Current Pediatrics Residents

Hometown: Pune, India
Medical School: Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University Medical College, Pune
Career/Research Interests: Down the line, I see myself balancing academic leadership with continued clinical practice. My current research focuses on nutrition, specifically on how different diets, with or without essential amino acids, affect systemic inflammation.
After Residency: I see myself doing a fellowship, mostly in heme-onc/pulm-sleep medicine or NICU/PICU, but as I rotate through more specialties, I might change my mind.
Hobbies/Interests: I love playing football(soccer) in my spare time. Another big interest of mine is watching the Premier league most weekends to follow my club, Arsenal FC. I really enjoy watching shows adapted from Harlan Coben's books.
Bio: I was born and raised in Pune, India, a city known as the "Oxford of the East" for its rich academic heritage, and the "Queen of the Deccan" for its cultural vibrance and historic charm. I completed my M.B.B.S., and had my first independent clinical experience, serving as a first responder in the pandemic. In 2023, I made the move to the U.S. and joined the University of Missouri as a scientist in an exercise physiology lab. I loved the research, but along the way I realized I was getting more and more interested in the administrative side of things. So, I decided to go for an M.B.A. with a focus on biomedical innovation to round out my skill set. Mizzou and Columbia have become a home for me in a way I didn't expect. This is where I got my first apartment, my first car, and my very first paycheck in this country. The city welcomed me when I was far from everything familiar, and now it just feels right to give something back. I'm genuinely excited to keep training here, not only because of the great opportunities, but because this community has become a big part of who I am.
When I'm not working, you can find me playing football at Stankowski or walking at MKT with my partner Christina and my dog, Heidi.

Hometown: Cottage Grove, MN
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin- Central Wisconsin
Career/Research Interests: Interested in both NICU and PICU
After Residency: Some form of ICU fellowship!!
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, hiking, running, reading fantasy books, cooking, … so many and so little time haha
Bio: I was born and raised in Cottage Grove MN and found a great fit for my undergrad at Gustavus Adolphus College. I then was able to find that similar right fit for me at MCW-CW where I did med school and now finally have found that familiar right fit again here in Mizzou! I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician ever since my first job of teaching kids how to swim and being a coach, as well as growing up in a family with many elementary school age educators. Mizzou is setting me up well with strong training and more support than I could ask for to help me become the best pediatrician I could be. When I’m not at the hospital you can find me out in the woods or cuddling with my 2 cats.

Hometown: Knob Noster, MO
Medical School: A.T. Still University - KCOM, Kirksville, MO
Career/Research Interests: Interested in a fellowship in sports medicine
After Residency: Hope to work in outpatient general pediatrics around my hometown.
Hobbies/Interests: Baseball, traveling, Pokémon cards
Bio: I grew up in Knob Noster, Missouri and completed my undergrad at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. I stayed in Kirksville and attended medical school at A.T. Still University. During my time in Kirksville, I married my high-school sweetheart in 2019 and then had our daughter in 2023. I went into my clinical rotations with an open mind on what I wanted to do for residency, but during my pediatric rotation, I discovered how much I enjoy caring for children and building relationships with their families. Around the same time, I had the opportunity to work with a local high school baseball team, an experience that reinforced how rewarding it was to support the health and well-being of young athletes both on and off the field. Those experiences made me realize that pediatrics was what I wanted to do.

Hometown: Osage, IA
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DCOM
Career/Research Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, Advocacy, Child Abuse
After Residency: Currently interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, fishing, golf, playing guitar, video games and hanging with my dog
Bio: I grew up in Osage, a small town in northern Iowa. I attended Iowa State University, where I studied Kinesiology and Health while competing on the wrestling team. Before medical school, I worked as a hospitalist scribe in Des Moines. I then moved to Tennessee for medical school at LMU-DCOM. After spending years away from my family, I knew I wanted to return closer to home for residency. I chose Mizzou because of its welcoming Midwest feel and had all the opportunities to grow into a great physician. After my interview, it felt like home. The smaller class size was what I was looking for to build meaningful relationships with my co-residents and attendings. I have always enjoyed working with children, whether coaching wrestling, being a foster family, or playing games with kids at an orphanage in Haiti. I was drawn to Pediatrics because of the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a child's life while being continually inspired by their resilience in overcoming illness. Plus, you get to laugh and talk about superheroes all day.

