Class of 2029

Bio:  Hello everyone! I grew up in Scott City, a small town in southwest Kansas, with my younger sister. Throughout high school, my sister and I kept our parents pretty busy with all of our sporting events, school concerts, and a million and one other school organizations we decided to join. In high school, I obtained my CNA license and began working at the local nursing home. It was thanks to that opportunity that I knew I would pursue a career in healthcare. After high school graduation, I moved to Hays for college.  Being the first person in my family to go to college made this a bit overwhelming for me, as I had no idea what I was doing. Thanks to the guidance of my awesome biochemistry professor, I was able to graduate in 3 years with my bachelor's degree and take the necessary steps towards medical school applications all while still working full-time hours. After a short year of working as a medical assistant at the local clinic in my hometown, I was off to live in the big city for the first time and started my medical school journey. I enjoyed two years in Kansas City, then moved to Wichita for my clinical years and enjoyed it just as much.
 
Why Via Christi?
Initially, Via Christi caught my attention because three of the five doctors I had worked with in my hometown were VCFM graduates.  Also, Via Christi is one of the few three-year family medicine programs that still trains in surgical obstetrics. While doing my Sub-I at Via Christi, all of the residents that I worked with were very friendly and welcoming. Everyone I interacted with made the effort to get to know me and who I was outside of being a medical student. I also loved observing how the residents interacted with each other and remember thinking that they all seemed like a bunch of friends rather than co-workers. During my July Sub-I, I got to experience the new interns start their first day of residency and the PGY-2s transition into their new role of seniors. I was surprised by just how much the PGY-2s already knew and how confidently they handled being the seniors on service. Throughout the residency application cycle, I found myself comparing what other programs had to offer to the experience I had here. While there are many great programs out there, none of them could beat the training I had seen first hand at Via Christi! As an added benefit, I get to stay close to my family and already have a great support system here in Wichita!

Passions/Hobbies:  Baking, pickleball, traveling, helping my grandpa on the farm, and spending time with friends and family!

Plans after residency:  Rural full spectrum family medicine, including surgical OB. Hopefully in a setting with a large Spanish speaking population!

Bio:  Hi y’all! I’m Victoria! I grew up in an urban neighborhood outside Birmingham, Alabama. I was homeschooled alongside my three siblings from K–12th grade, which fostered both my independence and love of learning early on. Although I didn’t grow up surrounded by those in the medical field, I was drawn to it from a young age. My interest was solidified during my junior year of high school while volunteering in the Burn/Trauma Unit at UAB.

Given the impact of gang violence in my community, I became interested in emergency medicine while at Vanderbilt and initially felt called to pursue trauma surgery in medical school. However, during my third year of medical school, I faced significant, unexpected health challenges, which led me to take a one-year leave of absence. That experience profoundly reshaped my perspective on the medical system, the physician-patient relationship, and my understanding of health and wellness. It also deepened my appreciation for the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care—especially at the primary care level.

In the midst of that year’s hardship and loss, Jesus sustained and faithfully guided me, gently leading me toward a new path in medicine. Upon returning to medical school, I fell in love with full-spectrum family medicine and couldn’t see myself doing anything else!
 
Why Via Christi?
I was drawn to Via Christi for its excellent full-spectrum training, particularly its strong emphasis on procedures and obstetrics, as well as the exceptional clinical preparation it provides. Equally compelling, however, were the people. There is a rare and genuine warmth, humility, and camaraderie among the residents and faculty. Their kindness and openness toward one another foster a culture that is not only collaborative but also deeply life-giving. This program is clearly rooted in a shared commitment to serve others with love, compassion, and faith.

From my earliest interactions at the FUTURE conference through my interview day, I felt an immediate and profound sense of belonging. That impression was only deepened during callback weekend, when a snowstorm disrupted my travel plans. In the midst of the uncertainty, I received numerous calls from residents and faculty offering help, food, and a place to stay—their generosity was incredibly moving. In that moment, I knew without hesitation that this was a place where I would be supported, challenged, and able to grow both personally, spiritually, and professionally.

I never would have imagined packing up my life—and my two cats—to move from Alabama to Kansas to pursue family medicine. Now, I am certain this is God’s calling and purpose for my life, and I feel incredibly honored and excited to train at Via Christi and serve patients alongside such incredible people!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Going to the gym and weightlifting; collecting gourmet hot sauce; cooking; spending time with my cats; hiking; tanning; making art; collecting quotes; going to concerts and exploring new music

Favorite Books:  Blind Spots (Dr. Marty Makary), The 1916 Project (Seth Gruber), What It Is Like to Go to War (Karl Marlantes), and the Bible

Favorite Music:  I have an extremely expansive music taste, but some of my current favorites include: classic rock (Scorpions, Kansas, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater); worship music (Averly Morillo, Karen Espinosa, World Worship); reggae (Dispatch, High Watah, Maoli, Surfer Girl); indie folk/alternative (Morgan Wade, Cage the Elephant, Emmylou Harris, Half Moon Run); Frank Sinatra; Vicente Fernández; Christian Nodal; and so much more!

