Bio
Growing up in the proud but disadvantaged community of Rye, Colorado, my interests in medicine organically developed out of both a passion for science, nutrition, and exercise and the sad realization that health is a privilege rather than a right. After 19 years of learning, laughing, and crying with the same peers and community members, I was fortunate to take my passions to the University of Denver (DU), at which point I made it my mission to use college to discover a path that would impart the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to cause a positive ripple effect in the health of as many lives as possible. Having such a goal in mind, I was naturally inclined to seek out opportunities that allowed me to explore the different facets of medicine. In addition to shadowing numerous specialties and non-M.D. providers, I participated in longitudinal basic science research in labs investigating the intricacies of HIV and Alzheimer’s disease, which, besides providing valuable bench work skills and fascinating data for a thesis project, imbued me with an appreciation for the immense amount of time and work that goes in to developing the treatments physicians use every day. Outside of the lab, I served on the executive board of the DU Pre-Health and EMS clubs and was involved in community engagement projects with refugees and disadvantaged high school students. Additionally, I used summers and nights to become EMT-IV certified and volunteer as a Care Coordinator for the free clinic associated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Most recently, I studied abroad at the University of Glasgow, where I participated in an anatomy course that centered on human cadaver dissection alongside Glasgow medical students. Combined with my rural upbringing, these experiences have culminated in a passion to practice medicine in a way that not only holistically treats and cures disease, but also teaches and inspires others to value and improve their own health. In short, I ultimately hope to become a socially conscious physician leader who, through healing and education, helps people like those of my hometown pursue their dreams unencumbered by sickness or fear.
