Hometown: Ukiah, CA
Undergrad School: Middlebury College
Major: Philosophy
Age: 26
Class: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine – Class of 2014

Were you surprised by anything in the program?

The students. All the students here are extremely motivated, intelligent and well rounded. I am honored to have them as classmates.

Any advice for prospective students?

Chil-lax! Have a really fun summer!

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?

Constantly ask yourself “Why are they teaching me this? Why is this information important to medicine and for me as a doctor?” That kind of application-based approach really helps you integrate your understanding of the material.

How is DMU family friendly?

My partner has found DMU welcoming and an amazing resource for her as a non-DMU student. After living in Berkeley, CA, the greater Des Moines area has also been a wonderful surprise.

Why do you want to be a doctor of osteopathic medicine?

As a D.O., my medicine will not only be in the prescriptions I write or the diagnosis I make, it will also be in my hands and in the way I connect with patients. I think osteopathic manual medicine – OMM – and the osteopathic philosophy is a powerful and potent combination for western medicine. I am excited to be a part of such a well rounded profession.

Extracurricular Activities:
I love doing yoga and tai chi, reading Harry Potter, walking around Gray’s Lake and trying out restaurants in downtown Des Moines.

Why DMU?:
The DMU community is very present and supportive. The resources available to the students rival all the medical schools to which I applied.

Career Objectives:
My dream job is to be a geriatric physician doing home visits. Eventually, I’d like to be a part of hospice administration.

Favorite thing about Des Moines:
My partner and I love taking our Jack Russell terrier for walks on the Des Moines trails. These trails feel like they are in the middle of beautiful forests and fields instead of right in the middle of a city.