Medical School: Alluri Sitaram Raju Academy of Medical Sciences (ASRAMS), Eluru, India
Career/Research Interests: General Pediatrics, Neonatology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Clinical/Translational Research
After Residency: Still figuring it out! I am interested in fellowship training, but I’m keeping an open mind and looking forward to seeing which areas of pediatrics I enjoy most during residency.
Hobbies/Interests: Playing video games, especially PlayStation, spending time with my dog Thatcher, traveling, exploring new technology and gadgets, trying new restaurants and foods, and spending time with family and friends.
Bio: I grew up in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and completed my medical school at Alluri Sitaram Raju Academy of Medical Sciences in Eluru. I developed an interest in pediatrics during my experience in the NICU here at Mizzou and really enjoyed the opportunity to work with children and their families. I am particularly interested in learning more about different areas of pediatrics during residency while continuing to explore my interests in research. Outside of the hospital, I spend a lot of my free time with my dog Thatcher, playing PlayStation, traveling, trying new restaurants, and keeping up with new technology. I am excited to continue learning, grow as a pediatrician, and make the most of my time at Mizzou.

Hometown: Florissant, Missouri
Medical School: A.T Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career/Research Interests: Primary Care, Sports Medicine
After Residency: Sports Medicine fellowship
Hobbies/Interests: Baseball, Soccer, Golf, Fishing, Cooking
Bio: I grew up in Florissant, Missouri and played soccer while completing my BA in Biology at St. Charles Community College before transferring to University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy where I earned my BS in Biomedical Science with a Minor in Physiology. From there, I attended medical school in Kirksville, Missouri and then completed my clinical years in Phoenix, Arizona. From the start of med school, I always knew I was interested in pediatrics. After completing a Sub-I at Mizzou, I knew this was the place for me, and I am happy to have matched here. Outside of medicine, I enjoy being active (lots of soccer), attend sporting events, and spending time with family and friends.

Hometown: Ames, IA
Medical School: University of Missouri
Career/Research Interests: Hospital medicine, infectious disease
After Residency: Undecided – at this point my favorite thing is hospital medicine, but I’m open minded and looking forward to seeing where the next three years take me.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, baking, spending time with family, travel
Bio: I grew up in Ames, IA and never imagined I’d be living in Missouri…and loving it. I also never imagined I’d be a pediatrician. Going to medical school and becoming a doctor was a long journey for me, with many detours along the way. I had a previous career as a physical therapist and worked in many different practice settings as well as parts of the country. During my M3 clerkships, my own children helped me realize how much I loved pediatrics. I truly enjoy building relationships and supporting not only the patient, but also their families. Plus, what other specialty allows you to tell jokes or play on a regular basis?
I chose to stay at Mizzou for residency because I loved the program and community. The faculty are amazing and very passionate about teaching. The residents get along and support each other. I particularly like the X + Y week schedule, elective options, and variety of patients without having to be in a big city environment and worry about things like traffic or high cost of living. I’m so excited to be able to continue my training here!

Hometown: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University- DCOM Harrogate
Career/Research Interests: Lifestyle medicine, lactation, neurodivergent related care, hospital medicine, OMT, mental health, diabetic care
After Residency: I'd love to do general pediatrics and hospital medicine
Hobbies/Interests: reading, crafting, board games, gardening, biking, walks
Bio: I am one of nine children, all biological, and am the fourth oldest. Growing up, I enjoyed helping my parents take care of my younger siblings and volunteering at various kid related events in my community. Before medical school, I worked in a children's ER which solidified pediatrics for me, especially after working as an EMT in an adult ER and jumping to care for pediatric patients that came in. If you enjoy horrible jokes, you will enjoy being around me. When I'm off, I'm spending time with my greatest life joys- my husband and my daughter. We are happy to have landed in such a wonderful city for this life's chapter.

