Hometown
Charlotte, North Carolina
What inspired you to pursue this degree?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I took time away from academia to work and confirm my decision to apply for medical school. I almost let go of my dream of becoming a physician during this time. In 2024, I realized I needed to give myself the chance to truly see if I wanted to explore a different path, and I wanted to apply to programs that would expose me to multiple aspects of healthcare while also pushing me to be my best self personally and academically. After much research, I stumbled across the Duke MBS program, and their mission, vision, and curriculum aligned with what I was seeking.
Why did you choose Duke?
Besides the fact that Duke is a great university with wonderful opportunities and extensive resources, the location was the main factor actually. I am from North Carolina and needed to stay local for personal reasons.
Do you have a favorite memory from your program?
Everyone probably says this, but there are too many! Any team activity has been a highlight for me, as my assigned TBL [Team-Based Learning] Team has been a strongly positive aspect of my MBS journey. I also appreciate the amount of face time we are able to have with our professors, because they are all amazing in their fields and incredible people. Lastly, I must note that my cohort was great at being supportive of one another, so those are relationships I am glad to be taking with me beyond graduation.
How do you hope to make an impact with your career?
I hope to be able to: 1) Be a strong advocate for my patients and teach them how to advocate for themselves, 2) Develop sexual education programs since this is a weak area in most of the country, 3) Join organizations and campaigns that focus on and support health policy change and development.
What was the most important thing you learned at Duke?
Thankfully, I am leaving the MBS program with a lot of amazing career and life lessons! One important thing I learned that will propel me forward is that I am now in a part of my career where I have to show strong initiative and go after the opportunities I want. Duke has shown me that there are many people willing to help you along the way, but you have to initially show initiative and interest. I am very thankful to have learned this early in my career.