Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Name of Undergraduate Institution: Stanford University

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Chemistry Major

Name of Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Favorite Quote:  “For the sake of peace one may lie, but peace itself should never be a lie.” -Talmud

Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?

Currently I am a 4^th year medical student on a 1-year research fellowship.  I decided to pursue a career in medicine after working many years as a research chemist in an analytical chemistry laboratory.  I found that I still had a love for science but I wanted to apply it to work with people.

If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell her?

I would tell myself to spend as much time as possible shadowing every potential career path I might be interested in pursuing.  You cannot make an informed career choice without knowing what the day-to-day work of a profession involves.

What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?

My challenge was making the decision to change careers.  It is difficult to feel like you are starting over as others around you continue to progress, but the reward is fulfillment and being true to your calling.

What is your favorite thing about your medical school?

I love that my school has an emphasis on training physicians with superior clinical skills who also possess the compassion to truly connect with patients.

Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?

Definitely, you must have pursuits outside of school. I love reading anything syfy/fantasy, dancing, cooking, knitting, make-up artistry and skin/haircare.

Thanks a lot for sharing a bit about yourself with us Erica! We really appreciate it! Continue to enjoy your research fellowship and best of luck to you in the future!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on January 16th, 2017