Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
About Me: I was raised in Streator, a small town in central Illinois, and completed undergrad at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana earning a bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology. After a year of working on UIUC's campus in residential life and going on my first medical mission trip, I started medical school. I completed the first two years in Meridian, ID, followed by clinical rotations in Rapid City, SD. I love family medicine because of the diversity in patient population, the broad skill set and the ability to dive into areas of greater interest while having the ability to work in a variety of settings. I wanted to come back to Illinois for residency to be closer to friends and family, and to experience living in the incredible city of Chicago. I enjoy being active — playing on rec teams or frequenting the gym — trying new restaurants, reading, traveling, playing with my dog, Sadie, and spending time with family.
Why Ascension Resurrection: Checking the boxes of its location in Chicago, being a community hospital, and having strong sports medicine training were qualities that initially drew me to Ascension Resurrection, but when I interviewed, it was evident that this program was much more than what could be described on their website. Virtually interviewing with pairs of residents and faculty, I noticed the way they interacted was unlike other programs. Everyone I met was authentic. There seemed to be no cookie-cutter definition of residents or faculty — everyone was different, yet I sensed a level of comfort they had in being themselves. They were excited to be hanging out together over the hours of interviewing and were genuinely interested in getting to know me. I could tell that interview season for this program was to make sure that they would aim to find a good fit for both parties — not only to see if I was a good fit for them, but to make sure Ascension Resurrection would a good fit for me. While I was still open-minded to other programs, I caught myself comparing every other program with Ascension Resurrection, not only by the boxes checked but the feeling I had, and when it came to ranking, it was an easy choice. (Other pluses! 1. Clinic is in the hospital 2. Meal stipend $ can be used at the hospital's Starbucks 3. Amazing cafeteria food 4. Everyone had great style)