DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AS A RESIDENT

My day starts with at least one snooze of my alarm clock. When I’m assigned to the OR, I like to arrive early to take my time preparing and organizing for my cases. I enjoy the moments I have with a patient before surgery and the feeling of taking them safely to the PACU. My day ends with looking up my cases for the next day and learning as much as I can about the patient and their case before discussing it with the attending.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ANESTHESIOLOGY AS YOUR SPECIALTY?

I love anesthesiology because of its breadth and diverse opportunities. As an anesthesiologist, you can care for anyone from children to adults, work in not just the OR but the ICU and in the clinic. It requires collaboration with almost every other specialty in the hospital. We have the privilege to see some of life’s happiest and scariest moments while working to keep people safe and comfortable.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN RESIDENCY?

The biggest challenge of residency is balance—balance between optimizing the four years you have of being a trainee with life outside of the hospital.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?

I like to run, and my fiancé and I love to go for walks in the local parks. When we can, we like to travel and go back home to visit family in Cincinnati.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UAB FOR ANESTHESIA RESIDENCY?

Before I interviewed at UAB, I had never been to Alabama, but when I came to visit I loved the people, the program, and the city. I believe that UAB provides unparalleled clinical training in a supportive environment with plenty of opportunities to pursue both professional and personal endeavors.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER FINISHING YOUR RESIDENCY?

I am fortunate to be able to stay at UAB to complete a cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU TO BETTER PREPARE YOU TO BE A CHIEF RESIDENT?

So much hard work and devoted effort go on inside the hospital, but residents have important personal events outside of work that require flexibility, compromise and teamwork to accommodate. Sometimes it is a little overwhelming, but then I remember that I work with the most amazing group of co-chiefs and co-residents.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE QUALITIES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ANESTHESIOLOGIST?

Good anesthesiologists have a command of physiology, pathology, pharmacology and psychology. They see the big picture but also appreciate the fine details. They are calm but decisive and communicate effectively. They are trustworthy and reassuring. At the end of the day, they never forget that the person under the drape is counting on them to provide the very best care possible.