Neurologist in the Department of Veterans Affairs working on a combination of national health system administration and frontline clinical care
At Duke: “My two tours as a Duke student taught me the value of casting a clear vision and invigorating others to pursue it alongside me. When I was halfway through medical school and contemplating where to go for seminary, I initially ruled Duke out. I had been there as an undergraduate, had taken some Divinity School classes, and did not think there would be much new to gain from earning another Duke degree. However, a couple of Divinity School faculty spoke to me and cast a vision for a cohort of health care professionals exploring questions of healing, dying, personhood and dignity while completing a theological education together. They painted the picture in more detail, and it quickened my spirit. I discovered that I wanted to see this vision realized, too. Two years later, I graduated as a Theology, Medicine, and Culture Fellow, and my life began a whole different trajectory toward public service. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I would not have come to it without someone first casting the vision.”
Purpose in the world: “A desire to serve God by laboring alongside people to enable communities to flourish is the engine that drives me. Success in pursuit of that endeavor can come in many forms, but most of my efforts have focused on improving the health of people and populations. That work has encompassed everything from improving my patients’ motor symptoms by fine-tuning their Parkinson’s medications to supporting our health system to preserve all urgent and emergent care delivery in the wake of a severe medical fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene.”
“We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I have been supported and encouraged by so many people throughout the course of my life. I strive for the first move of my soul to be towards gratitude in any situation, and I am immensely grateful for my family and the others who have propelled me forward along the way.”