Class of 2028

Bio:

Hi all! I am a born and raised Kansan, growing up in the small town of Cheney, KS just west of Wichita with my three younger siblings. In high school, I discovered my interest in medicine after shadowing my family physician. This led me to Newman University where I studied biology and played on the women's basketball team. I spent my first two years of medical school in Kansas City before moving back to Wichita for my clinical years. Going into 3rd year, I wasn't 100% sure what kind of physician I wanted to be, bouncing between family medicine, rheumatology, and orthopedic surgery. Quickly into the year, however, it became evident that family medicine is the specialty for me; the vast scope, deep patient-physician relationships, and continuity of care is what sold it for me!

 

In my free time, you can find me with my fiancé, Seth, going on walks with our mini Aussie, Raphael, rooting for our favorite teams -- go Hawks!!! (Seth is unfortunately a Wildcat...), traveling, and spending time with our families.

 

Why Via Christi?

I was fortunate enough to do many of my clinical rotations at Via Christi and see firsthand the quality of the residents going through the program. During the interview process, I found myself comparing every program to VCFM. Via Christi checked all my boxes for what I was looking for in a program -- high OB/inpatient volume, in-house sports medicine fellowship, etc. I also knew through my experience rotating through the program that I would be supported not only as a resident, but also a person and challenged to become the physician I hope to be.

 

Passions/Hobbies:  I am a pretty active person. I love to lift, hike, go on walks and bike rides, play basketball and volleyball. I also love to read, bake/cook, and recently took up quilting!

 

Favorite Books:  Throne of Glass series, anything by Henri Nouwen

 

Favorite Movies:  LOTR

 

Favorite Quote:  "Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven." - St. Rose of Lima

 

Plans after residency:  Potentially a sports medicine fellowship and then practice somewhere in rural Kansas.

Bio:

I grew up in Claremore, Oklahoma and moved north to Pitt State for undergrad. I majored in Chemistry and Biology and worked as a CNA, in construction, and as a TA. It was there that I met my now wife, Abby. We got married during COVID, a few months before I started med school at KU. We were lucky enough that my wife got a job at KU as a registered nurse, so we could chart next to each other and have lunch when time permitted. We had our first son, David, during my second year of medical school and our second son, Theo, during fourth year.

 

Why Via Christi?

I fell in love with full spectrum rural medicine, and there is a short list of residencies that prepare you well for that. I want to train to take excellent care of my patients in and out of the hospital. In rural medicine, help may not always be close by, and Via has the reputation and resources to train you to tackle that challenge. When I did my Sub-I here I was shocked at how hard working, competent, and most importantly, nice everyone was. I felt like I was home and instantly wanted to go here. Via became the standard that I compared all other residency programs to.

 

Hobbies:  Reading, backpacking, video games, board games

 

Favorite Books:  Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, Undaunted Courage, A Father Who Keeps His Promises

 

Favorite Podcasts:  Bible in a Year, Pints with Aquinas

 

Favorite Quotes:  "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" -Gandalf

 

Plans after residency:  Me and my family will hopefully move to rural Western Kansas and do full spectrum Family Medicine with C-sections. My wife wants to be the local school nurse. I also hope to do medical mission trips every year.

Bio:

Hi there! I was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, where my siblings and I spent our childhood immersed in outdoor activities like biking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and exploring. My dad, a welder in HVAC, and my mom, a children’s pastor, instilled in us a deep commitment to community service and the importance of hard work in pursuing our passions.

 

Although I didn't grow up surrounded by those in the medical field, my parents' example of selfless service inspired me to find purpose in helping others. This calling was solidified during a medical mission trip to the Philippines in high school, which sparked my interest in healthcare. While I hadn't initially considered a career in medicine, this experience set me on a path toward the profession.

 

At MidAmerica Nazarene University, I was fortunate to have mentors who guided me with invaluable advice and encouragement to pursue medical school, a decision I’ve never regretted. I later attended Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in New Mexico, where I not only confirmed my love of family medicine, but also learned some Spanish and met my wonderful husband, Steven! Together, we adopted our energetic rescue dog, Graham, who is always eager for our next adventure. We are thrilled to return to our favorite state and continue this journey!

