Hometown: Thorton, CO
Undergraduate Degree: BS, Biochemistry, University of New Mexico

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

I like Morgantown, I got to meet some local doctors and they were telling me about the area and the university. Also on my interview day I felt very welcome.

2. What is appealing about the MD program?

I have wanted to be a doctor for a long time. I love science and wanted to be involved in research, and practical applications. I also have done some volunteering in the emergency rooms and (back in New Mexico) I volunteered for heath care for the homeless.

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

I am only eight months into the program, but so far I like anatomy; it feels like medical school. Last semester we did a lot more work with the basic sciences.

4. You like to run triathlons. How do you balance school, home, and social life?

It is difficult; I run a lot less triathlons. I have been out of school for four or five years and worked full time in a research job. I also used to teach swimming and trained and ran triathlons on the side. I made myself busy; which forced me to become organized which is the same for medical school. I study and make sure my work is done or I would fail out. I feel my background of the real world makes it a little easier because I have a slightly different outlook on the program than some of my classmates.

5. Do you think that your involvement in the orthopaedic SAFE clinics and project MUSHROOM has added to your experience here at WVU?

Sure it has; I haven’t had many clinical experiences yet and both of those programs give me hands on clinical experiences in working with the patients. It is important to participate in those because it reminds you why you are here.

6. What are you goals after graduating?

I am very open minded. I am still in my first year of this program. Right now I am leaning towards either radiology, anesthesiology, or emergency medicine. I suspect that may change as I continue my studies in the program.

7. Do you feel research is beneficial to medical students?

I saw research as a way to help me get into medical school. I like the process of research. I have done some neonatal based research with cerebral palsy and fragile X as well as pup fish research which looked at one minnow in to a tributary which ended up creating a hybrid fish.

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

I like to work out. I haven’t gotten a chance to train for triathlons in a while, but I like to ride bikes and swim.

9. Do you have advice for anyone who wants to attend medical school?

Be sure it is what you want to do. You can not just do it for the money or the prestige. Do research before hand because it will look good and be beneficial down the road. Also apply early and know your application when you interview. Know why you are applying and what you will bring to the table as a medical student.