Favorite Quotes:  
“The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth they can accept about themselves without running away.”
"Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow."
 
Plans after residency:  I am open to wherever God leads and am excited to see how my interests continue to grow during residency. Ultimately, I hope to practice as full-spectrum as possible, likely in a rural setting. I am especially drawn to women’s health—particularly menopause care and obstetrics—and may pursue additional training in FM-OB. I also have a strong interest in weight loss/obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine, and could see myself incorporating those into my future practice. With the incredible mentorship and support at Via Christi, I am confident I will be well-equipped to pursue whatever path I am called to!

Bio:  Growing up in a military family meant moving from state to state every few years. Through all that change, my family became the most constant and grounding part of my life. Now I have been in Kansas for over a decade, and I am excited to continue my training here!

From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that would challenge me, keep me learning, and give me the chance to serve others. Family medicine became the perfect place to bring all of that together. My first experience with patient care was as a caretaker in a nursing facility when I was seventeen. I quickly realized how much I loved connecting with people and getting to know them beyond their medical needs. Those early moments shaped the way I approach medicine today. I want to understand my patients’ stories, their families, and what matters most to them.

I hope to bring a smile or moment of laughter to every patient I interact with.

Rock Chalk!
 
Why Via Christi?
I was drawn to the strong full-spectrum training and wonderful sense of community at this program. From day one of my rotation here as a fourth year medical student, I felt welcomed with open arms. I was excited to show up every day and learn with such a fantastic group of residents. I was blown away by their kindness, skills and intelligence. I knew Via Christi was the place for me and feel so honored to be here!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Spending time with friends and family, getting outdoors, going on walks and running. 

Favorite Podcasts:  Crime Junkie and Murder with my Husband! 

Favorite Shows:  I love to unplug my brain by watching reality dating shows. 

Favorite Bible verse:  "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. 
 
Plans after residency:  I hope to stay in Kansas and practice full-spectrum Family Medicine!

Advice for medical students:  Be yourself and go with your gut!

Bio:  I was born here in Wichita but raised in Derby with my parents and older sister. Growing up I was fortunate to have been involved in football, which is where my love for family medicine began.

During high school, after multiple injuries, our team physician (family medicine) had the skillset to keep me healthy enough to continue playing a sport that I loved. It was then that I realized I wanted to be a doctor, to help people stay healthy enough to live the best lives they can. Also during high school, I started a lawn care business that I operated until my third year of medical school. My dream is to combine my love for family medicine and business by opening a DPC clinic. 

I attended Newman University and met my wife, Jess, shortly before graduating. We later got married in May 2023 during my first year of medical school. We had our daughter, Ellie, during my final year of medical school (she was born at St. Joe!).
 
Why Via Christi?
There are a few major reasons:

1. I want to become a full-spectrum family medicine doctor and was impressed by the broad, intense atmosphere. The training is challenging, with your peers and faculty pushing you to become a better version of yourself. During my Sub-I, I was always impressed with the level of training the residents were getting. 

2. THE PEOPLE! Truly, I was floored with the amount of support and camaraderie I saw during my Sub-I here. The residents were not only phenomenal in their skill sets and drive to become better; the sense of community was second to none. Additionally, the faculty have a palpable love for teaching and mentoring - something I really appreciate. 

3. The sheer amount of support for families and spouses. A key factor in my decision was how supported my family would feel during training. During almost every event, spouses and kids were always encouraged to attend. 
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Spending time with my family, reading books, lifting weights, playing video games, trying new restaurants with my wife

Favorite Books:  
Finances - The Simple Path to Wealth (J.L. Collins), The Millionaire Fastlane (MJ DeMarco), The Millionaire Mind (Thomas Stanely, PhD)

Personal Development -  See You at the Top (Zig Ziglar), The Slight Edge (Jeff Olson), The Magic of Thinking Big (David Schwartz, PhD), Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual (Jocko Willink) 

Favorite Podcasts:  Founders, White Coat Investor, Jocko Podcast, The Ramsey Show

Favorite Quotes:  
"Good."  - Jocko Willink
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be"  - Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to spend the first few years practicing full-spectrum family medicine (outpatient, inpatient, endoscopy, ER) in whatever community will have me. I later hope to open a DPC clinic in Derby.

Bio:  Hey y’all! I’m originally from the greater Houston area in Texas. I completed both my undergraduate and medical education in Houston and also earned a Master of Public Health focused on community programming and maternal and child health during my time in Boston.

