1. What is a quote that has had a significant influence on your life and why?
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” From early on in life, I tried to never elevate anyone or put anyone on a pedestal. I’m not interested in “what you do” or “how much you make” and in the same sense, I’ve never thought of myself better than others. We are all human and need to be treated with the same dignity.
2. Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Kingsport, Tennessee. I went to undergrad at Mars Hill in the western part of the state and moved East after graduation and attended ECU for my graduate degree. I’ve practiced in Rocky Mount, Nashville, Wilson, Smithfield and now Clayton.e
3. How did you decide to become a physician?
I’ve always loved Biology and found the body to be fascinating. I love to talk with patients, get to know them and help not only take care of their medical needs, but also educate them on how to best help themselves.
4. What do you like about practicing in an underserved area?
The mix of patients and the appreciation they give when you’re able to help them.
5. Is your practice using any tools to address social determinates of health for patients?
We ask SDOH with every patient and try to address those needs if we are able by tapping into available resources.
6. Please tell us how Covid has affected your practice and some of the changes you have made.
My office opened the week before the Governor shut down the state with the pandemic. We adjusted to do telemedicine for chronic conditions and our office opened as a Respiratory Diagnostic Center and later an infusion center. Primary care resumed back to normal in October of 2021 and since then we’ve been trying to get patients caught up on routine and preventive care.
7. Do you have any hobbies or activities for self-care?
I have 2 children that are very active in travel sports. My son plays baseball and my daughter plays volleyball. I have coached my daughter since she was 9 years old in volleyball and this will be my first year head coaching her at the club level. I also enjoying gardening and my family is about to purchase some chickens. My husband has become quite the woodworker and I enjoy working with him in his shop. We recently built our first chicken coop.
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