Fellows

Undergrad School: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: University of Michigan Health Sparrow and Michigan State University Pediatric Residency Program

Hobbies: I enjoy cooking, baking, learning how to perfect an espresso workflow and latte art (even though I have a lot more to learn). I grew up spending my summers at sleep away camp and eventually became a counselor and supervisor, just like the ones I looked up to when I was little. Naturally, a love of being in nature and in the water (including scuba diving) was born. I also absolutely love learning about history and particularly wacky trivia and facts.

Research/QI Interests: Currently undergoing literature review, though I do have particular interest in applied clinical research (where I can target my research in creating tools that myself and other child protection providers, can take and apply to the clinic environment). Other areas of interest include the application of technology in the clinical setting. The diagnosis, treatment and mechanism of injury of abusive head trauma. As well as looking into how to create a safe and understanding clinic space for the diagnosis, treatment and management of acute sexual assault in children.

Why Child Abuse Pediatrics? I knew for a long time (in large part thanks to my time working at summer camp) that I had wanted to work with children and had wanted to become a doctor for even longer than that. Combining my interest in learning medicine and my passion working with children, it was a no brainer when I decided to pursue pediatric residency training. What was not something I had thought about, was pursuing a career in child abuse pediatrics, at least at first. Training in a small residency program and working consistently on our inpatient pediatrics floor at a time when there was an influx of children who presented due to child abuse quickly changed the direction of my entire career path. The more patients I cared for, the more strongly my interest and passion in working with children who were the victims of abuse was solidified. I enjoyed working with a group of like-minded caregivers from multiple professional backgrounds, all with one goal in mind… doing everything, we could to keep a child safe. That was my intern year of residency, and my passion and interest has not changed since.

Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital? I can say with 100% confidence I am a true Michigan transplant to Indiana (to be honest, I don’t know that I had ever even driven through Indiana... until fellowship). But, what I do know is that after only two interviews and a one hour case review session, everyone at the Indiana University School of Medicine Child Abuse Fellowship program made me feel like I was a member of the team… even if... I very clearly… did not know a thing about Indiana (though I learn something exciting and new every day since I have moved to Indianapolis). What really stood out to me was how intentional this program was at helping the children of Indiana, creating a child protection team that covers every area of the state. As someone aspiring to be a well prepared and experienced child abuse pediatrician, I was hard pressed to find another program that provided an education that came close to the number of consults and cases seen per year, to provide me the most hands on experience possible in three years of fellowship training, and still make you feel like you always have been a member of their team.