PGY-1

Home Town: Plainfield, IL When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: pediatric emergency medicine and critical care. Things that make me unique are: I double majored in Biology and Statistics as an undergraduate student and continue to enjoy statistics and mathematics. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: play with my Bernedoodle Isabelle, try new restaurants, bake, bike, and kayak. To get myself motivated I think of: my grandmother who passed away while I was in medical school. She had hoped to see me become a successful physician and continues to be a major motivator in my life. Favorites Books: suspense novels Movies: Harry Potter, Finding Nemo, Elf, The Pursuit of Happiness TV Show: Game of Thrones, This is Us, Gilmore Girls, Criminal Minds, Seinfeld Music: Beyonce, Surfaces, Khalid, Demi Lovato I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: I felt welcomed by the residents and faculty that I was able to meet with during my interview, and knew that I would receive unparalleled resident-oriented clinical training.

Home Town: Shreveport, Louisiana When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: the problem-solving side of medicine and pathophysiology. In medicine, working through each case often feels like figuring out how all the pieces of a puzzle fit together, which is something I really enjoy. I also love learning about anatomy, genetic disorders, and microbiology! Things that make me unique are: I worked at my church and as a camp counselor every summer in college. I’ve played piano since I was three years old. I once hiked an active volcano in Guatemala that erupted two days later – experienced my first volcanic eruption and earthquake that night! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: spend time with my family and friends, travel to new places, and try new things. I also love to watch LSU football (Geaux Tigers!), sing, explore museums, go to local festivals, and attend concerts! To get myself motivated I think of: all the ways God has blessed me. I have the most encouraging and supportive family and friends, and I couldn’t have made it this far without them. I also have the privilege to pursue medicine and the chance to make a difference in the lives of my patients and their families. Favorites Books: I love mystery + thriller novels, historical fiction, and any of the classics! The best books I read in the last year were Every Fifteen Minutes and Mischling. Movies: Classic movies like Vertigo, Roman Holiday, and Holiday Inn and romantic comedies like Miss Congeniality, Clueless, and The Parent Trap. I also love all the Marvel movies and thrillers like The Prestige (It beats The Illusionist every time!). TV Show: Law and Order SVU, Schitt’s Creek, Criminal Minds, anything on HGTV, and the latest Netflix craze! Music: A little bit of everything! I’ll listen to anything, but a few of my favorites are Gavin DeGraw, Jake Scott, Francesca Battistelli, Michael Bublé, Luke Combs, and Dan + Shay. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: it’s the perfect fit for me! All the residents, faculty, and coordinators I met on my interview day were so welcoming and genuinely excited for me to be there. Even virtually, it was easy to see how truly happy and well-supported the residents were. The program has an awesome reputation for training well-rounded, compassionate pediatricians in an incredible children’s hospital, so the family atmosphere was the icing on the cake. I immediately felt like I was part of the UAMS family on interview day, and I knew it was the one for me!

Home Town: Little Rock When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: pathophysiology and the way organ systems interact during disease processes. Things that make me unique are: I was a competitive debater in college and continue to be involved with Little Rock Central High’s debate program. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Play frisbee golf, BBQ, and watch English Premier League (Go Manchester United!) To get myself motivated I think of: the time my son spent in the NICU and how appreciative my wife and I were of his team of medical professionals. Favorites Books: Oxygen, Ready for Air, Ready Player 1 & 2 Movies: Big Hero 6 TV Show: Firefly Music: The Postal Service I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: everyone treats those around them as if they were family

Home Town: Little Rock, AR When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Anything neurology related, growth and development, and how to best serve my patients Things that make me unique are: I taught my cat tricks, my son has a Star Wars nursery, and I’m the only child neurology intern! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Play tennis, do barre class, play video games and board games, and hang out with my boys (husband, son and cat) To get myself motivated I think of: How hard I have worked to get to this point and how much I can be helping my patients and my community Favorites Books: Harry Potter, ASOIAF, Thrawn, Lost Stars, The Night Circus, Ready Player One, The Kite Runner Movies: Star Wars, Kiki’s Delivery Service, anything with Will Ferrell, Thor: Ragnarok, Grease, Princess Bride TV Show: Avatar the Last Airbender Music: Ellie Goulding, Sia, Shania Twain, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fall Out Boy, Calvin Harris, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Ghibli movie scores, Florence + The Machine, Lady Gaga I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: the hospital is a beacon of hope for the state of Arkansas, and I have grown up with it through my life and career. I have held multiple roles at this hospital including Camp Wannaplay volunteer, patient care tech, and medical student. I couldn’t imagine doing my residency anywhere else!