 

Why Via Christi?

I was initially drawn to Via Christi because of its reputation as a broad-spectrum family medicine program with strong training in obstetrics. After reviewing the bios of the residents and faculty, I was truly impressed! It was clear that Via Christi not only provides exceptional medical training but also fosters a community of individuals motivated by their faith to serve others with love and compassion. During my pre-interview dinner and interview day, I felt an immediate sense of belonging, where I could truly be myself. Additionally, learning about the program’s emphasis on global health solidified my decision to pursue this opportunity.

 

Passions/Hobbies:  Hiking, exploring new cities, camping, perusing thrift stores, finding new coffee shops, spending time with family

 

Favorite Podcasts:  Crime Junkie, Office Ladies, Gospel in Life with Tim Keller, Made For this with Jennie Allen

 

Favorite Quotes:  “There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?”  -Pam Beesly in The Office

 

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." -Ephesians 3:17-19

 

Plans after residency:  I would love to practice full-scope family medicine in an underserved area of Kansas, likely in the Northeast region of the state. At this point in time, I plan to focus my practice on women's health, obstetrics, pediatrics and hospital medicine. My husband and I also have a passion for international missions and plan to be involved either locally or globally in compassionate ministries.

Bio: 
Hello! I am a native Kansan. Born in Hutchinson, I spent the first few years of my childhood in Pratt before moving to Wichita prior to 3rd grade. I stayed in Wichita for undergrad and attended Wichita State University for biomedical engineering. My intentions were to go to graduate school for prosthetics and orthotics, but during undergrad I knew I wanted to go a little further and decided to go to medical school. I left Kansas for 2 years to attend Kansas City University in Joplin, Missouri. It was in Joplin that I saw the medical needs in rural America, and my appreciation for family medicine grew.
 
I hope to one day be the physician that my patients will confide in, trust, and leave each visit knowing that their concerns were heard and validated. I know I can accomplish this at Via Christi.
 
Why Via Christi?
I was fortunate enough to do my 3rd year of medical school in Wichita and a majority of that time was spent with the Via Christi Family Medicine residents. During 4th year, I found myself comparing other programs to VCFM and none of them could top Via Christi! Via trains physicians to practice truly full-scope family medicine without sacrificing other parts of residents education which is something unique to this program. The people, education, location, and culture at VCFM do not compare to anything else!
 
As a Wichitan, I am lucky enough to have grown up receiving care from a VCFM trained physician. My PCP has showcased how competent and capable Via Christi graduates are, and I cannot wait to call myself a VCFM graduate one day!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Baking, crocheting, hiking, pretty much anything outdoors, spending time with my family and dog!
 
Favorite Books:  The Bluest Eye, Where Butterflies Wander, Where the Crawdads Sing
 
Favorite Quote:  "[As a doctor] people will trust you, confide in you, and appreciate your efforts. You can do amazing things for people if you don't let the system get you down."  -Dr. Wes Fischer
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to practice full spectrum family medicine including surgical obstetrics in Kansas!

Bio:

I was born in Sarasota, Florida, but did most of my growing up in Fort Scott, Kansas. Living in a small town was a great experience, and my parents made sure my three siblings and I stayed busy on our small hobby farm—raising chickens, goats, a few cows, and keeping up with an ever-expanding garden.

 

I left Fort Scott to earn my bachelor's at Illinois State University before pursuing medical training at KU. Even though I moved away from rural life, I never lost my love for the outdoors and take every chance I get to camp, hike, or fish. Over the years, my fishing skills improved, but my best catch by far is my wife, Laura. We got married on December 15, 2024, and share a dream of returning to Fort Scott to serve the small rural community that helped shape who I am today.

 

Why Via Christi?

I knew I wanted a residency that would prepare me for full-spectrum rural family medicine, and Via Christi provided exactly that. The program’s strong procedural training, inpatient experience, and emphasis on comprehensive care made it an ideal fit for my future practice. During my sub-internship, I had a fantastic experience working with the residents and faculty—their skill, kindness, and camaraderie made a lasting impression on me. The combination of excellent training, supportive culture, and the program’s proximity to both my and my wife’s families made Via Christi the perfect place to continue my journey in medicine.