As a first-generation college graduate and future physician, my path to medicine has been shaped by my faith, resilience, and the community that poured into me. My family still tells the story of me as a little girl riding my bike down our street with a book open on the handlebars, flipping pages between pedals and glancing up just long enough to steer. I have always loved learning, and that curiosity continues to guide me today.

Before medicine, I worked in Houston supporting at-risk students through dropout prevention programs, which built on a passion for addressing disparities and supporting underserved communities which started during my upbringing. After earning my MPH, I also worked in quality improvement, partnering with hospital teams to implement protocols and evidence-based interventions to reduce health disparities and improve maternal care. These experiences ultimately led me to pursue medicine and continue to shape how I approach patient care and advocacy.

My commitment to Family Medicine became more personal during medical school, as I cared for my parents, uncle and grandmother through their health challenges and at the end of their lives. That season showed me both the impact of compassionate care and the gaps that patients and families still have to navigate. It confirmed my desire to become a physician who provides comprehensive, patient-centered care while also working to improve the systems our patients depend on.
 
Why Via Christi?
While exploring programs with strong OB training, Via Christi was consistently recommended across multiple spaces, which initially caught my attention. I was ultimately drawn to the full-spectrum training, especially in obstetrics, and the opportunity to build strong procedural skills while caring for patients across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

What stood out most to me, though, was the people. During my time at the AAFP FUTURE conference and throughout my interview, I felt a genuine sense of community, humility, and purpose from the faculty, staff, and residents. It was clear that this is a place where residents are supported not only as physicians, but as whole people, where a sense of calling and service is truly at the center of our work.

As a Texan, I was initially hesitant to leave my home state and family support, but the strength of the training and the people here made it the right place for me to grow.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, caring for my three dogs, and supporting underrepresented youth in accessing STEM fields. I’m also a bit of a foodie and love reading, writing (especially narrative medicine), and documenting everyday life through photography. You can find me gardening (currently in my “trying to keep them alive” era, with mixed results), staying active, enjoying rodeo season and trail rides, or deep into a TV or movie binge. In an alternate universe, I would be traveling the world full-time (probably with an overpacked suitcase), meeting new people and immersing myself in different cultures. I believe joy is radical, and you can almost always find me laughing with my people.

Favorite Books: 
Fourth Wing and Throne of Glass series; Medical Apartheid; The Warmth of Other Suns; The Orphan Mother; No Apparent Distress; The Power of Now; Atomic Habits; Cutting for Stone; Being Mortal; When Breath Becomes Air; The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down; Everything Left to Remember

Favorite Music:
Beyoncé (always), along with gospel (most importantly), R&B, blues, country, and a little bit of everything depending on the mood

Favorite Quotes:
Words That Ground Me
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10
“Here I am; send me.” – Isaiah 6:8
“With life as short as a half-taken breath, don’t plant anything but love.” – Rumi

Words I Live By
“The closer we get to the people we’re trying to help, the better we understand how to help them. The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice.” – Bryan Stevenson

Plans after residency:  After residency, I plan to return to Texas near my hometown and family and practice full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, with a focus on maternal and child health and underserved communities. I am especially interested in advocacy, health policy, and community-engaged research, and I feel called to care for patients across the full spectrum of life, from birth through end-of-life care.

Long term, I hope to build a community-rooted practice, serving communities similar to the ones that shaped me.

Advice for Future Residents:
Craft your narrative and tell your story. Everyone brings something unique to medicine, and your future patients need you specifically!

One piece of advice that has stayed with me:  “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of progress.” – my mentor, Dr. Meadows

Bio:  I grew up in Southern California, and I developed a love for water sports early on. I played water polo and swam competitively throughout high school, and I learned to surf as a teenager. I initially had no interest in pursuing medicine until I started training to work as an ocean lifeguard for the state of California. The first aid courses caught my attention in a way that few other things had, and it spurred me to change the course of my life. I worked in that role for 6 years, advancing to the EMT level and instructing the newer lifeguards in CPR and first aid, while also changing my major to biochemistry and completing medical school prerequisites. During this time, I also met my wonderful wife Victoria. I won her over when I rescued her in the ocean (true story!); a few years later, we were married in 2021.

The next year, I began medical school at Rocky Vista University in Parker, Colorado. We spent 2 years there completing my pre-clinical education, and we joined an amazing church that revitalized our faith in God and blessed us with a wonderful community. For the 2nd half of medical school, we elected to move to Laramie, Wyoming to pursue my interest in rural medicine. Early in my 3rd year, our son Jack was born, and we learned to adapt to our new responsibilities along with the changes of the clinical years. 

I knew early on in medical school that I wanted to pursue family medicine because of my broad interests and the ability to include aspects of many different specialties. I also saw the challenges that rural populations face in Wyoming. I wanted (and still want) to become the type of family physician able to meet the needs of rural America. 
 