Home Town: Little Rock, Arkansas When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: anything in pediatrics, but especially asthma, allergies, and immunology Things that make me unique are: I enjoy skiing and have been able to ski at four different places in Colorado. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: watch Razorback sports and be outdoors where I can run, walk, and hike. To get myself motivated I think of: the encouragement and support from my family and friends and the awesome kids I get the privilege of having as patients Favorites Books: Any book in the Harry Potter series, In Shock by Rana Awdish, or anything by Francine Rivers Movies: It’s always a tie between The Princess Diaries and The Parent Trap TV Show: Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Amazing Race Music: Anything country I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: the people are fantastic! During my rotations here in medical school, everyone was always supportive, encouraging, and happy to teach.

Hometown: Springdale, AR When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Neurodevelopmental disorders and genetics. I love serving the special needs population. Seeing these kids conquer and overcome anything in their way is nothing short of inspiring and drives me to be the best physician I can be. Things that make me unique are: I am a Christ follower and I love to experience other cultures. I have studied abroad in China for a summer as well as traveled to India for mission work. I am so grateful to have experienced the world from a different perspective and learn about some of the beautiful traditions in other places. I am also a massive Tottenham Hotspur fan! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Bake and cook new recipes with my wonderful wife, fish with family and friends, try new coffee, and hike scenic trails. Recently, I have taken up fly fishing. To get myself motivated I think of: What a privilege it is to be a pediatrician and serve this community. I also think of my family and friends, I am so grateful for their encouragement and support. Favorites Books: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat, Prodigal God by Timothy Keller, and Love Does by Bob Goff. Movies: A Beautiful Mind, Knives out, Slumdog Millionaire, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and anything Disney. TV Show: The Office Music: I like so many different genres, but lately I have really been enjoying Ben Rector’s Magic album. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: The training is second to none and the people are so awesome. As an Arkansas native, it is truly a dream come true to serve the families of this state at such a compassionate program!

Home Town: Little Rock, AR When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Congenital diseases, especially cardiovascular, are super interesting! Things that make me unique are: I spent two years working with ARORA, an organ and tissue procurement organization here in Little Rock, recovering tissue from our life-saving donors for transplant in those in need. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: rock climb, mountain bike, camp, and hang out with my fiancée and our pups! To get myself motivated I think of: all of the healthcare workers that had such a major impact on my life, and all of my future patients that I look forward to serving! Favorites Books: Dune series, everything H. G. Wells, Akira Movies: Star Wars, Your Name, The Dark Night Trilogy, Spiderman, Knives Out TV Shows: Dragon Ball, Hunter x Hunter, Bob’s Burgers, Yu Yu Hakusho, FMA: Brotherhood, Attack on Titan, The Clone Wars Music: Everything! Mostly alternative/indie I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: it is where I have always dreamed of attending residency! ACH is a magical place, and after being a patient here when I was younger, I knew I wanted to return here to work when I was older.

Home Town: Oklahoma City, OK When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: infectious diseases and hematology! Things that make me unique are: I’m just as happy sleeping in a tent as I am in a fancy hotel, I’m a total coffee snob, and my go-to breakfast is Diet Coke and strawberry poptarts. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: camp, hike, kayak, play basketball, and most recently, SCUBA dive! When I’m not outside, I like to cuddle our cat, Scrub, and try cooking new foods. To get myself motivated I think of: “What would Leslie Knope do?” Favorites Books: The Little Prince, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Raisin in the Sun Movies: the Star Wars movies, Wall-E, The Grand Budapest Hotel TV Show: Parks & Recreation, Gossip Girl, Jeopardy, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Young Pope Music: I am a HUGE Taylor Swift fan, but I also love Harry Styles, Mike Posner, and Hozier I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: my husband and I were looking to couples match somewhere that we could enjoy our favorite outdoors activities in our spare time! And the basketball court on the roof of ACH!