 

Passions/Hobbies:  I love getting out in nature through hiking, camping, overlanding, and fishing. I also enjoy singing, experimenting with unique recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time with my wife.

 

Favorite Quotes:  “I’m an early bird and I’m a night owl. So I’m wise and I have worms.” -Michael Scott

 

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12

 

Plans after residency:  After residency I plan on practicing full-scope family medicine in my hometown of Fort Scott.

Bio:  I’m from Rose Hill, Kansas, a small town just outside of Wichita, with much of my family originating from a rural area in northwest Oklahoma. Growing up in this environment has shown me the importance of relationships and how the people around you truly make a difference. I attended Wichita State University and chose to stay in town for medical school at KU Wichita because I’ve always valued the supportive medical community here and being near family.

 

Why Via Christi?

Growing up around Via Christi I’ve always wanted to be part of this team, especially because of the positive interactions I’ve had with residents and faculty who became great mentors to me. I had the opportunity to do a Sub-Internship with Via Christi during my fourth year of medical school, and this really solidified my initial impressions of the program. The atmosphere is high-energy with a large patient volume, but I also felt a strong sense of support from everyone involved. I'm thrilled to have been selected to join the team, and staying in Wichita is definitely a big bonus for me!

 

Passions/Hobbies:  I enjoy spending time with my family and love water sports at the lake, snow skiing, and spending time outdoors.

 

Plans after residency:  Full-scope family medicine in Kansas where I can care for patients in all settings and also cover sporting events in the community.

Bio:

Howdy! I was born in rural Louisiana and raised by two loving parents while being surrounded by an amazing community of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. My interest in medicine began at a young age and was further reinforced by shadowing the local physicians in my hometown. That interest ultimately led me to pursue medical school which has provided an abundance of opportunities and personal growth that I thank God for everyday.

 

Why Via Christi?

If you would have told me when I began medical school that I would be doing my residency in Kansas, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. I had initially applied to Via Christi due to its reputation as being one of the best programs for those interested in broad spectrum family medicine. It ended up being one of my last interviews of the season and, after a dozen or so previous interviews, I was worn out. The thought had crossed my mind to cancel the interview with Via Christi because I thought there was no way I would be ranking a program as far away from family as Kansas was. Thankfully, despite that, I ultimately decided to not cancel the interview.

 

As I began to read the bios of the residents and faculty the day prior to the interview, I found that many of them came from similar backgrounds as me, with similar interests, and a similar passion for the kind of medicine I wanted to practice. One of my preceptors during my 3rd year of medical school had told me that I should train at a program where the residents and faculty were the type of physicians and people I aspired to be like. With those words in the back of my mind and after meeting around a half dozen of the residents and faculty at Via Christi who seemed to embody the ideals I strive for, I knew it was the right place for me.

 

Passions/Hobbies:  Hiking, golfing, reading, fishing, hunting

 

Favorite Books:  Red Rising (Pierce Brown), Recursion (Blake Crouch), Cosmere books (Brandon Sanderson), The Gospel's Power & Message (Paul Washer)

 

Favorite Quotes:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.

“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

“The safest place for a ship is the harbor, but a ship is made for the sea” - John Shedd

“I can’t go on, I’ll go on” - Samuel Beckett

 

Favorite Foods:  Filet oscar, redfish, crawfish, gumbo

 

Plans after residency:  Open to wherever the Lord leads me.

Bio: 
Hi! I grew up in southeastern South Dakota with my parents and 3 younger sisters. I went to NDSU for undergrad and decided to stay and get my MPH. I then moved to Atlanta with my husband and worked in public health for several years. Working in public health grew my desire to pursue medicine, specifically primary care.
 
My husband Jalanni and I got married during my first year in medical school and had our son during my fourth year in medical school. We have two dogs, Luna and Arrow. We love everything outdoors - biking, hiking, kayaking, and more. We travel as much as we can! Our all-time favorite trip has been Switzerland.
 