Why Via Christi?
I discovered Via Christi during my search for full-spectrum family medicine programs, and it immediately stood out as one of my top choices. Reading the bios of the residents and faculty members, I was struck by the amount of faith, service, and compassion exhibited in them, and I was fortunate enough to be selected to complete a sub-internship. During my rotation, me, my wife, and my son were hosted very graciously by one of the residents and his family, and we were immersed in the culture. I was highly impressed by the level of kindness, competence, and passion I observed from everyone in the program, and I was also deeply encouraged to see so many of them integrate their faith as a part of their care. My wife and son were included just as much as I was, and I was thrilled to see a program with such robust family support. Like many of the people I met here, I had no connection to Wichita or Kansas, but I found that Via Christi offered unparalleled training in full-spectrum family medicine with an amazing community around it. I knew it had to be my top choice, and I feel so blessed to join the team!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  hiking, surfing, trap-shooting, reading, cooking on cast iron, and spending time with my family

Favorite Books:  The Divine Conspiracy (Dallas Willard), In the Kingdom of Ice (Hampton Sides), People Care (Thom Dick), Warrior Soul (Chuck Pfarrer), Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand)

Bio:  Hello! While I was born in Tennessee, I mostly grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I did not venture far for undergrad and attended the University of South Dakota and went on to attend medical school at USD Sanford School of Medicine. During medical school, my desire to be a full-scope family medicine physician grew through rotations in obstetrics, pediatrics, and medicine. I believe being a physician is a privilege and blessing, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve. 

During undergrad, I married my high school sweetheart, Adam. With whatever free time we have you will find us outdoors or cooking up a new (and usually overly complicated) recipe in the kitchen.  
 
Why Via Christi?
When I decided that I wanted to practice full-scope family medicine, I began looking for programs that could help me achieve that goal. I was fortunate enough to find Via Christi and applied for an away rotation. In Wichita I saw that my dream to practice family medicine with obstetrics could actually be a reality. But beyond that, I was surprised to feel so at home in this program in Kansas. I felt for the first time in my medical journey that I did not have to hide my faith. I witnessed just how supportive the residents were of each other. Also, it was evident that faculty truly care about residents, not just in their educational goals but also their personal goals. All of these things together made Via Christi the perfect fit for me. 
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Cooking/baking, singing, crafting, watercolor painting, and pretty much anything outdoors

Favorite Quote:  "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to return to South Dakota to practice rural family medicine with obstetrics… or wherever the Lord takes me.

Bio:  I was born in South Georgia as the 4th of 5 kids to faithful midwestern parents. With a strong interest in science and math, I studied Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech. I started off pre-med, but the challenges and wonders of engineering quickly swept aside any thoughts of becoming a physician. I had also started dating my 6th grade crush, who – as God would have it – would be the love of my life!  Nothing seemed more important than getting married and starting a family.

After our wedding, we moved to Baton Rouge where I began work as a technical process engineer. My wife, a pediatric ER nurse, couldn’t help but notice a growing lack of fulfillment in me. Fast-forward six years and 3 kids later – we concluded through prayer that God was calling me to become a family physician. Within two years, I began commuting from Baton Rouge to New Orleans for medical school. We had our 4th child at the start of 2nd year and moved to Lafayette for years 3 and 4 as part of the LSU Rural Scholars Program. 

Why Via Christi?
I have felt drawn towards full-spectrum Family Medicine since beginning medical school. And as I reviewed different residency programs that offered full-spectrum training, I was captivated by Via Christi in particular. As I learned more about the program, I was impressed with the amount of OB experience and the number of alumni who practice OB after residency. The personal biographies of the residents and faculty also resonated with me, overlapping a great deal with my own passions and interests.

Our experience at callback weekend played no small part in my family’s decision to join Via Christi. The residents, staff, and their families exuded such kindness, generosity, and a true joie de vivre. We saw how supportive the community is of residents and their families. I knew I would not only receive excellent mentorship, training, and formation as a resident, but my family would also continue to flourish.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Running, soccer, gardening, home maintenance, spending time with family, singing and playing music, and strong coffee.

Favorite Books:  The Hobbit (JRR Tolkien), He Leadeth Me (Walter Ciszek), Into Your Hands, Father (Wilfred Stinissen).

Favorite Quotes:
"Do not accept anything as the truth that lacks love, and do not accept anything as love that lacks truth. One without the other becomes a destructive lie."  - Edith Stein

"Have no fear moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I [Christ] am with you."  - Pope Saint John Paul II

"All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." 
"The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing." - Blaise Pascal

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; Lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, be mindful of Him, and He will direct your path." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Favorite Music: 
Lately - anything by Ben Rector, Brandon Lake, Lauren Daigle, or Forrest Frank. 
Back in "the day" - songs by Bruno Mars, Yellowcard, Train, and Weird Al to name a few. 
Choral pieces - O Magnum Mysterium (both Victoria and Lauridsen) and Ave Maria (Biebl). 

