1. What are you working on now that excites you the most?

I love designing programs that help students succeed and the one I’m most excited about at the moment is the COMPeer Mentor Program. This program connects current medical students for support with upper class students or alumni who experienced similar challenges while in medical school. Mentors help their mentees feel uniquely understood and provide advice and encouragement based upon their hindsight. We recently completed research on this program and found that mentees had improved self-confidence, reduced stress levels, increased feelings of support and a greater ability to deal with the challenges after participating in the program. I’m excited to present a poster at the AAMC/GSA conference this week with students, Max Zasuly and Anjali Alamshaw, and to finalize the transition of this program to a more automated process (thanks to Danillo Vargas in IT). We look forward to continuing quality improvement/data collection to make this program even better to assist our amazing students!

 2. What book has had the greatest impact on your life?

I’m currently reading Black Man in a White Coat which has been very intriguing. It is told from the perspective of a currently practicing physician who provides insights into life as a black male medical student, resident, and practitioner. It’s well balanced in presenting various points of view, and makes me think deeply, and sometimes cringe at what people have said to him. I think Crucial Conversations is my most referenced book as its simple approach to challenging conversations has helped me successfully tackle difficult talks both at work and at home for many years.

3. What is your most prized possession?

My photos are my most prized possession. I love capturing unscripted moments, landscapes, and people’s authentic expressions. Each year I sift through all my photos and assemble my favorites into a digital photo album. This is how I spend 3 full days of my winter break every year. 😊

4. What is something that surprises people about you?

I wrote and published a book about my sister who had sever cerebral palsy, I was briefly a Vidal Sassoon hair model, I was the ‘Swedish ringer volleyball player’ in an episode of Las Vegas with Josh Duhammel, and I am a natural introvert.

5. What piece of advice would you give to five year old you?

Keep your grandma’s optimism, your growth mindset, and your resilient approach to life and you will persevere through everything life throws at you!