Why Via Christi?
When initially looking for residency programs, I wanted a program that would support me both professionally and personally. I wanted a program that would train me well in full-spectrum family medicine including surgical/operative OB. And personally, I wanted to have coresidents and faculty that understood and were going to support me through the challenges of having a family during training. I first met some of the residents and faculty at the national AAFP conference and felt that I not only would fit in well with the people but could get the training I desired without sacrificing anything. This is how I knew Via Christi would be the right fit for me!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  All things outdoors, traveling, sourdough, working out and weight lifting
 
Favorite Podcasts:  I love podcasts of all kinds!
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to practice family medicine with surgical OB but unsure where!

Bio:

Hi, I'm Kaitlyn! I grew up in small-town Colorado, a place where community shaped my values and dreams. With the best family and friends anyone could ask for, and the Rocky Mountain blue skies, I didn't think I'd ever venture too far. As a kid who loved English class and all things science, I thought I might become a teacher. But, as time went on, the healthcare field drew me in - first as a rehabilitation tech and then as a doctor. I found myself at Creighton, calling Omaha, Nebraska, my "home away from home" and gaining priceless new friends and experiences. The draw of family medicine started with a hometown inspiration and grew stronger with each mentor along the way. I consider medicine to be a vocation, and I am honored to be a family medicine physician, getting to celebrate milestones and achievements with, educate and empower, and provide comfort to others in all stages of life.

 

Why Via Christi?

The sense of community within Via Christi is strong. I heard about the program during one of my sub-internships, and after checking out the program website, added it to my program applications. On paper, it seemed like the type of community I could see myself being a part of, from the values to the full-spectrum training. In-person? More of the same. Via Christi felt familiar; it felt like the right place for me. My interactions with attending and resident physicians left me thinking, "I hope to be like that someday." Because I want to practice rural, full-scope medicine, I was looking for a robust training program. Over and over, I heard sentiments of gratitude for their quality training from current residents and program graduates. What makes a place special? The people. My hometown, Creighton, and now Via Christi check that box!

 

Passions/Hobbies:  Country music, reading, baking, spending time with family and friends

 

Favorite Book:  Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

 

Favorite Quotes:  "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou

"Pivot, pivot, pivot!" - Ross Geller

 

Plans after residency:  Hopefully full-spectrum family medicine in underserved rural Colorado!

Bio: 
Hello! My name is Leandra, and I’m from St. Louis, Missouri. Before you ask where I went to high school, I’ll say I lived a little far from my alma mater since my family wanted the best of both worlds - close enough to the city but far enough away to pretend we have a small “farm.” At this point, my family may have more pets than people. It was my experience growing up with quite a few elderly relatives which sparked a desire to serve the geriatric population. As I went through clinical rotations, I realized what an honor it is to walk with patients at every life stage, which solidified my desire to pursue family medicine. I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful family, friends, and mentors I have been blessed with on this path, and I cannot wait to continue learning in this new chapter throughout residency.
 
Why Via Christi?
I had heard great things about Via Christi, then I read these fun bios, then I had the opportunity to complete a sub-I, and then it just felt like home. I was so impressed by the excellence in training in full spectrum care combined with a thriving community and the opportunity to practice medicine in a way that aligned with my values. I knew the doctors I met here were the kinds I wanted to be, and I was confident I’d gain the skills to serve wherever I am called in the future.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Dancing!, art, and music. I do not have an athletic bone in my body, but I started taking ballet as an adult, and it has really helped with my lack of coordination.
 
Favorite Quotes:  "Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your weakness." - Mother Teresa
 
Favorite books:  Man's Search for Meaning, anything by C.S. Lewis or JPII
 
Plans after residency:  I’m open to go wherever I am called to serve - close to home or internationally - and hope to be able to offer full spectrum care to meet the needs of the community where I practice. I’d also love to continue improving my capacity to speak Spanish and to incorporate this in my practice one day!

Bio:  I was born and raised in Logan, Utah, and have called it home for most of my life. I graduated from Logan High and went on to Utah State University, where I studied Nutrition Science with minors in Psychology and Biochemistry. It was during a freshman biology lab that I met my husband, and not long after, I adopted my dog at just nine weeks old—he’s now a very sweet eight-year-old who’s been by my side through every chapter since.
 
