I participated in a community-based research project in a rural, underserved area of Virginia. My group focused on mental health in Covington, Virginia, which allowed me to see firsthand the impact of healthcare disparities and the urgent need for physicians who are committed to serving these communities.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
The faculty and my classmates at SWAGÊÓƵhave been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. The faculty consistently goes above and beyond to support us by holding review sessions to clarify complex concepts, providing ample resources to ensure our success, and demonstrating their dedication to our education. Beyond academics, they show their commitment to our well-being by attending and participating in fundraisers, such as kickball and golf tournaments and SWAGÊÓƵOlympics. Equally inspiring are my classmates, whose unwavering support and encouragement create a positive, uplifting learning environment. Their dedication to their studies and helping one another overcome the challenges of medical school motivates me to be a better student and future physician.
How has the SWAGÊÓƵmission inspired you as a medical student?
The SWAGÊÓƵmission has inspired me to embrace the values of service, compassion, and a commitment to improving health in underserved communities. It reminds me that being a physician is about more than medical knowledge — it’s about making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. During my time at VCOM, I have had the opportunity to put these values into practice. Volunteering with the Special Olympics deepened my commitment to promoting inclusion and supporting underserved populations. Additionally, as part of our curriculum, I participated in a community-based research project in a rural, underserved area of Virginia. My group focused on mental health in Covington, Virginia, which allowed me to see firsthand the impact of healthcare disparities and the urgent need for physicians who are committed to serving these communities. Lastly, as a SWAGÊÓƵambassador, I have also had the privilege of visiting undergraduate universities and participating in open houses to share the importance of VCOM’s mission. These opportunities to give back remind me how fortunate I am to be a part of this community and inspire me to strive to be the best medical student and future physician I can be.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
My family, especially my mother, has been my greatest inspiration to pursue medicine. As an optometrist and dedicated solo practitioner, she built a practice where our entire family—my father, my brothers, and I— helped out to run the business. Growing up in that environment, I witnessed firsthand the compassion and care she provided to her patients, which sparked my passion for healthcare. My interest in osteopathic medicine began during college when I was a student-athlete playing soccer. Midway through my collegiate soccer career, I fractured my foot. Going through the recovery process as a patient, I saw how the team doctors and orthopedic surgeons worked diligently to help me achieve my personal health goals and return to the field. Their holistic approach to my care and the use of manual medicine in my treatment made a lasting impression on me. That experience with sports medicine solidified my desire to pursue osteopathic medicine.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose SWAGÊÓƵbecause I wanted to contribute to its mission of serving rural, underserved populations in the Appalachian region. Although I am originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, I have deep ties to Virginia. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Lynchburg, where my academic advisor encouraged me to explore VCOM-Virginia. It was also at Lynchburg where I met my wife, who is from Roanoke. Through her, I spent a significant amount of time in the New River Valley, which reinforced my desire to attend VCOM-Virginia, knowing it would be a great personal and professional fit.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
What I enjoy most about living in Blacksburg is the opportunity to stay active while enjoying the beautiful area. I love running, hiking, playing soccer, golf, and rock climbing. I also enjoy walking my dog around the neighborhood and spending time with my classmates, tailgating, and going to breweries. The close-knit community, combined with the access to outdoor activities, makes it the perfect place to balance the demands of medical school while staying healthy, active, and connected.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my wife and our dog in my free time. I also enjoy watching sports, exercising, and catching up with friends and family.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I remain open-minded to many specialties, but I am particularly drawn to Urology. During graduate school, I conducted research focused on developing new therapeutic strategies to treat and prevent sexual and urinary dysfunction, which first introduced me to the field. While shadowing, I had the opportunity to observe many unique cases in the clinic and a wide range of procedures in the operating room, and I found this variety especially appealing. I enjoyed the balance between addressing immediate problems through procedures and building long-term relationships with patients over time. What stood out most was the opportunity to help people in ways that directly improved their quality of life, which I found incredibly rewarding.