Plans after residency:  Return to rural Louisiana to practice full-spectrum family medicine with obstetrics.

Bio:  Hi! I was born and raised in Southeast Missouri, living on a cattle ranch until I was a teenager. In junior high, my family moved into town, Cape Girardeau, so my mom no longer had to drive forty-five minutes each way for my sister’s and my activities. I grew up with two loving, supportive parents who taught me about Jesus at a young age. They also encouraged me to get involved and learn as many skills as possible. Their emphasis on obtaining a wide tool belt has carried into my professional life and is one of the main reasons I chose to pursue family medicine. 

After high school, I attended the University of Missouri, where I majored in biochemistry. I was accepted into medical school at Mizzou during my senior year and matriculated the following fall. I have known I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. Growing up on the farm gave me access to hands-on care. I helped my dad perform minor surgeries and asked endless questions about the medications we used.

My upbringing on a cattle ranch continues to inspire my pursuit of rural family medicine. Throughout medical school, I returned home as often as I could to help my dad on the ranch. The close-knit community, along with the significant need for physicians in rural areas, is what draws me to practice medicine in that environment.
 
Why Via Christi?
I chose Via Christi because of its strong obstetrics training, unopposed structure, and the people within the program. My goal is to graduate residency as a well trained physician who can manage a wide range of conditions with minimal need for referrals. As I plan to practice in a rural setting, I know I will likely face limited resources, and I want to be fully equipped to care for my patients. I consistently heard this same mindset from residents and faculty, which confirmed that this was the right place for me.

I have a strong passion for obstetrics and hope to incorporate surgical obstetrics into my future practice. The opportunity to train in a program that is an obstetrics fellowship equivalent is incredibly valuable. I am also excited about the extensive exposure to in-office procedures, as developing these skills is essential to the kind of comprehensive care I hope to provide.

Just as importantly, the people at Via Christi drew me in. I want to become not only a skilled physician, but also a person of strong character. During my fourth year rotation at the program, I saw that I shared many of the same values as the residents and faculty. I knew that training in this environment would challenge me, support me, and ultimately shape me into a better physician and person.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Cooking, singing, flower arranging, weightlifting, traveling

Favorite Podcasts:  The Bible Project and The Porch

Favorite Books:  Throne of Glass series and Hunger Games series
 
Plans after residency:  Practice rural family medicine with obstetrics. Not sure where yet!

Bio:  Hi! I’m Alicia! I’m the third of four siblings and have lived a bit all over. I was born in Colorado but spent most of my childhood in Seattle, Washington where most of my family is from. While I loved the Pacific Northwest, I eventually grew tired of the rain and traffic and set out for a new adventure in Virginia. There, I enjoyed the rolling hills and slower pace of life while I completed both my undergraduate and medical education. My family is now spread across Washington, Idaho, and even North Carolina, so I usually just claim the Pacific Northwest as home. I hope to eventually make my way back West, but I’m always open to new adventures—so we’ll see where life takes me! As far as my path into medicine, my interest started very early. My parents say I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I could talk—I used to walk around with toy bandages, insisting I was going to fix everyone’s “boo-boos.” My grandmother even gave me a tiny white coat embroidered with my name and a toy doctor set one Christmas. Thankfully, that childhood dream aligned well with my strengths and interests, and I can't remember wanting to pursue any other career. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become a physician and am excited to begin this next chapter at Via Christi.

Why Via Christi? 
The supportive environment paired with the excellent training. Not yet knowing what kind of medicine I want to focus on I was looking for a program that would prepare me to do anything. As a Catholic, I also wanted a program that would allow me to live my faith. At first look, the depth of training at Via Christi combined with my lack of ties to the area intimidated me. But when I came for an audition, I was impressed by the community. The faculty were excellent teachers and took care of the residents like family.  The residents were very well trained but still approachable. And the program allowed their residents to practice according to their conscience. Overall, Via Christi was a place I would not have to sacrifice my personal development for my professional development. I am very blessed to be here! 
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Anything active and outdoors like hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, volleyball, and pickleball (fun fact- I grew up an hour away from where pickleball was invented and spent my childhood playing it in my Grandpa's backyard before it was cool!!). I also love board games, Disney movies, and family time, especially with my adorable nieces and nephew (auntie life is truly the best)!

Favorite Podcast:  The Father Mike Schmitz Podcast

Favorite Quotes:
"The world is thy ship and not thy home." - St. Therese of Lisieux
"Nee heb je. Ja kun je krijgen." (Dutch for ... If you don't ask, you already have a no. If you do ask, the answer could be yes.) - Momma Loucks

Favorite Movie:  Tangled!!