Hometown: Jefferson City, MO
Medical School: A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career/Research Interests: Neonatology, lactation, complex care, general pediatrics
After Residency: I'm still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up! I see myself in an outpatient clinic taking care of complicated kiddos, but I may pursue a fellowship in the future.
Hobbies/Interests: My biggest love in life is my family. I have a dedicated husband, a 2-year-old daughter and son (coming soon!), and two spunky dogs. We love spending time together outside, mostly playing with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and rocks. We go hiking together, and we love cooking. Ellie makes sure I always have a taste tester. We draw and paint together, with most of my artwork consisting of her handprints and rudimentary stick figures. Thankfully, she's not a tough critic. We can also be found snuggling together reading Ellie's latest favorite book. Lately, it's been "Strictly no Elephants" and "Moo, Baa, Tra La La!" When all the babies are asleep, my husband and I love to play a good board game. Our current favorite is Canvas. When I'm not working, I help lead the worship service at our local church and a Bible study at our house.
Bio: I grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri and attended undergrad at MU. (MIZ!) There I met my Mizzou souvenir, my wonderful husband. Between the two of us, we had four majors, mine in Biochemistry and Nutritional Science, his in Mathematics and Statistics. Though, I will say, most of our "study dates" consisted of me studying, and him sleeping ha ha. During my last year of undergrad, I shadowed a DO physician and fell in love with osteopathic medicine. I wanted to learn how to do OMT, prompting me to apply to the first DO school, A.T. Still University in Kirksville, MO! There I learned phenomenal ultrasound training, lead outreach clinics in the local Amish community, published four papers, and graduated with honors. I did my third and fourth year of medical school in Farmington, Missouri, sparking an interest in rural medicine and practicing as a true generalist. Between my second and third year of medical school, we welcomed our daughter, Elouise. She was hospitalized in the NICU at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Though a scary experience at the time, our time in the NICU got me interested in Pediatrics. After another rotation in the NICU and getting to help resuscitate a 31-week gestation infant, I was hooked. Now I see myself taking care of other scared families like mine once was. It's my ultimate goal to help families navigate tough diagnoses in their children as a helping hand, as my doctors were for us with our daughter. The more complicated the patient, the more excited I am to learn. I am looking forward to all residency will teach me, and I've loved getting to come home.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO/Baghdad, Iraq
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
After residency: Most probably Outpatient General Pediatrics, but also looking into exploring Hospitalist, ER, and NICU
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, Dancing, HIIT workouts, Nature, Hiking, Turkish soap operas, Movies, Arabian nights, Concerts, Hanging out with family and friends, Travelling, Beach, Night out vibes, Anything with good people and good food
Bio: I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO with Iraqi roots and frequently visit relatives back home in Iraq. Bilingual (Arabic and English). Did my last 2 years of medical school in Miami, so minimal fluency in Spanish. Dislike very much cold weather and winter, love the heat!! Fun fact: my mom graduated from pediatrics residency at Mizzou around 30 years ago, so I guess me being at Mizzou is now generational. I completed my bachelor’s at Mizzou as well. Columbia is a nice small town and it’s nice to also be close to home with friends and family nearby. What stood out to me with completing my training here at Mizzou was the X+Y schedule. Also, the small, family-oriented feel of the program, being a university program knowing I will be receiving a well-rounded training experience, and everyone is so nice, welcoming, helpful, and supportive.

