Hometown

Gainesville, VA

Undergraduate degree:

Virginia Commonwealth University, B.S. in Biology (Minors in Chemistry & Spanish);
Georgetown University & George Mason University, M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics

What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?

I fell in love with dentistry at 16 years old when I shadowed a dentist for the first time. Within the first few hours, I watched as the dentist relieved a nervous patient’s dental pain while providing a restoration through detailed skill and an empathetic demeanor. Dentistry encompassed my passion for helping others and working with my hands, especially as I had always enjoyed doing craft projects and being involved in my community. By the end of that day, I began to envision myself doing the same and made it a goal to become a kind and trusted dentist.

How did your background and history factor into your career choice?

I have been dedicated to pursuing a career in the dental field since I was in high school. After shadowing a few dentists, I was lucky enough to start working in an office. Over the next nine years, I worked in between school sessions as a dental assistant and receptionist in multiple offices and in a variety of specialties throughout Northern Virginia. In addition, I was dedicated to volunteering in my community through student organizations and free dental care projects. Those experiences continued to strengthen my love of dentistry and patient care. It also gave me a solid foundation that I could apply to my education here at Midwestern University.

Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?

My interview at Midwestern University was very memorable, and by the end of the day, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The strong clinical program at the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) stood out to me because I wanted to attend a dental school that would prepare me to be a well-rounded dentist. The students I met that day expressed that CDMI students provide treatment that very few other programs in the country do, including root canals, simple and surgical extractions, implant placement, CAD/CAM crowns, and more. I was also looking for a school that could be a home, where comradery was present among classmates and faculty were dedicated to helping students. That gut feeling I had proved to be correct. Over the past four years, I have received an exceptional education, one that was both challenging and rewarding, and I will truly miss Midwestern University when I graduate.

What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?

Midwestern University has helped me become a compassionate and well-rounded dentist. I have learned how to provide comprehensive care that is tailored to each unique patient. Through our courses and patient care experience, I have been taught how to take a person’s mental, physical, and dental health into consideration when providing treatment. Finally, CDMI has instilled in me a constant drive for professionalism and excellence. As a dentist, I will aim to provide high-quality care, regardless of a patient’s background or circumstance.

Anything else you'd like to add?

The community that the staff and students have cultivated here at Midwestern University is special as well. It is one that both celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusivity. During my four years at CDMI, I have been involved in multiple organizations and local dental care events. The experience I gained and the people I met have reinforced my desire to have a career dedicated to helping populations in need. I am excited to start my career working at a community clinic through the National Health Service Corps and will take everything I have learned from Midwestern University to that job.