Home Town: Van Buren, Arkansas When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Child development, mental health, and advocacy! Things that make me unique are: Knowing every word to a song after hearing it just one time. I wish I could memorize other things that quickly! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Hike and kayak with my two Mini Aussies. To get myself motivated I think of: My family and how proud they are that I get to help other families every day! Favorites Books: Mostly non-fiction, but I also love a good mystery! Movies: Scary movies, documentaries, and comedies. TV Show: Re-runs of Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU. Music: A little bit of everything! I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: It had a family feel! I love the people that I work with and that I get to take care of children from all over the state in which I grew up.

Home Town: St. Augustine, FL When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: How intricate the human body is! I also enjoy learning about the pathophysiology of various diseases and the medical management each disease requires. Things that make me unique are: I was born in Alaska. I am a certified scuba diver and enjoy spear fishing! I’m also a proud Aunt of seven nieces and three nephews! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Do anything outside! Go to the beach, scuba dive, fish, swim, hike…etc. Spend time with my wonderful boyfriend (He matched Family, UAMS Fayetteville!! Woo pig!) family and friends. To get myself motivated I think of: How far I have come in my medical journey. My wonderful family and friends that support me, and the amazing opportunity I have to help care for children. Favorites Books: Anything by Nicholas Sparks, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Movies: All Marvel movies, Star Wars, anything with Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock TV Show: House, Yellowstone, Big bang theory, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore girls, Fixer upper... and so many more!! Music: Anything! County, Christian, pop, rock I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: I think the program does a wonderful job of training well-rounded doctors who will be amazing pediatricians. I also felt that there was a very high emphasis on family that was exhibited during my interview and via the UAMS website! Also, my boyfriend is from Arkansas and UAMS gave us the opportunity to match near each other and be close to family and friends!

Home Town: Carol Stream, IL When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: the pediatric patient presentation and how we can treat in a multidisciplinary way. Things that make me unique are: I have been to all seven continents and I lived overseas growing up. I have an orange cat named Garfield. I have a special interest in working with Spanish speaking patients. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: hike, loom-knit, paint, bake, travel, hang out with family and friends To get myself motivated I think of: the patients I am privileged to take care of and how this can directly impact their care. Favorites Books: Anything by Brene Brown Movies: Bohemian Rhapsody, Miss Congeniality, Inside Out, Lilo and Stitch TV Show: Parks and Rec, Gilmore Girls, Friends Music: OneRepublic, Imagine Dragons, Frank Sinatra I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: even across the virtual interview, I felt that the people were very kind and really cared. The residents seemed happy and there is a lot of great hands-on experience and patient volume as well as research.

Home Town: Waco, TX When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: the natural processes that make our bodies run smoothly. The mechanisms are so fascinating at how we adapt to different circumstances in our environment. Things that make me unique are: I am a mom of the two most precious kids in the whole world, and I have a photography business that I enjoy doing on the side. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: run for fun, workout and cook delicious healthy meals! To get myself motivated I think of: all the amazing people who have come before me and persevered, and I am encouraged by where they are today. Favorites Books: The O'Malley series by Dee Henderson Movies: Just Like Heaven, Life as We Know It, Pride and Prejudice TV Show: Psych, White Collar, Heartland Music: Country, Christian worship music and Disney soundtracks I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: The people are incredible! Stepping into Arkansas Children's Hospital, your whole experience is different, from the people at the information desks to the nursing staff to the faculty. The focus and excitement surrounding resident learning is amazing. They have a positive atmosphere that is perfect for resident growth and I am so excited to be a part of it!

