Hometown: Plano, Texas

College: Austin College, located in Sherman, Texas

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, located in Lubbock, Texas

Pediatrics Internship and Residency Training: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Medicine, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Interests outside of the medical field: history, travel, languages, photography, hiking.

What is the essence of a career in pediatrics?
For me, it is an opportunity to attempt to help subsequent generations of humanity secure a healthy future that includes physical, mental, and social wellbeing. While the health of an individual influences the health of a family, the health of a family also tends to influence the health of its individual members. The same can be said of the relationship between healthy families and healthy communities, in which each party influences the other, mutually. Healthy communities, in turn, are essential components in achieving a healthier world. Being a pediatrician thus involves teamwork with young people, their families, and their communities in the pursuit of wellness for each new generation, while hoping that the same work is being done in other communities, thereby contributing to improving the world. While this entails a significant responsibility, it is also a fascinating way to spend one’s work week. While the patients typically range in age from newborns through young adults in their early college years, their parents or guardians can typically range from young adults themselves to middle-aged or even older adults. There are many grandparents that I meet in an average month, as well. Since a pediatrician’s work involves interacting with a broad spectrum of age groups of various members of one’s local community, it keeps pediatricians’ minds sharp, young, mentally flexible, creative, and empathic. It also forces me to attempt to keep up with the latest updates related to public schools, pop culture, and technology in order to keep up with my patients' lives. Every week is quite an adventure.