Bio:  Hey, y’all! I was born in West Texas and raised by two great parents who instilled in me a desire to serve and help meet others’ needs. So, after discovering my passion for the sciences in high school and seeing the healthcare needs that exist in rural and medically under-resourced West Texas, I felt a calling to help meet those needs as a physician. Throughout my undergrad and medical school, I had the privilege of learning from many rural family physicians, and I experienced first-hand how fulfilling the profession can be, especially in rural areas, where there is such a strong sense of community. I also saw the unique ability family physicians have to meet so many different healthcare needs in their communities. These experiences ultimately sealed the deal for me on pursuing family medicine and it’s a decision I have not looked back on!
 
Why Via Christi?
The broad scope of training offered at Via Christi is what initially drew me to the program, and after completing a Sub-I here during my 4th year of medical school, I saw that they do indeed offer the excellent training I desired. Additionally, my month in Wichita showed me there is something very unique about the program, and that is the people. The faculty and residents were not only skilled physicians, but they were great individuals. During my rotation, everyone was welcoming, supportive, and I saw they were eager to serve others. They were the kind of people I wanted to learn from and work with each day. I was also looking for somewhere I would not have to be concerned about living out my faith through medicine, and I found that at Via Christi. At the end of the day, I felt that, by training here, I would gain the tools I need to truly serve patients and become the physician, and person, I feel God has called me to be.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  
Hiking, running, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, meal prepping and learning to cook different recipes

Favorite Books:  
The Bible, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Murder on the Orient Express

Favorite Quote:  “Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things a man needs to believe in the most.” – Hub McCann, Secondhand Lions
 
Plans after residency:  Plan to practice full scope family medicine in a rural or under-resourced setting, hopefully, back in West Texas.

Bio: Hi! I was born in East Tennessee, growing up exploring the mountains and lakes with my younger sister and my cousins next door. I chose to go to Berry College partly because I wanted to play on their tennis team and partly because I loved playing board games with the students on my college visit. My experiences at Berry, specifically teaching ESL and tutoring in a youth group home, drew me to medicine and deepened my passion for building relationships with those in need. A gap year in Latin America, along with incredible mentorship throughout medical school, confirmed my calling to rural, full scope family medicine. A huge thanks to my family, for I would not be here without their immense care and support!
 
Why Via Christi?
I was initially only looking at residency programs specifically near mountains, so I did not even hear about Via Christi until the summer of the application cycle: I went to a Catholic Medical Association bioethics bootcamp, and it felt like every day someone was telling me I "gotta check out Via Christi." I came home, finally opened up Via's website, and was shocked by the resident bios. I felt like I had found my people! I quickly scheduled a Sub-I, and the Sub-I was even better than I could have imagined. I think I was sold when the very first day a resident told me, "If you are looking for a program to not just maintain, but grow in your faith, this is it." On top of being supported in my Catholic values, the people were incredibly welcoming, the program contained strengths in all my favorite parts of family medicine, and I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and strong community of Wichita!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Trail running, any sports or activities outside, traveling and meeting new people and learning about new cultures, learning how to make or grow new foods and sharing them with people

Favorite Books:  Searching for and Maintaining Peace, The Imitation of Christ, any writings from Saints
 
Plans after residency:  As a National Health Service Corp Scholar, I get to work in an underserved community after residency! I'd love to work with Spanish-speaking populations or with the Indian Health Service. I also love rural health, integrating faith within medicine, NFP/FABMs, and long-term international work.

Bio:  Howdy y'all! I was born down in Houston, but grew up in nowhere Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley (one of the most beautiful regions in the country in my biased opinion). I am one of 11 children and needless to say we were not the most quiet or calm household, and it's amazing that my mom homeschooled all of us through high school! Growing up, we were big into camping, hiking, and pick-up sports, often with the other large families from the local parish. It never crossed my mind that I could pursue a profession in medicine until my final year of undergraduate studies, when some professors opened my eyes to the possibility of becoming a physician. There I was able to nurture my hidden dream to provide healthcare to folks in rural and underserved communities like those I grew up in… and the rest is history!
 
Why Via Christi?
Call me a romantic, but the idea of a small-town family doc that does all he can for the community greatly appeals to me, and because of this, I wanted to find a program that provided solid, full-spectrum training. When I was blessed to do a sub-internship with Via, I was blown away with how lively the resident community was, even with all of the training, and realized it was something I wanted to be a part of. Most importantly, I also felt this was a place I would be supported in my faith and practice of medicine, both within the residency and in the city itself. When it came time to make a decision for residency, I found myself missing the homey atmosphere of the community and was blessed to have found my way back to Wichita!
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Hiking, dancing, brewing beer, road tripping, discussing Catholicism, hanging out with family and friends

Favorite Books:  The Hobbit, The Virginian, Les Miserables 

Favorite Quotes:
"The man on the mountain didn't fall there." - Vince Lombardi

"The point is not to pay back kindness, but to pass it on." - Julia Alvarez

"Suffering should be treated not as a twitch or a muscular contraction, but as the cry of a soul, to whom another brother, the doctor, runs with the ardent love of charity." - St. Giuseppe Moscati
 
Plans after residency:  I hope to provide full-scope care to small-town communities and those often forgotten, but where that may be is in God's hands.