Home Town: Van Buren, AR When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Pathophysiology, psychology, and development Things that make me unique are: I’ve donated over 14 liters of blood! And I have a 10,000 steps a day goal! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Go hiking, play board/card games, watch sports, and attend live trivia events with friends To get myself motivated I think of: All the people who have helped me along this journey and how lucky I am to get to help others along their journeys. Favorites Books: In Cold Blood, Atomic Habits, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone Movies: The Tourist, Life as We Know It TV Shows: Schitt’s Creek, Atypical, One Day at a Time Music: Mostly today’s pop music and 2000s pop I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: the people feel like a second family! I knew I would get exceptional training and have the opportunity to give back to the state of Arkansas.

Home Town: Sebastopol, CA When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: endocrinology because of the interactions with multiple different systems Things that make me unique are: I have worked in many different fields before deciding to pursue medicine as a career including: farmhand, forklift operator and janitor at a casino! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: spend time outdoors hiking, camping and fly-fishing. I also enjoy trying new foods and exploring new places with my family To get myself motivated I think of: my incredibly supportive family and loving wife Favorites Books: The Name of the Wind, It, Cutting for Stone, American Gods, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones Movies: Remember the Titans, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Finding Nemo TV Show: Parks and Rec, The Office, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad Music: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Lord Huron, The Lumineers, Justin Townes Earl, Tool, CCR, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Binary Star I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: everyone that I met on my interview day was super passionate about the program and truly cared about the residents!

Home Town: Arlington, TX When I study medicine, I most enjoy learning about: everything pediatrics! Things that make me unique are: I’ve had the opportunity to explore 17 countries and many national parks. My favorites so far have been hiking the Narrows at Zion and paragliding and white water rafting in the Alps. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: travel, play board games, camp, hike, and anything outdoors that I can do with my two golden retrievers. To get myself motivated I think of: the big impact of creating a healthier future for children - plus, how to give my dogs the very best yard and all the treats they deserve! Favorites Books: I may or may not be on Goodreads more than social media… fantasy, historical fiction - anything with a fun adventure! Or just re-reading Harry Potter again. Movies: John Wick, Jason Bourne, Gone Girl, 1917, Minari, Devil Wears Prada, Marvel movies, and Lord of the Rings TV Show: Survivor, Schitt’s Creek, Veep, Succession, and The Office or Seinfeld on repeat Music: do podcasts count as music? But really anything except country. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: it had everything I wanted! The people I met made me feel at home.

Home Town: Norman, OK When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Physiology, development, and critical care. Things that make me unique are: I worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital before medical school and I am excited to be returning as a resident! I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Bike along the Arkansas River Trail and try new restaurants. To get myself motivated I think of: How awesome it is to work with kids and their families! Favorites Books: Something non-fiction or a thriller, currently expanding my Audible library! Movies: Miss Congeniality, Pirates of the Caribbean, Wild, Netflix documentaries TV Show: Schitt’s Creek, Parks and Recreation, Madam Secretary Music: Mostly Country and Pop I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: the people are great to work with and I am a huge Little Rock fan!

Home Town: Dardanelle, AR When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: developmental pediatrics, mental health, and asthma. Things that make me unique are: my ears wiggle when I smile, I know how to juggle, and my endless supply of jokes. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: play Nintendo Switch, run half marathons, and play golf. To get myself motivated I think of: my friends and family who have pushed me and encouraged me to get where I am today. Favorites Books: Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings Movies: Star Wars, Just Friends and anything superhero related TV Show: Doctor Who, The Flash, Big Brother, Atypical… I just love to binge watch in general Music: Maroon 5 and Bowling for Soup I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: I have wanted to be a pediatrician at ACH for as long as I can remember. The entire hospital staff is exceptionally kind and the whole hospital feels like home.

Home Town: Laredo, Texas When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: all the different ways that one disease/illness can present itself Things that make me unique are: humor is my coping mechanism for almost everything, I’ve been to the Harry Potter studio in London, and I love spicy food (and can make a mean homemade salsa) I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: be the best dog mom to my dog, watch Aggie football, try new restaurants, travel, listen to live music, and spend nights out with friends and family. To get myself motivated I think of: the life of luxury I need to give my dog, lol Favorites Books: Cheesy Nicholas Sparks-type romance novels Movies: Mainly rom-coms and series movies (ex: Harry Potter, Marvel) TV Show: Outlander Music: Country, pop, and the occasional reggaetón I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: everyone I met on my interview day made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. All of the residents seemed genuinely happy. Plus, ACH is an incredible facility.