I’ve worked in a variety of jobs over the years—some in healthcare, others not—but all of them taught me how to work hard, stay grounded, and connect with people from all walks of life. I also volunteered regularly in the community, which helped shape my desire to care for others. After undergrad, I earned a Master’s in Biomedical Science while continuing to work, and eventually I was fortunate enough to be accepted to Kansas City University for medical school.
 
I recently completed a preliminary surgery year at the University of Missouri, which challenged me, pushed me, and taught me so much—not just about procedures, but about myself. While I enjoyed surgery, I realized that what I love most is forming long-term relationships with patients and being part of their journey through all stages of life. That led me to family medicine, where I hope to bring a strong work ethic, a team-first attitude, and a lot of heart.
 
I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am and deeply grateful to everyone who’s helped me along the way. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m eager, open, and always ready to jump in and help however I can.
 
Why Via Christi?
I was drawn to the Via Christi Family Medicine Residency because of its strong commitment to full-spectrum, hands-on training. The program’s emphasis on obstetrics, procedures, and caring for patients in both urban and rural settings aligns closely with the kind of physician I hope to become—well-rounded, adaptable, and deeply rooted in community-based care. During the interview and call-back weekend, I was struck by how genuinely kind and supportive everyone was. The culture of mentorship, openness, and thoughtful feedback really stood out to me and made the program feel like a place where I could both grow and give back.
 
Passions/Hobbies:
Scuba diving, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, painting, cooking, pickleball, pottery, rock climbing, hiking, wakeboarding, mountain biking, crocheting, traveling, trying new foods, watching oldies but goodies (Roman Holiday, Bringing Up Baby, The Breakfast Club, Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), escaping into epic fantasy worlds (Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, Howl’s Moving Castle), cross-stitching, and spending time with family.
 
Favorite Quotes: 
Years ago, a mentor said something that’s stayed with me ever since: “True education isn’t about how many answers you know, but about the depth and thoughtfulness of the questions you learn to ask. The real value of learning lies in curiosity—the kind that keeps you asking better and better questions. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about staying curious and open to discovery.” That perspective has really shaped the way I approach learning, and it’s something I try to carry with me each day.

Bio: 
Hey there! I am from Lakeville, Minnesota, a suburb just south of Minneapolis. I am the second of four kids, and I absolutely adore my parents and siblings. A few things about me: I love Jesus, running, coffee, and dad jokes. If I could only have one food for the rest of my life it would be apples with peanut butter. And finally, if I had to choose between the mountains and ocean, I’ll choose the ocean.
 
After high school, I ended up in Illinois at Wheaton College where I studied anthropology and ran on the cross country and track teams. The first half of medical school I spent in Kansas City, and the second half brought me to Wichita – little did I know I’d end up staying!
 
The Lord started directing me towards becoming a physician when I was about 13 years old. Around the same time, I discovered an interest in international medical missions. Since then, I have always pictured myself being a missionary physician, and that remains my dream to this day! I see myself going to Latin America (I’ve been to Guatemala and Ecuador on mission trips, and Mexico and Cuba to study abroad). I am also interested in rural medicine.
 
Why Via Christi?
I had the unique opportunity to rotate with Via Christi as a third-year medical student, which is how I caught the vision for full spectrum family medicine. During my rotations I discovered that I enjoyed working with people of all ages, from newborns to geriatric patients. I liked being in the clinic and in the hospital, and found great interest in obstetric care. Additionally, after talking with people at Via Christi and attending the Global Missions Health Conference, I learned that full spectrum family medicine is well suited to international contexts. I chose Via Christi not only because of the phenomenal training in full-spectrum family medicine, but also because the faculty and residents shared a passion for missions, and overall just felt like family. I truly cannot imagine training anywhere else!
 
Hobbies:  I love to work out and be active! Running, biking, swimming, weight lifting. I also enjoy raising house plants, playing piano, and reading missionary memoirs.
 