Bio:  Hello! I am an Iowa native who grew up splitting time between two cities along interstate 80 – Des Moines and Iowa City. My family played a huge role in shaping who I am, and without their support, I would not be where I am today. Family medicine clicked for me during medical school because I realized the best days were the ones where I got to sit with someone, hear their whole story, and help them feel a little less alone in whatever they were facing. Rotations in smaller hospitals sealed the deal - I loved bouncing between clinics, delivering babies, managing inpatient floors, and being the first to see whatever came through the door. It is a blessing to be able to care for others in this capacity, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have led me to pursue such a career.
 
Why Via Christi?
Via Christi won me over fast! The full-spectrum training here is top-notch - OB, procedures, adult medicine, pediatrics - and the residents and faculty genuinely feel like a family. I saw myself growing in this kind of supportive environment. I knew Via Christi would provide the broad training and confidence needed to be a successful family medicine physician.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  I am happiest when I am spending time with family and friends! You will find me cheering way too loudly for the Green Bay Packers, weightlifting, or diving into a new fantasy novel.
 
Plans after residency:  I plan to practice full-spectrum family medicine in the Midwest!

Bio:  Hello! I spent the first six years of my life at a Christian adventure camp run by my family in East Tennessee. We then moved to a small town in Arkansas where I was surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers, trees, and bluffs. I grew up loving my time in God's creation. My parents raised my sisters and I to love God and love people. I envisioned myself living that out through medicine. I finished high school and followed in my cousins' footsteps to Baylor University (sic 'em) where I combined my interest in the humanities with everything pre-med. At UAMS, I found my fit in family medicine through the realization of my priorities: authentic long-term relationships with patients, holistic medicine, and variety in practice. I'm extremely excited to continue my journey as a physician, open to wherever the Lord takes me!
 
Why Via Christi?
After spending a month at Via as a 4th-year medical student, I saw the breadth and depth of family medicine training. With a possible future in low-resource healthcare, I knew I wanted comprehensive training, including OB, pediatric, and procedural skills. Via met that requirement. I also knew that in residency, I would become like the people I trained with and was taught by. Looking at the residents I worked with on my sub-internship and the faculty I met, I knew they were not just physicians but also people I wanted to be like. 
 
Passions/Hobbies:  adventuring, hiking, camping, kayaking, pickleball, reading, card games, mahjong, wordle

Favorite Foods:  (in no particular order) the middle brownie, a gooey chocolate chip cookie, my mom's meatloaf, any Thai food that's not too spicy, street tacos, my gran's/aunt's chocolate chip bundt cake, chicken tikka masala, a giant mediterranean bowl
 
Plans after residency:  I hope to practice full-scope family medicine including inpatient, outpatient, OB, and peds in a low-resource area!

Bio:  Hi there, I’m Kristin!  I was born in Albuquerque and grew up in Rio Rancho, New Mexico – the great Land of Enchantment! I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor. I was around hospitals and doctors a lot with my brother’s chronic health conditions, and I always enjoyed school, so it felt like a good fit. As I’ve progressed in training and in my faith journey, I truly believe that God has called me to serve those in need through medicine and that He has sustained me in these pursuits. I was in the 2018 cohort of New Mexico’s Combined BA/MD program, an 8-year track of college and medical school at the University of New Mexico. At UNM I studied Biology and Health, Medicine, and Human Values where I was grateful for my education in healthcare practices and social determinants of health, and I enjoyed being involved in groups such as campus ministry, volunteering, and tutoring. I started medical school thinking I wanted to do geriatrics, but fell in love with all things OB during a rotation in rural OBGYN after my first year of medical school.  I found many interests through clerkships, but seeing the value in full-spectrum, full-family, longitudinal care, especially within rural and underserved communities, made family medicine an undeniable choice for me!
 
Why Via Christi?
Via Christi truly embodies everything I could hope for in a residency program.  I still remember when I first found the Via Christi website as a 2nd year med student and was reading through the resident and faculty bios over the phone to my parents. I was shocked and in admiration of the people who were passionate about full-spectrum family medicine and proclaimed their faith so boldly.  I met some of the amazing residents and faculty at the AAFP FUTURE conference the summer before my 4th year where I was encouraged to apply for a sub-I.  It took some rearranging of my schedule, but I am eternally grateful for the month I was able to spend in Wichita and the many God moments I experienced there. Via Christi has a great reputation for making strong full-spectrum family medicine physicians with strengths in surgical obstetrics, high-acuity and complex conditions, and serving underserved rural/international populations. While I could see the truth in their reputation, I was even more impressed by the genuine kindness, passion, joy, and faithfulness of the residents and faculty.  Everyone was welcoming and encouraging, there were always outings and family-friendly activities, and you could see how the residency was an extended family. I love that Via Christi provides an environment where I feel not just tolerated but supported to practice medicine according to my Catholic beliefs, and encouraged to pursue aspects of family medicine that I am passionate about like maternal child healthcare and street medicine. While there are many good family medicine residencies, I believe God led me to Via Christi as a place where I can grow into both the type of doctor and the type of person I want to become.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Staying involved in my church community, watching sports, baking, playing card and board games, thrift shopping, trying new restaurants and gluten-free recipes, taking my dog to the dog park, anything with family and friends!

