty good at chess. I like how it challenges me to think several steps ahead, which I feel translates well into clinical decision-making. I also play tennis, which has taught me a lot about discipline and staying focused under pressure. More recently, I’ve been playing pickleball with friends, which is a fun way to stay active and social.

Favorite ways to keep your work-life balance manageable?

I try to keep a good work-life balance by going to the gym every day and making time for activities I enjoy, like playing pickleball/tennis. I also prioritize spending time with my partner and friends. And no matter how busy things get, I make sure to get enough sleep!