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.

Undergrad School: Purdue University Fort Wayne
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine, Categorical Pediatrics Residency

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time outside, maintaining a small vegetable garden and cooking different meals. I also enjoy spending time with friends, whether that means trying new restaurants, participating in a game night or attending local trivia events. In my free time, I also enjoy reading, playing an occasional video game, watching a good movie or visiting family in Michigan.

Research/QI Interests: I have been interested in education for quite a while. In college, I served as an embedded tutor for genetics and also tutored biology, general chemistry and occasionally organic chemistry. In residency, I worked on a QI project to improve both the frequency and quality of faculty to resident feedback. I am currently exploring scholarly project opportunities that integrate medical education, public education and child abuse pediatrics.

Why Child Abuse Pediatrics? This specialty requires a deep understanding of child development, injury patterns and principles, as well as trauma-informed care. Additionally, it requires commitment to objectivity, empathy and the pursuit of truth through evidence-based evaluation. This field has a profound impact which aligns well with my personal values and sense of purpose: being a voice for children who cannot advocate for themselves, caring for children and families in crisis, and educating others on the frequently subtle and complicated signs of child abuse and neglect. Through training in child abuse pediatrics, I can apply the clinical skills developed during medical school and residency while pursuing work that aligns with these values and passions. Furthermore, the role of education in child abuse pediatrics has also drawn me to this field. Teaching is a large part of child abuse pediatrics, including while speaking to patients and their families, medical colleagues, as well as to law enforcement, legal professionals, judges and juries, and this is something I look forward to having as a regular part of my career.

Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital? Although I grew up in Michigan, I have spent much of my adult life in Indiana, attending Purdue University Fort Wayne for college, then IU School of Medicine for medical school and pediatric residency training. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Indiana and have come to know the IU School of Medicine community as a very supportive one, one that encourages excellence in whatever field you pursue and one that helps support its learners and physicians. I chose IU School of Medicine's Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship because of the high consultation volume and resulting breadth of clinical experience. Equally important was the multidisciplinary child protection team, whose physicians, APPs, nurses, social workers and other professionals create an exceptional learning environment. As both a medical student and resident, I experienced firsthand their commitment to education, collaboration and patient care.