Home Town: Flower Mound, Texas When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: How technology can and will someday interact with medicine Things that make me unique are: My software development background/hobbies and my love of teaching I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Code, go hiking, read everything from fantasy to history To get myself motivated I think of: my wife, my future patients, and the crazy ideas I have to best support them both. Favorites Books: Lord of the Rings trilogy, Tale of Two Cities, Watchmen Movies: Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Prince of Egypt TV Show: The Leftovers, Lost, Game of Thrones Music: Classic Rock I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because: I had fun and engaging conversations during my interview, I was impressed by the facilities and the program’s diverse opportunities for those looking to specialize, and because I felt like it was a place in which I could thrive.

Home Town: North Platte, Nebraska When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Kiddos! Specifically: embryology, growth, and development. I also enjoy reading new and innovative ideas on how we improve the medical system for our patients. Things that make me unique are: I am really good at knowing my cardinal directions I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: Travel and learn about other cultures, hike, paddleboard, craft, explore my community through local breweries, coffee spots, farmers markets, etc., and spend time with my Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy! To get myself motivated I think of: How much caffeine I will need for the day ahead, and all of my family and friends who have supported my dreams of becoming the best pediatrician I can be! Favorites Books: The Harry Potter series and “State of Wonder "by Anne Patchett Movies: Mrs. Doubtfire (Anything with Robin Williams is a true gem) TV Shows: three way tie: Friends/New Girl/ Schitt’s Creek Music: All of it! I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: As cliché as the answer is, I chose UAMS for how amazing the people are! The moment I walked into the unit for my Sub I, the residents were helping me get acclimated and were truly the kindest. The attendings/residents/nursing/ and all other staff worked so harmoniously together and always put the patients first. I knew the UAMS residents were the kind of people I wanted working beside me, and also who I wanted to hang out with outside of work. I’m so happy I found my people!

Home Town: Sikeston, MO When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: The unique intricacies and details that vary person to person which can dictate our response to treatment. It is truly incredible to understand that we are all humans yet personalized in our own ways. Things that make me unique are: I feel like my name is pretty unique, but also I think my ability to remember obscure facts, events, and names. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: spend time with my wife Lauren and our dog Jake, play disc golf, watch sports and just enjoy life. To get myself motivated I think of: everyone who is counting on me and also the opportunity I have been blessed with to impact others in a positive way. Favorites Books: To Kill A Mockingbird, Three Nights in August, Gifted Hands Movies: The Sandlot, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Glory Road, Major League TV Show: Any sporting event that is on but also The Office, Friends, and Impractical Jokers Music: This is too difficult to narrow down. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: everyone during my interview was so welcoming. It was pretty obvious they enjoyed being around each other, which is something I valued. Additionally, the opportunity to be at such an impressive hospital facility serving an entire state is a dream.

Home Town: Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada When I study: pediatric disorders that involve the heart and lungs, along with adolescent care. I also enjoy learning about the various ways that I can integrate the diversity and unique cultural backgrounds of my patients into the full-spectrum, holistic medical care that I can provide. Unique: I have had two previous careers before medicine – I was both a Chef for seven years as well as a Professional Freelance Artist that specialized in painting oil portraits. I also like to: hike, tent camp, spend time with my family and friends, and play with my adopted cat Beany! Motivated: the resilience, strength, and perseverance that both my parents and grandparents had to face as new immigrants in Canada. I am so grateful and honored to have come from a lineage of those willing to work hard in order to achieve their dreams. I also think of ‘my village’ – all the people who have supported me on journey thus far. Favorites: Books: Any of the Harry Potter books Movies: I’m not very picky when it comes to movie genres, pretty much anything that is based on a true story. TV: Zoey’s Extraordinary playlist, This Is Us, Outlander, Alone Music: Anything and everything! If you get ahold of my playlist you will find anything from new pop or Socca, to oldies, rock, R&B, or country… honestly anything and everything! I chose UAMS because: when I interviewed here, the directors, attending physicians, residents, and staff were all so kind, caring, and welcoming and it felt like home. What was even more impressive is that they reassured me that no matter the circumstances, a child will never go uncared for and that reflects the same culture and values that I was looking for in choosing where to train.

