Teaching and Mentorship

Current Endeavors

I am currently a teaching assistant at the University of Delaware; I lead biology and chemistry lab sessions for first-year premed students, where I am able to foster curiosity and academic success. I also mentor and tutor underprivileged high school students through my club, STEP UP Delaware. Both of these activities are something I am very passionate about because, to me, nothing is better than lifting up other people.

Clinical Experience

I currently do weekly rotations at the Wilmington VA Medical Center, shadowing a variety of specialties, such as primary care, nephrology, and surgery. I have gained firsthand experience in numerous fields and connected with our amazing veterans. This experience, in addition to my work as an EMT and previous shadowing/clinical experiences, has reinforced my passion and love for medicine.

Leadership

• Studio Fellow: Guiding over 50 students weekly, fostering their academic growth and success.

• Program Director of STEP UP: Organize mentorship programs to empower disadvantaged youth, helping them realize their potential.

• EMT: Coordinated emergency responses, demonstrating both leadership and teamwork under pressure to provide effective care.

Research

I recently began research on osteochondral allografts, focusing on the potential of regenerative medicine to restore joint function and improve quality of life. I know I am late in getting research experience. However, I still pursued this opportunity to develop research skills for medical school and beyond, with the added bonus that is a super cool topic!

My Path

Growing up in a large family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly the scarcity of accessible healthcare. My father, a registered nurse, inspired me with his compassion and dedication to patients, planting the seed for my interest in medicine. However, it was my own experiences that solidified this calling for medicine.

One profound moment that built upon this calling was during my time with Step-Up Delaware, mentoring disadvantaged students. Helping a student turn his academic and personal life around taught me the power of guidance and perseverance, values I now strive to bring into medicine. As an EMT and while shadowing physicians at Christiana Care Emergency Department, I saw the direct impact of healthcare professionals in life-altering moments, further cementing my passion for medicine.

Throughout my undergraduate years, I’ve acted on this passion by striving for academic excellence, double majoring, and seeking out and participating in a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities that I am passionate about. This year I began doing research with Dr. Justin Parrano to develop an understanding of what goes into research and to learn how to perform research, as I believe it is something I will need as both a medical student and as a physician.

Medicine is not just a career for me; it’s both a calling and a responsibility to bring healthcare to those who need it most, especially in the communities I call home. Whether I’m guiding a patient or engaging with neighbors at a local boat ramp, I see my future as a family physician as a way to bridge gaps in care and create lasting change.

Goals in Medicine

Medically Underserved Areas

Growing up in a rural setting, I witnessed the challenges of accessing quality healthcare in those underserved regions. Having these experiences, in addition to my love for living in rural areas and my passion for medicine have made it clear to me that I want to return to a rural area and serve those communities providing them with high quality accessible care.

Family medicine aligns with my desire to build lasting relationships with patients while addressing a wide range of health issues. As a FM doctor I will be able provide compassionate, comprehensive care, empower families to lead healthier lives, and serve rural communities.

Preventative medicine offers solutions to many healthcare challenges by focusing on treating illnesses early and preventing them altogether. I hope to promote healthy lifestyles and early care, helping patients live longer, healthier lives while easing the burden on the healthcare system.

Family Medicine

Preventative Medicine