Favorite Books:  The Bible, Kisses from Katie, When Crickets Cry, Chasing the Dragon
Favorite Podcasts:  Becoming Something, With the Perry's
Favorite Ice Cream:  Blue Bunny, Bunny Tracks

Favorite Quotes:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
 
“I have learned that I will not change the world, Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person... And if one persos sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute. In fact, it is worth spending my life for.” - Katie Davis Majors
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to do full spectrum family medicine with obstetrics in a rural or international setting!

Bio: 
I was born and raised in Wichita, KS, and I am the middle child of three siblings born to my phenomenal parents, who immigrated from Nigeria over 30 years ago. Growing up, I spent much of my time playing sports and being active in my church. My faith and relationship with Christ have always been a large part of who I am and are the main reasons I knew at a young age I wanted to be a physician. As I progressed through my training, I realized that I wanted to be the kind of doc who can provide care for just about anyone who walks through the door. That made my decision to choose family medicine very easy. I’m ultimately driven by the conviction the Lord has placed in me to serve the ill and suffering.
 
My journey thus far has been a blessing in so many ways, with one of the greatest blessings being the fact that I met my wife during my undergrad studies at Wichita State. We got married almost immediately after we finished our master’s degrees, and we moved to Colorado at the start of medical school. We are also very fortunate to have welcomed our first daughter into our lives.
 
Why Via Christi?
The first thing that drew me to Via was their robust training. Only a handful of programs in the country genuinely provide full-spectrum training that enables family docs to practice at the top of their scope with a great degree of competence. This was vital to me. Additionally, no other program has such a close-knit community compared to Via. During my 4 week sub-internship here, it was apparent to me that everyone of the residents and faculty genuinely cared for and supported each other through the rigors of training and the highs and lows of life.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  I love cooking, particularly any kind of red meat paired with whiskey. I also love cycling, weightlifting, and studying history.
 
Favorite Books:  Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life
 
Favorite Podcasts:  Jocko, Pints with Aquinas
 
Plans after residency:  After residency, I plan to practice full-spectrum family medicine, emphasizing the inpatient and ER settings for a few years before opening a DPC practice.

Bio: 
I was born in Colombia, but my family and I moved to Conroe, Texas when I was 2 years old. There, I grew up with my parents and two sisters as the middle child until I was 18. Lucky for me, approximately 18 and 21 years after I was born, I was blessed with two more siblings - two of my best friends! I was also fortunate to meet my other best friend, Tony, at an early age and to get married many years later surrounded by loved ones.
After growing up in Conroe, Texas, I moved to Austin, Texas for undergraduate school and later to Fort Worth and Sherman, Texas for medical school. I always joke that we have been slowly moving our way up North, and the natural next step was Wichita.
My journey towards medicine was a lot of different pieces placed together. From volunteering at a free clinic and working with underserved girls in Austin, to learning about the social determinants of health affecting rural and underserved communities in America and abroad, I knew family medicine was for me. It was the perfect combination of medicine, teaching, learning, and relationship building that I was looking for in a career.
 
Why Via Christi?
I was initially drawn to Via Christi because of the full spectrum family medicine training that it boasted. The program checked off aspects that I was looking for in a program, including the strong obstetrical training, the osteopathic recognition, and opportunity to work with Spanish-speaking patients. However, what really solidified Via Christi as the top choice for my husband and I was the people in the program, both faculty and residents. The passion, involvement, and kindness of the people we met both during interview day and second look was enough to draw us out of Texas.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Gardening, camping/ hiking, painting, photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
 
Plans after residency:  After residency, my plan is to practice full scope family medicine in a rural community. I would like to maintain a broad scope of practice including obstetrical care, nursing home care, inpatient, and outpatient care. I also hope to continue to participate in international medicine trips throughout my career.

Bio: 
Hey, I'm Becca! I’m originally from Texas, but I moved around a lot growing up, which sparked my love for travel, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. I’m especially passionate about working with underserved communities and just meeting people right where they are at. It brings me so much joy to know I've been given the opportunity to be a part of the family medicine world.
 