Favorite Podcasts:  Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, The Lila Rose Show

Favorite Quotes:
Bloom where you are planted.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Favorite Movie:  50 First Dates
 
Plans after residency:  I hope to practice full spectrum family medicine with surgical obstetrics in an underserved community. Maternal child health and street medicine are big passions of mine, so I would love to incorporate both into my future practice. I would be honored to return to my home state of New Mexico, but I am open to where God calls me to serve and live out my vocation! 

Bio:  I’m a forever farm girl, raised on a farm southeast of Dodge City, Kansas, with my parents and two older brothers. We were always busy—whether it was sports, odd jobs, or helping out with our family roofing business. I’m incredibly proud of where I come from and so grateful for how much my family has supported me over the years!

In high school, I transferred to a larger school in our area, where I met a local family medicine physician who sparked my interest in rural, full-scope family medicine. From that point on, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue.

During medical school, I met an amazing group of friends—and my now-husband, Josh. These days, we love spending time outdoors, building botanical LEGO sets, and trying new foods together.
 
Why Via Christi?
I had the privilege of rotating with Via during my fourth year, and it didn’t take long for me to feel like it was the right place. I was immediately drawn to the residents—they were hard-working, supportive, and genuinely impressive. More than that, they created an environment where I felt pushed to grow every day, both as a clinician and as a person.

The full-scope training, including C-sections and inpatient pediatrics, was exactly what I was looking for, but what really set Via apart was the people. From the start, I felt a true sense of belonging with both the residents and faculty.

During my sub-internship and interview process, my husband was deployed overseas and unable to be there with me. Despite that, the Via community went out of their way to support me and include both of us. They checked in on me, made sure Josh felt welcomed from afar, and showed a level of care that meant a lot during that time—especially knowing many of the faculty share connections to military life.

That experience made my decision easy. I didn’t just see a great training program—I found a place where I felt supported, valued, and at home.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Gardening, pickleball, visiting a botanical garden in every state

Favorite Snacks:  Hot cheetos, dark chocolate, peaches! 

Favorite Book:  The Women by Kristin Hannah
 
Plans after residency:  I hope to practice full scope family medicine (including surgical OB) in a rural community! 

Bio:  Hello! I was born and raised in the Denver area alongside my eight siblings. My parents homeschooled all of us through high school, and one of our favorite family activities was figure skating. I developed a deep love for the sport and went on to compete individually and as part of a team throughout middle and high school.

Hoping to continue skating at a high level while pursuing my education, I chose to attend Adrian College in Michigan, where I skated with the collegiate team my freshman year and the senior team from sophomore through senior year. During that time, our team had the opportunity to compete internationally in Canada, France, Italy, Scotland, Austria, Croatia, and England. Amid these experiences, I discovered my passion for medicine and solidified my goal of becoming a physician.

After graduating, I returned to Denver for a gap year, where I worked as a medical assistant for a pediatric endocrinologist. I then attended Loma Linda University for medical school, where I met my husband, Jordan, at the end of my first year. We later moved to Orlando, Florida to complete our clinical training at Loma Linda’s regional campus. During my third year of medical school, I found myself consistently drawn to the breadth, continuity, and relationship-centered nature of care I experienced in family medicine, which ultimately solidified my decision to pursue the specialty. We were married eight days after taking Step 2 at the end of third year. Between third and fourth year, we also completed a master’s degree in bioethics together.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking and camping with my husband, reading, baking, and playing the piano. I have also recently taken up knitting and am enjoying the process of learning something new.
 
Why Via Christi?
I was drawn to Via Christi for its commitment to truly full-spectrum family medicine training, particularly its strong obstetrics experience. I was also excited by the opportunities for mentorship and growth in spiritual care, as well as the potential to be involved in mission work. During my interview, it was evident that both residents and faculty are deeply invested in practicing, modeling, and teaching this approach to patient care.

Just as importantly, I was struck by how welcoming and supportive the community felt. I left my interview feeling confident that this was a place where I would be challenged, supported, and able to grow both as a physician and as a person.
 
Passions/Hobbies:  Figure Skating, hiking/camping, baking, reading

Favorite Books:  The Bible, Pride and Prejudice, The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter

One of my favorite Bible verses:  “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24