Where did you Match and in what specialty?
I matched at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans into OBGYN.
Tell us a little bit about you and your journey before entering medical school.
I grew up in Connecticut and attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, where I played Division I field hockey, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Throughout my time in college, I worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide in a nursing home, my first exposure to clinical medicine. After graduation, I lived in Boston working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with the Gynecologic Oncology team, and later as a Medical Assistant at Mass Eye and Ear.
What was your experience of medical school?
I loved my time both at UQ in Brisbane, and at Ochsner in New Orleans. Despite being in Brisbane at the height of COVID, I feel as though I received an amazing education, while also being able to explore all that Australia has to offer. Brisbane has amazing parks and outdoor markets and is only an hour away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. New Orleans provides such a rich culture, with no shortage of festivals, parades, and amazing food. I feel very fortunate to have been exposed to medicine in two different healthcare systems. I have met some amazing classmates along this journey, and I am so excited for everyone in this next step of our medical education.
What inspired you to become a doctor and when did you become interested in this speciality?
I was drawn to medicine after working as a CNA in a nursing home. I absolutely loved getting to know the patients and wanted to help make their last few years, months, or even days, as comfortable and peaceful as possible. After graduating I was working as a research coordinator, but desperately missed the patient interactions I had as an aide. I heard about the UQ-Ochsner program, and thought it was an amazing and unique way to study medicine. I was drawn to OBGYN immediately during my 3rd year rotation. I loved the organized chaos of the specialty, while maintaining the ability to have long lasting relationships with patients. I admire that this specialty provides an inherent role for advocacy of women’s health and political rights.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next chapter?
I’m looking forward to being back at Ochsner, caring for the diverse and vibrant community of New Orleans. I am excited to learn more about this specialty and have a greater responsibility in patient care. I feel very lucky to have matched with two of my classmates into the same residency program, and can’t wait to watch them become amazing doctors.