Home Town: Howell, Michigan When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: Generally, physiology and how it relates to what we do as doctors to help sick children get better. The way everything works together down to the tiniest molecule is nothing short of amazing and I love to see how it fits into the clinical picture. Things that make me unique are: I majored in Spanish and played football in college, that’s actually how I first came to Arkansas. I also write my own short stories and scripts/plays just to unwind and think about things in a new way or from a different point of view. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: watch sports, cook and bake for my family and friends, play with my dog, travel all over the country and the world, and write short stories. To get myself motivated I think of: My family and my patients and how they’re counting on me. Also coffee. Favorites Books: The Lord of the Rings, Dune, the Bible, most anything Ernest Hemingway or C.S. Lewis wrote. Movies: Everything from drama to action to comedy and whatever in between. Movies and the filmmaking process are some of my favorite non-medicine things to learn about, it’s a fascinating process and I love storytelling, so it’s hard to pick a single favorite movie or even genre. Some of my more recent favorites though are any of the Marvel movies, Arrival, and La La Land. TV Show: The Office, Friends, The Good Place, Dark, The Great British Baking Show Music: Casually, I listen to rock and roll of all types and eras. I grew up listening to classic 70s and 80s rock with my dad, but I also listen to a lot of more contemporary pop/rock like Anberlin, The Maine, and Ben Rector. When I’m working I like to listen to movie soundtracks and classical music. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: Since moving down here in 2012 for undergrad, I’ve fallen in love with Arkansas and the people. I’m so excited for the opportunity to give back and serve this awesome city and state!

Home Town: Little Rock, AR When I study medicine, I most enjoying learning about: The pathophysiology of diseases and the big picture of my study. Things that make me unique are: My love for the outdoors/adventure. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: go camping, duck hunting, and hangout with friends/my dog, Hoot. To get myself motivated I think of: My support system and the importance of living joyfully. Favorites Books: The Book of Joy Movies: Forest Gump TV Show: The Office, Breaking Bad Music: all kinds, but mostly 90s music, classic rock, jam bands, country. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: I love the culture that prioritizes student and resident education. Little Rock also supports all of my hobbies and is a great place to live.

Home Town: Mineola, TX When I study medicine, I most enjoy learning about: social and environmental factors that impact my patient’s ability to lead a healthy life. Things that make me unique are: I compulsively fold my trash before throwing it away, I have a form of synesthesia where I see numbers as colors, and I have a slight obsession with waffles. I’m not only a doctor, I also like to: climb, hike, camp, and be outside in general! When I can’t be outside, I like to play with my cat Rou, paint, crochet, and work toward my personal mission of finding the world’s best chocolate chip cookie recipe. To get myself motivated I think of: my hometown. I come from a rural community where access to pediatric care is pretty sparce. I would love to go back and practice in the community that helped me get where I am today, and that keeps me pretty motivated. Favorites Books: According to my Audible Library, anything by Malcolm Gladwell or the Obamas. Movies: Pride & Prejudice, The Greatest Showman, and Gladiator TV Show: Parks & Rec and the Great British Baking Show. Music: Twenty One Pilots, Taylor Swift, alt pop, French lo-fi, soulful bluesy tunes that break your heart, and cheesy boy bands that put you back together again. I chose the UAMS Pediatrics Residency Program because it’s wonderful and…: I felt like I would be cared for here. After rotating at different institutions during my clerkship years, I noticed a difference in my ability to learn and perform my job when I felt secure and supported by my faculty and leadership. One of the first things anyone told me about the pediatric residency at UAMS is that the program director is warm, gentle, and loving. That statement, combined with the passionate physicians I interviewed with, a beautiful hospital, and the opportunity to work with rural and resource-limited patients, makes me certain that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.