Third Year Fellow

Residency

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Why did you choose UAB for your fellowship?

I choose UAB for the people. The division has an open-door culture, where faculty continue to mentor fellows throughout their training and beyond. I also wanted to continue working with Dr. Bhatia and the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, which has been a wonderful experience!

Hobbies/Special Interests?

Hiking, gardening, trying to keep our toddler busy.

Fun Facts

I used to play competitive ultimate frisbee in college.

Birmingham’s Best Food and/or Drink

Saw's BBQ, El Barrio, Abhi 

Birmingham Must-See

Birmingham Botanical Garden, Ruffner Mountain

Third Year Fellow

Residency

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Why did you choose UAB for your fellowship?

Approachable faculty and lots of autonomy with patient management

Hobbies/Special Interests?

Camping, hiking and the occasional paddle-boarding.  On days where the weather doesn't allow any outdoorsy activities I enjoy reading and pub trivia/quiz games.

Fun Facts

I grew up in TX, did residency in Columbus, OH and now live in Alabama, and I have still managed to avoid getting even the slightest bit invested with any college football team. 

Birmingham’s Best Food and/or Drink

For food: Alfredo's Pizza Cafe (fans of The Office will understand why), Saw's BBQ, Taco Mama, Little Donkey, Brat Brot, The Flying Biscuit, Heavenly Donuts. For Drinks - The Collins, The Marble Ring (1920's speakeasy themed bar) and Unplugged (90's nostalgia themed bar).

Birmingham Must-See

Lots of areas for outdoor hiking like Red Mountain, Oak Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover.  

Second Year Fellow

Residency

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Why did you choose UAB for your fellowship?

I really enjoyed my interview experience at UAB. Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew I would enjoy having this group as my co-workers for 3 years. Some of the attendings I interviewed with even offered to provide guidance for future decision points in my career if I didn't choose to do my fellowship training here. Overall, I felt very "at home". I also knew I would get excellent clinical training and have an abundance of research opportunities to choose from. Now, one year into my fellowship training, I feel confident I made the right decision for me.

Hobbies/Special Interests?

SEC sports, baking, reading, travelling.

Fun Facts

I have an engineering undergrad degree. I've made it through college, med school, residency and now first year of fellowship without drinking a cup of coffee. I am always cold, and since it's especially chilly in the hospital, I kept an electric blanket in our fellows workroom on the floor for most of the year.

Birmingham’s Best Food and/or Drink

El Barrio, Bettola, Freddy's Wine Bar, The Collins Bar

Second Year Fellow

Residency

Carolinas Medical Center

Why did you choose UAB for your fellowship?

I first learned about UAB when I was applying for a residency position but ultimately decided to stay in Charlotte where my husband was working, however, I never forgot the experience I had when interviewing here and I looked forward to returning for my fellowship interview. Children's of Alabama has a very large catchment area and we serve almost all of the children with cancer/blood disorders in Alabama and some of the surrounding states. Fellowship training is about learning and I wanted to learn as much as possible which I knew I could do here with this high census. I also chose UAB/COA because of the strong research opportunities here both in the lab and in the clinical realm. Lastly, I felt very welcomed on my interview day by the nurses, nurse practitioners, fellows and attendings and I knew it would be an excellent working environment. 

Hobbies/Special Interests?

Going on long walks in homewood with my husband and toddler. We have recently picked up gardening during these Covid times and are enjoying fresh squash, tomatoes and cucumbers and have even made pickles! 

Fun Facts

My daughter was born on the day that Clemson football team won the National Championship Football game in 2019 against Alabama and we moved to Alabama that same year in our Clemson gear! We were welcomed with open arms! :) 

Birmingham’s Best Food and/or Drink

Bham has SOOO much good food but my favorite is the enchilada from El Barrio. TrimTab Raspberry Berliner Weisse is also a good option. 

Birmingham Must-See

Botanical Gardens in the spring time or Red Mountain in the fall. 

First Year Fellow

Residency

Carolinas Medical Center

Why did you choose UAB for your fellowship?

I chose UAB for several reasons, but it was truly the faculty and fellows that made me rank UAB as my #1 choice. I felt at home on my interview day and I knew that my training in Birmingham would be well-balanced between a multitude of research opportunities, supportive faculty and staff, and a broad patient population suited for training in both hematology and oncology. Birmingham is a growing Southern city and it has been so fun to explore. 

Hobbies/Special Interests?

Hiking, Running, Paddle-boarding, Keeping my two dogs (and husband) entertained

Fun Facts

I love to travel (when there aren't pandemics)
I love trying new restaurants and breweries

Birmingham’s Best Food and/or Drink

Post Office Pies

Birmingham Must-See

Hiking trails at Oak Mountain.

First Year Fellow

Residency

St. Louis University

Why did you choose UAB for your fellowship?

I chose UAB for my fellowship initially because of location. I had never been to Birmingham or Alabama. I am originally from Illinois and my parents have "semi retired" to Florida. Therefore, I was looking for places further south. When I interviewed at UAB, it quickly went up to a top choice. Several things had stuck out to me during my interview. One big thing that stuck out to me was that all of the fellows were present during lunch and my interview day. I really think that this showed how much fellows are respected and given the flexibility to continue to improve the program. The hospitality and welcoming feeling from each individual I received that day was exceptional. The evidence of teamwork and good comrade among all faculty and staff is glowing! Birmingham is beautiful, full of trees and beautiful homes/neighborhoods. I really felt "in place."

Hobbies/Special Interests?

I love food! I really enjoy trying new places. Outside of work and education, I enjoy getting outside with friends and family. I enjoy the beach and love the ocean! I like wine tasting. I enjoy getting outdoors. I can go for a good walk/hike (running is not my thing!) I used to be a gymnast, so I really like doing Barre workouts which make me feel somewhat as flexible as I used to be!

Fun Facts

I have one pet currently, she is a cat and her name is Ava. I got her in residency to have something to come home to! Currently trying to talk my significant other into getting a dog! I love dolphins, but unfortunately I cannot have one as a pet.