What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
Although admitting it might be seen as a little passé, I do think that most people, including myself, embark on their journey in medicine because they want to be directly involved in easing human suffering and bringing hope to others. Having served 16 years on active duty in the Army, I had some opportunity to be involved in similar lines of effort but found myself increasingly further from positions and situations involved in helping those most in need. Watching the outsized impact that physicians had on the military population at all times, not just during combat operations or training deployments, planted the thought that I could similarly contribute to whatever community I found myself in regardless of the circumstances.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
This is probably because I just finished the excellent Pre-Entry Program, but I can’t imagine why someone serious about attending medical school in Texas (or elsewhere) would want to go anywhere else. From an extremely diverse, accomplished and collegial student body, the deep bench of wonderful faculty and easy access to everything Texas Medical Center, training at McGovern seems to be a dream scenario.
Additionally, my wife and I are both from Houston and after living in a number of other places across the United States and elsewhere, we couldn’t wait to move back here! The diverse culture (and food!), good opportunities for our children, and laid-back pace of life with access to big-city amenities make living here extremely attractive.
What motivates you?
Setting a good example for my children, trying to be half the man my wife thinks I am, and the feeling of working hard towards some worthwhile end (and sometimes reaching it).
Who is your hero?
Easily my wife; not only does she have such a sweet and nurturing way with our children that continually encourages them to be their best selves, but she has also supported me through any manner of life events over the last 17 years. I would not be entering the class of 2029 without her!
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
To have trained for and earned a position in a field in which I can make as much impact on a population’s health as I am capable of handling for as long as possible. Presently, I don’t see myself seeking to retire to a private life at “retirement age.” Although I have varied professional and research interests, I don’t want to paint myself into a corner before first year has even begun. One great aspect of medicine is that there are so many great aspects to medicine!
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
Mostly excitement! Pre-Entry was such a positive experience and the other students (and faculty) I have met are truly exceptional people from whom I have already learned quite a bit. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the first-years and getting our training fully under way.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
The personal and professional growth that all of us in the incoming class will experience the next four years. Each day is its own little adventure, and McGovern seems to jam-pack each day full of just as much adventure as we can handle.
As mentioned previously, the entire community here seems fully dedicated to the success of the cohort as well as the individual and having previously been a part of a few high-functioning teams, this was one of the most common characteristics between them all. It’s reassuring to see that trait in the McGovern community and makes me very hopeful for what’s in store over the coming years.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
While I’m still very much undecided, right now I would pick Emergency Medicine because of the breadth of patient presentations, the dynamics of working as part of a team to solve problems in a timely fashion as well as having the opportunity to ease suffering and bring hope to folks having a particularly bad day.
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