Community is everything to me! I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by my friends and family—whether we’re sharing a meal, exploring somewhere new, or just laughing about something ridiculous. Outside of medicine, you’ll probably find me traveling, reading, trying new foods, or soaking up the outdoors.
 
Why Via Christi?
During my fourth year of medical school, I knew I was looking for a family medicine program that offered excellent full-scope training and intentional community. As I went through interview season, VCFM just kept coming back up. I ultimately chose Via Christi because I knew it would shape me into a well-rounded, confident physician while keeping me grounded in service and community. The full-spectrum training and focus on underserved care align perfectly with my goals, and I love that I’ll graduate feeling equipped for anything—whether in an FQHC, abroad, or wherever I’m called to serve.
 
My faith also played a big role in this decision. I wanted a program that not only challenges me clinically but also encourages a deeper sense of purpose in medicine. What truly sealed the deal, though, was the people. The residents and faculty genuinely support each other, and I knew I’d be surrounded by like-minded individuals who lift each other up while working toward a shared mission.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  I love reading, hiking or really anything outdoors (as much as a Texas girl can), travel, game nights with friends
 
Favorite Books:  The Bible, Francine Rivers, C.S Lewis; you can never go wrong with re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia.
 
Favorite Quotes:  " 'Then he isn’t safe?' 'Safe?'.... Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.' "  -C.S Lewis, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
 
Plans after residency:  I can't say with complete certainty where I will end up but hope to be a part of medical missions and serving underserved communities; either internationally or working in an FQHC - possibly back in the Lone Star State.

Bio: 
Hey y’all! As a rural Kansas native raised in a family of healthcare workers, it was almost expected of me to go into medicine. However, as the rebellious middle child, I fought it for a while and left for Baylor University in Waco, Texas. There, I met my best friends and had the most formative memories of my life (including salmon smokes, buc-ees visits, and driving around Texas for hometown trips!). My major at Baylor, Medical Humanities, broadened my understanding of a doctor’s role and showed me the enduring goodness of full-spectrum family medicine.
 
Returning to Kansas for medical school felt like a blank slate, where I had the freedom to pursue the sort of medicine I wanted to practice. Wichita has been an unexpected blessing—the Lord provided friends, education, and opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined!
 
Why Via Christi?
During those years at Baylor, I experienced firsthand the genuine relationships that are the fruit of a good family physician. My friendships with Chris Vitt (my high school biology teacher) and Dr. Lauren Barron (faculty mentor at Baylor) taught me about the meaningful life-long healing that family doctors provide. Specifically, I fell in love with the combination of family medicine and teaching. Following that thread, I came back to Kansas for medical school and fell in love with Via Christi.
 
Via Christi, I learned, is committed to developing people as much as physicians. They train family physicians to provide full-spectrum medical + obstetric care, to lead in their communities, and to pursue holistic wellness. This culture of caring was evident in every interaction I had with residents and faculty. I know that after the end of these three years, I will walk out a better person and a better doctor. There was no other option for me!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  I enjoy hiking in the mountains, eating Thai food (extra spicy please!), booking last-minute flights to visit friends, and learning about Church history!
 
Favorite Books:  Hinds Feet in High Places, Anne of Green Gables, Just Mercy, anything Brandon Sanderson.
 
Favorite Hikes:  El Camino Frances, Mt. Huron, Bua Tong Waterfall, and the Tooth of Time at Philmont
 
Plans after residency:  Wherever the Lord leads! I would like to pursue full-spectrum FM-OB care and part-time teaching. As for where I'll end up, who knows! I'm in for an adventure.

Bio: 
I was born and raised outside Lincoln, Nebraska but my family moved to Celina, Texas when I was 12. I like to joke that my inability to decide which state I wanted to claim as home led me to choose Virginia as a neutral site for medical school, though reality is I’m a little bit of the best of both worlds making Wichita my perfect middle-ground.
 
After deciding against pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, I went to Texas A&M (Gig ‘Em!) to study nutrition and soil science while seeking answers to my own health struggles. It was during this time that I learned about the power of food as medicine, which lit the spark for my studies in Osteopathic Medicine. I feel fortunate to have attended medical school on the East Coast where I could reunite with my older brothers for a couple years. While the rest of my family still considers themselves Nebraska Cornhuskers (my grandma has held season tickets for over 60 years), I cheer for the Aggies every chance I get.
 
