Internal Medicine
Undergraduate School: Carnegie Mellon University
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program
Board Certified: American Board of Internal Medicine
Q: What sparked your interest to focus in this particular service line?
A: I was drawn to hospital medicine because I am passionate about easing the overwhelming experience of being admitted to a hospital for patients. Explaining medical terminology in ways that patients can easily understand has always been important to me. I want to enable patients to be strong advocates in their own healthcare.
I find it rewarding to guide them throughout their hospital stay, coordinating their care and translating medical jargon. I enjoy the challenge of working through diagnostic mysteries with patients and their families to identify the most likely diagnosis. By really listening to my patients and understanding them as people, it allows me to create individualized treatment plans.
Q: What makes you excited to teach residents?
A: I look forward to the privilege and honor of being part of the professional transformation from first year residents to competent and compassionate attending physicians. I am excited to share my passion for internal medicine and shape the professional and personal growth of the next generation of physicians to serve our community. Innovating the way we deliver medical education and creating curriculum for the modern resident has also been exhilarating.
Q: What other social/cultural areas are you passionate about?
A: Treatment of patients with opioid use disorder. Our patients with substance use disorders are a vulnerable, high-risk patient population at higher risk than the general population for adverse health outcomes. They have a 10% risk of death in the year after contact with the medical system. It is critical that we identify and provide treatment for a patient’s substance use disorder to allow them to receive medical treatment. I worked to develop our treatment pathway for patients with opioid use disorder at St. Clair with a large multidisciplinary team.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about the city of Pittsburgh?
A: I grew up in New Jersey and have spent almost half of my life in Pittsburgh. I have a multitude of favorite things about the city: the friendly neighbors (literally embodying Mr. Roger’s neighborhood), the wide variety of museums and experiences (Phipps is a family favorite) and the playgrounds. However, if I had to pick one thing it would be the food scene. The restaurant quality and variety is incredible and we are always looking to try something new!