Hometown: Oceanside, CA
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Career interests/research: Child Abuse, Advocacy
After residency: Newborn nursery, general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Newest hobby is fishing! Soccer, going anywhere I can bring my dogs, and hosting festivities.
Bio: Grew up by the beach with salt in my hair and a ball at my feet. Played soccer, the most beautiful game in the world, for 18 years, which took me all over the country. My most exciting memory in sports was my international goal in Canada during my time on the California State University Los Angeles Women's Soccer Team! When I’m not seeing patients, you’ll find me at home cuddling my dogs or watching them eat (it’s the cutest thing), at any park, trail, or restaurant where dogs are allowed. Some may even say I am somewhat of an ice cream connoisseur. Dreaming of having my own little farm one day with two mini-Highland cows and three adorable goats. My perfect world = love, adventure, and lots of paws and hooves.

Home Town: Oklahoma City, OK
Med School: University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine
Career interests/research: NICU, PICU, and Child Abuse
After residency: Hopefully going to a fellowship program
Hobbies/Interests: Crochet, Pilates, NBA (Go Thunder!), true crime, and trashy reality TV
Bio: I was born and raised in OKC, Oklahoma with my parents and two best friends who double as my little sisters. I went to Southern Nazarene University where I received my BS in biology in 2020. During my gap year I got my EMT license and started working as a clinical research coordinator for a COVID-19 vaccine trial. The pandemic really highlighted for me the impact social determinants of health can have on patients’ lives. I wanted to learn more about the effect of the social determinants of health and how to best address them, so I went to the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine for medical school. In medical school, I knew peds was the specialty for me when I realized there was nothing that motivated me more to get out of bed than knowing I got to spend my day bringing comfort to little ones, helping them heal, and ease families’ worried hearts. It’s true that pediatrics is a magical place where princesses are real, stuffed animals make the best of friends, and stickers make everything better and if that doesn’t sound like the best work environment I don’t know what does😊 My patients are my superheroes and I am honored to be trusted with the responsibility to care and advocate for them.

Home Town: Fairbanks, AK
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Medicine, Kirksville, MO 
After residency: Outpatient general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests:St. Louis Blues hockey, reading, playing video games, building Lego sets
Bio: I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska - also known as the “Golden Heart City” - where I also completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. My journey then brought me to Missouri when I was accepted to ATSU-KCOM, and I’ve loved calling this state home ever since. I’ve always known I wanted to become a pediatrician, and after spending the past four years here, I knew Missouri was where I wanted to continue my training. Mizzou immediately stood out as the perfect fit, offering the ideal blend of a small, supportive class and the expansive resources of a large university. It provides not only exceptional training, but also a close-knit, family atmosphere that makes learning and growth truly special. When I’m not in clinic or in the hospital, you can find me watching a hockey game, reading, or catching up on a TV show at home.

Home Town: Hannibal, Missouri
Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia
Career interests/research: Breastfeeding & lactation, mental health, preventative healthcare, rural medicine, child advocacy
After residency: General Pediatrics, IBCLC
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Reading, Biking, Skiing, Photography, Hanging out with my husband & German Shepherd
Bio: I was born and raised in Hannibal, MO, which is a small river town in Northeast Missouri. My husband is an emergency medicine resident at Mizzou, and we are so grateful to be taking this next step in our training together. I have wanted to be a pediatrician since middle school. I love working with children and families, and I am especially passionate about continuity of care and building long-term relationships. Training at MU provides a wide variety of clinical experiences while also fostering a strong sense of community. I appreciate the supportive faculty, the emphasis on resident well-being, and the X+Y schedule, which offers both balance and valuable outpatient experience. I feel grateful to be part of a residency program that truly feels like family. MIZ!

