Hometown: Shorewood, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Degree: BS, Anthropology and Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin - Madison

1. What made you decide to get your MD/MPH degree at WVU?

It was the only school I was accepted to, which is a good thing. I have enjoyed my time in West Virginia. I grew up in Milwaukie, Wisconsin and I thought that Morgantown was going to be too small, but I now love small town life.

2. What is appealing about the MD/MPH program?

I originally wanted to study infectious disease and I liked how I could work on the clinical aspect as well as the research aspect. My MPH focus is on epidemiology, which is a great background to have.

3. What is your favorite part about the MD/MPH program?

There is a lot in the M.D. portion and I like the idea that you can pick a field and know what you want to do. The strong research background this program provides. It is not just about learning surgeries and being in the clinics, they allow you to focus on research as well. I feel like this program gives me a good shot to work on research and allows me to see what is out there. My second year preceptor was Ramin Altaha, MD, from Hematology/Oncology and he is a great mentor. I also like the MPH practicum because I feel it will be great on my C.V. and I would like to get it published.

4. Do you think that having the combined MD/MPH degree gives you a greater understanding of health care?

I definitely think it will. I am not from a medical family and it is nice to get another view on medicine. The MPH told me a lot more about preventive medicine and I get to learn about the economy and health polices that I would not be exposed to as much if I was not in the M.D. /M.P.H program.

5. How do you balance school, home, and social life?

It is all time management. I am an early bird so I get up early and try and get my work done. It was good for me when I was in the first two years of the M.D. curriculum where I would have classes from 8-12 or 8-3:30 because I would go home and start studying after class so I would not be up all night studying. I also have to make sure I have my studying done so I can get my volunteering done as well as any club meetings or club events I would be attending. There is enough time to have a social life in medical school.

6. Do you think that being President of the Physicians for Human Rights has enhanced your experience at WVU?

Yes. I was the President of the Physicians for Human Rights. It is nice to interact with the faculty in different ways; Melanie Fisher M.D. from Infectious Disease, has talked about leadership responsibilities, and Larry Schwab M.D. from Ophthalmology, as spoken about landmines in various lectures.

7. What are you goals after graduating?

Right now I would like to do a residency in Hematology/Oncology. As for where I would like to do my residency I like this area; I now appreciate small town life. I would like to practice in an urban small town setting or a suburb of a larger city. West Virginia keeps moving up on my list of where I would like to practice.

8. What role do you think your MPH will have in your life after you graduate?

It will provide me with the skills to publish, writing case reports. There is a focus on the journal writing process. I also like the preventative medicine and will try and incorporate that into my practice as much as I can.

9. What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I like athletics, soccer and basketball, or I like to go hiking; being outside is great. When I get a chance I like to go to concerts.

10. Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to study medicine and public health?

For the potential medical student be sure medicine is what you want to do; it takes time and commitment. Get as much exposure to heath care as you can; shadowing doctors is a great thing to look into. Also, learn as much about the process of being a doctor as possible so there will be no surprises once you start medical school.

Interviewed in Spring 2008
During the completion of the MPH Degree