Why Hospice & Palliative Medicine?
During my residency, I cared for children of all ages and with multiple conditions, both acquired and congenital, that required the assistance of the hospice and palliative medicine team. I was always in awe at how patient and family centered this field was and how it truly was a reflection of the art of medicine. As physicians, our role is to alleviate pain and suffering, and hospice and palliative medicine will allow me to do just that without losing sight of this goal by trying to cure disease.
Why Rochester?
I did my residency at the University of Rochester and could not have asked for a better place to train. It only made sense to want to stay here for fellowship after my excellent experience during residency. Also, who wouldn’t want access to picture perfect nature all year round?!
Professional Interests?
I have always loved teaching and medical humanities; I believe that educating the rising generation of physicians is one of the best ways to continue to improve our care and contribute to the field of medicine as there is so much exchange of interpersonal skills, medical knowledge and perspective.
Where do you see yourself practicing?
I would love to practice in an academic hospital setting. It is the perfect place to care for patients and continue learning. After all, we are life-long students.
What do you hope to learn or accomplish during fellowship?
I am really excited to delve more into the pediatric hospice and palliative medicine track. One of the most life changing moments for me as a resident was when I witnessed a family make selfless decisions for their child with the help of the HPM team in the middle of the night and I am forever in awe of how this field changes one’s perspective on life. I am particularly interested in quality improvement and how we can tweak our practice to better suit families and patient outcomes.