Home Town: St. Charles, MO
Medical School: A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO
Career interests/research: I initially though outpatient pediatrics, but now I'm leaning pediatric hospitalist.
After residency: Maybe a fellowship in peds hospital medicine!
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with family and friends, playing with my dog, cooking and baking, basketball, concerts...
Bio: I grew up around St. Charles, MO, about 30 minutes west of STL. I have a family history of Mizzou grads and I came here for undergrad/graduate school. Medicine became a reality when I was accepted to A.T. Still University. Naturally, my family was telling me they needed 'this' or 'that' kind of doctor, and a pediatrician was always one of them. Peds was always on my mind and, after my core peds rotation 3rd year, I never looked back!

I met my husband in medical school and we were fortunate enough to couples match. I had previous exposure to and liked what they were doing at the Children's Hospital, and we wanted to be closer to family, so Mizzou was on the list. Fortunately, my husband really liked the FM program, too! I ultimately chose MU Peds because of the smaller class size, the welcoming environment, the growing program and area, and the fact that it felt like a good fit for me. I felt like I could be myself and that it was a supportive environment for me to grow as a physician.

Home Town: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Career interests/research: Primary care, rural medicine, public health, sports medicine, global health
After residency: Rural general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Pickleball, baking with sourdough, reading mystery/thriller novels, running, travel, card and board games, Wisconsin sports
Bio: I grew up in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in pharmacology, toxicology, and biology with a certificate in global health. I stayed at the University of Wisconsin for medical school, where I was part of the rural medicine program. As part of that program, I completed my clinical rotations at a community hospital in Green Bay, WI and surrounding rural clinics. I also completed a path of distinction in public health and participated in a public health field course in Thailand after my M1 year. I’ve always been interested in pediatrics because of the long-standing relationships we form with patients as they grow up. I also love the unique opportunity pediatrics provides for us to not only be physicians, but also to be teachers and advocates. I chose Mizzou because it’s a smaller size program within a larger academic institution that provides an abundance of educational opportunities. I also really appreciated the tight-knit community feel between residents and the strong relationships that the residents have with the attendings. I’m excited to become a part of the Mizzou pediatrics team and make Columbia my home!

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Medical School: University of Missouri
Career/Research Interests: General Pediatrics, Lactation, Advocacy
After residency: Most Likely General Pediatrics but also interested in NICU and Pulmonology 
Hobbies/Interests: Needlepoint, Pilates, Reading, Hiking, Trying new restaurants, watching Mizzou Sports!
Bio: I grew up in Poway, California, right outside of San Diego. I attended the University of Missouri for undergrad where I studied Biological Sciences and History. Before starting medical school, I spent two years in North Carolina at the NIH where I did clinical research on pre and post- menarcheal adolescents. I came back to Mizzou for medical school and during my clinical rotations, I solidified that pediatrics was the right specialty for me. During my education, I have gotten to witness firsthand how strong the Mizzou Pediatrics community is. I loved seeing how close the residents were and how much of a family feel this program had. The attendings are so supportive and passionate about teaching, which is evident in how capable and well- prepared the residents are. I am so excited for the next three years! MIZ!

Home Town: Tirupati, India
Medical School: Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, India
After residency: I might be interested in looking into a specialty.
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, watching Netflix, spending time with family.
Bio: I was born and raised in Tirupati, India which is also called Temple City, where I completed my medical school. I found my passion for Pediatrics while doing an internship in India. After marrying my husband who was pursuing fellowship at Mizzou, I moved to the United States and have since made Columbia my home. I love Columbia for it's small town, family friendly environment and the perfect balance it provides. My son has made great friends here, which makes Columbia even more special to our family. During my observership at Mizzou, I felt welcomed by residents and faculty here. I love the program for it's strong clinical training, excellent didactics, supportive environment and family friendly values. I am excited and grateful to be part of this well-rounded program and to continue my journey in medicine.

Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Medical School: Kansas City University, Kansas City, MO
Career/Research Interests: Primary Care, lactation, and asthma
After Residency: Outpatient general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, golfing, billiards, motorcycles, and many more
Bio: I grew up in St. Charles, Missouri where I made my way to Truman State University for undergrad and then to Kansas City University for medical school. Staying in Missouri close to family was important to me, and I was fortunate enough to rotate twice at MU during my 4th year which gave me all the insight I needed into why I would pick Mizzou. I chose pediatrics at MU because I quickly found that I loved the people, the environment, and the patient population. I ultimately chose Mizzou because I felt like this was a program where I could be myself in, be treated with respect, and grow as both a person and a physician.

In my free time, I have been enjoying my time as a new dad and spending time with my wife and little boy. When time allows, I love spending time in the outdoors whether it’s golfing or going on an hunting adventure.

Hometown:& Webb City, MO
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro, AR
Career Interests/Research: General/Inpatient Pediatrics, NICU, Medical Education, but still exploring!
After Residency: Undecided
Hobbies/Interests: running, pickleball, reality TV, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks
Bio: I grew up in a small town in Southwest Missouri just outside of Joplin, MO. I attended the University of Arkansas for undergrad where I majored in Kinesiology. I then stayed in Arkansas for medical school where my love for pediatrics grew and solidified. I couples matched with my fiancé who I met during medical school (he matched internal medicine). We searched for a place that fit both of our requirements and Mizzou ended up being the perfect fit! What stuck out to me the most during my interview day was the relationships the residents had with each other and the attendings. It was evident this program makes their residents feel supported and valued. I also enjoyed the aspect of it being an academic center but small enough that it really promotes a close-knit community.

Hometown: Washington, MO
Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia
Career Interests: Autism spectrum disorder/neurodivergent population, lactation, rural medicine
After Residency: Rural General Pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, spending time outside, playing pickle ball, watching sports (MIZ!), cooking, and spending time with family and friends
Bio: I was born and raised in Washington, MO, which is a smaller town about an hour outside of St. Louis. I grew up in a family full of Mizzou grads/fans, attending many sporting events as a kid. So, I naturally ended up at Mizzou for undergrad to study Biochemistry and for medical school. During medical school, I was a part of the Rural Scholars Program and spent part of my training in Hannibal, MO. This experience made me even more excited to practice rural pediatric medicine. I've always wanted to be a pediatrician for as long as I can remember. Interacting with kids all day is the absolute best! Forming connections/relationships with patients and their families along with the continuity of care from newborn to adult is such a rewarding experience. Kids are so resilient and constantly impress me in how they can be so happy even in times of illness or injury. Columbia and Mizzou have been my home for the last 8 years, and I am so happy I get to spend the next 3 years here for residency! The top reasons that drew me to this program were the supportive faculty members, the small class size where all the residents feel like family, and the opportunity to further pursue my interest in gaining diagnostic training for autism spectrum disorder to better serve my future patients.

Hometown: Greenwood, IN
Medical School: Indiana University SOM
Career/Research Interests: Antimicrobial Stewardship, Tropical Medicine, Medical Education, and Global Health
After Residency: Planning on doing a fellowship in Peds Infectious Diseases!
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, fishing, traveling
Bio: I grew up in a suburb about 20 minutes south of Indianapolis, IN. I went to Indiana University for both undergraduate and medical school. I then completed a one-year Transitional Residency program at Southeast Health in Dothan, AL before coming to Columbia for my Pediatrics training. I have had an amazing time in Missouri and am proud to be serving as one of the Chief Residents for this upcoming year.

Why did you choose Mizzou? I chose Mizzou because I wanted to be in a smaller program with a "family feel", and this MU has definitely exceeded expectations. Everyone here is so friendly , supportive, and willing to help out in any way they can or just hang out and chat about life. If I had the chance to restart my residency training from the beginning, I would 100% choose Mizzou Peds again.

On a day off, you can find me... Watering my house plants and hanging out with my dog- a little black Lab named Annie.