Don’t quit your daydream (or dreaming in general). Medical training will steal your joy if you let it, so cling tightly to those unique interests outside of medicine.
 
Why Via Christi?
The people! (and the training.) Throughout my third year rotations in rural East Texas, preceptors would tell me “I don’t think you’ll be able to do everything unless you go somewhere like Kansas.” While it was comments like these that initially sparked my interest in heavily procedure-based programs like Via Christi, it was my experience at Callback Weekend that confirmed “I’m goin’ to Wich-i-ta!” (as Dr Penny would say). I’ll never forget tearing up as I drove back to Texas recalling all the fun that was had and new friends (now more like family) I had made. Forty-eight hours later I was back in Wichita to shadow more in the clinics and hospital as I did not do a full Sub-I rotation with Via Christi. As fate (or the Lord) would have it, I was blown away by the teaching and compassionate care I witnessed in this short experience, confirming the decision I wanted to make Wichita home.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Horses, Cooking (& eating), Swing Dancing, Skeet Shooting, Trying to keep plants alive . . .
From volunteering with equine therapy programs for kids on the autism spectrum to training horses for use with youth in foster care to even helping create an equine-assisted resiliency training curriculum as a medical student, my experiences have been far and wide thanks to a little bit of dreaming and a whole lot of faith.
 
Favorite Books:  Psalms, Proverbs & Ephesians, Mind Your Brain (Elizabeth Erickson), pretty much anything on nutrition
 
Favorite Music:  Anything Tchaikovsky to Texas Country with a little Chris Renzema and Quinn XCII scattered in between.
 
Favorite Movie:  Enola Holmes
 
Favorite Quote:  “Hard is not bad.”
 
Life Verse: “And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.”
Revelation 12:11 AMP
 
Plans after residency:  Farm-based medicine! Ask me about it.

Bio: 
Hello! I was born and raised in Austin, Texas — the absolute best state to be from! My parents taught me, my sister, and my brother about God from an early age, and I first placed my trust in Him at age 6. Since then, I have slowly grown in my faith, and He has given me purpose and blessed my life in so many ways! After high school, I moved to College Station to attend Texas A&M University (whoop!), where I earned a degree in Biology. I was accepted into the Science to Medicine Early Assurance Program and matriculated to Texas A&M College of Medicine after completing undergrad. With two degrees from A&M, I have become the stereotypical diehard Aggie, attending almost every home football game during my time there despite constant disappointment in our mediocre school record. During medical school, I discovered a passion for rural medicine and decided to pursue a career in full-spectrum Family Medicine, with the intent to return to rural Texas. My desire to treat the underserved also extends internationally, and I have had the privilege of participating on medical mission trips to 4 different countries.
 
Why Via Christi?
I chose Via Christi for two main reasons:  the training and the people. When searching for programs that provided full-spectrum training, including surgical OB, Via Christi’s name kept popping up. I was impressed by the depth and breadth of their training, which would prepare me for any type of Family Medicine career I wanted to pursue. What won me over, though, was the people. At the interview day and second look weekend, the faculty were truly interested in getting to know me, and I knew that they would be dedicated to helping me grow personally and professionally. The residents were so genuine, supportive, and passionate about Family Medicine. They were even willing to answer questions about other residencies, wanting to find the right fit for me, whether or not it was at Via Christi. Ultimately, I knew that I wanted to train with like-minded people at Via Christi who shared my passion for serving people through medicine and modeled the type of physician I hope to become.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  I enjoy playing board and card games; some of my favorites are Take 5, Carcassonne, and Spades. I’m frequently found at antique stores hunting for old books or handmade pottery. I’m always down to try a new hole-in-the-wall restaurant or recipe. And I LOVE to travel and experience new cultures!
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to return to Texas and set up a full-spectrum practice in a rural town combining outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care – hopefully with OB as well! I also plan to continue serving on short-term medical missions as opportunities are provided by the Lord.