Medical Training
Dr. Whaley received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2024.
Achievements
Dr. Whaley graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and Chemistry at the University of Arkansas in 2019. Dr. Whaley was also a Honors College Fellow and was awarded several grants, including the Fulbright Honors Academic Scholarship and a Fulbright Honors College Research Grant for her studies in polymer chemistry.
Once in medical school, Dr. Whaley was an active participant in clinical research. She received several publications and was awarded the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Most Watched ONE Network Video in 2022 for “Nasolacrimal Duct Stenting and Intubation.” Dr. Whaley also received a T32 Addiction Research Grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to research nicotine addiction in the Psychiatric Research Institute at UAMS. In addition to research, Dr. Whaley was heavily involved in the Edith Irby-Jones Student National Medical Association, acting as the UAMS SNMA co-chair in 2022.
In 2023, Dr. Whaley pursued a research fellowship position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. During her fellowship, Dr. Whaley collaborated with the Department of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Research Department to conduct research into retinal fibrotic disease, drug pharmacokinetics, and tissue dynamics with the aim of better understanding of the effects that these drugs have on tissues.
Service
Dr. Whaley deeply values community service. During her time at UAMS, she frequently volunteered at the 12th Street Clinic, a free clinic for residents of Little Rock. Additionally, she served at the Sight Saver’s Clinic in North Little Rock providing ophthalmic care and free prescription glasses to underserved members of the community. As a leader in the UAMS Student National Medical Association, Dr. Whaley coordinated several endeavors aimed at mentoring underrepresented premedical students interested in the field of medicine and attending medical school at UAMS.
Outside Interests and Hobbies
Dr. Whaley enjoys reading science fiction novels, watercolor painting, and golfing. She also enjoys trying new recipes to cook with her husband and enjoying her time with her cats, Mochi and Pippa.