On the night shift, I'll be watching... Any of the Marvel movies/shows or Shoresy

Hometown: Portland, Maine
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests/Research: Advocacy for all Children 
After Residency: I am pursuing a fellowship in pediatric critical care medicine.
Hobbies/Interests: Surfing, Hiking, Football, Baseball
Bio: I grew up in Portland, Maine and attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia for a bachelor's in biology. I was interested in Medicine because it is a unique field where I truly feel like I can help and serve my community while continuing to educate those who will come into the field after me. My interest in pediatrics stems from watching kids grow up and being their first face in healthcare! I genuinely think it's impactful to help them build their own understanding of their health and help them start to participate in their own care. I think that Mizzou is the place to help me accomplish that goal because of the connections I can make with other residents and physicians due to the small class size and the overall cohesiveness of the program. I am greatly looking forward to the next three years in Columbia.

Hometown: Marion, IL
Medical School: Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Springfield, IL
Career/Research Interests: I am currently interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and I have also completed research in Pediatric Infectious Disease.
After Residency: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, working out, going to St. Louis Cardinals games, concerts, traveling
Bio: I was raised on a farm in Southern Illinois and since my father is a practicing veterinarian, my first exposures to medicine came at an early age with helping him with animal surgeries and delivering puppies at 2AM. I have known since high school due to a large amount of volunteer/shadowing experiences and my own personal health issues that I wanted to go into Pediatrics. The care I received from my amazing pediatricians during my health journey, along with my passion to serve children and their families both at home and abroad through medical missions, confirmed my decision to become a pediatrician.

I completed my bachelor's degree at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee and I attended Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. I am forever grateful for the mentors and experiences I gained along the way. I truly could not have made it through those times without my faith, family, and friends who supported me every step of the way.

I chose Mizzou Pediatrics Residency for many reasons: I loved their smaller class sizes which I was accustomed to from medical school, the feeling of family and camaraderie I sensed during my interviews with the faculty/residents was palpable and inviting, and finally, I really loved the fact that we had the privilege to begin our training in a brand new pediatric hospital! All of these reasons and more made me very excited to match with Mizzou and move to Columbia.

Hometown: Stillwater, OK
After Residency: As of now, I would like to become a general pediatrician in the outpatient setting.
Hobbies/Interests: I was born in Tucson, AZ, but a majority of my childhood was spent in Stillwater, OK. I pursued my undergraduate degree at UMKC, where I majored in Biology, and minored in Chemistry. I went to medical school at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I have always enjoyed being around children, but I truly began considering pediatrics as a career during my time as a Child Life Volunteer at the Children’s Mercy Hospital. When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, listening to music, or spending time with family and friends.

I chose Mizzou because of the combination of a large academic institution combined with a small, close-knit residency class. During my interview with Mizzou, I was struck by the warmth and camaraderie of the team here. This program provides a supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to build close relationships within a smaller class size.

Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
After Residency: Peds GI fellowship
Hobbies/Interests: Writing music, rock climbing, rec sports, video games
Bio: I grew up in St. Charles, just outside of St. Louis Missouri, and completed my undergraduate education at Drury University. I then came back to St. Louis for medical school at SLU, which then led me to Mizzou for residency! I chose Mizzou because of the friendly atmosphere, it being close to home, and the small class size. The nature of this smaller program lends itself to a great work environment where I really feel like I can get to know both my superiors and co-residents.

I chose pediatrics because I find the resilience of children in the face of debilitating illnesses very inspiring. Plus, getting a hi-five from a kiddo is a sure fire way to cheer me up even on the worst days! Being able to create these long-lasting connections with patients throughout important parts of their lives is incredibly fulfilling, as well, and is what drew me to medicine to begin with.

When I’m not at the hospital, you can likely find me on the soccer field or in the rock climbing gym. Or more likely, when I’m too tired from work to do all of that physical activity, you’ll find me lounging on my couch playing video games, or by my alarmingly expanding wall of instruments writing music.