Nisha Jadhaw, MD

College:  UC San Diego

Medical School:  St. George's University

Areas of Interest:  Medical Education, Preventative Medicine, Women's and Children's Health

I was born and raised in the South Bay and could not be more honored and excited to come back and serve my community.

O'Connor Hospital holds a very special place in my heart. When I was in undergrad and deciding what I wanted to do as a career, I shadowed some of the attendings at O'Connor. I was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and culture of the hospital and clinics. At first, I did not think I had what it took to become a doctor, but after years of shadowing, I fell in love with Family Medicine and knew I had to become a Family Physician. I went off to Grenada for medical school where I met the greatest friends I could have ever asked for, learned to live in a third world country, relaxed on the most beautiful beaches, and of course, studied my brains out. I feel that I've come full circle now as a resident in this program and cannot wait to continue my education here.

My interests outside of medicine include hiking, going to the beach, traveling, hanging out with my family and friends, listening to music, and binge watching Netflix shows.  

Fun Fact: My favorite quote is, "It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." - JK Rowling.

Sonja Halterman, MD

College:  Smith College

Medical School:  UC San Diego

Other Degrees: MPH at Loma Linda University; JD at UC Davis

Areas of Interest: Hospital Medicine

I grew up in a foggy Californian coastal town in the Bay Area surrounded by a huge family. I've been living like a nomad, bouncing around the country since high school (Massachusetts for college, Southern California for graduate school, Chicago for AmeriCorps, a brief detour in Davis for law school, San Diego for medical school, New Mexico for my intern year...), and I'm so happy to finally be back in the Bay Area for residency!  O'Connor Residency is an amazing place to grow as a family medicine doctor. We have an amazingly supportive faculty with an incredible fund of knowledge and experience in every area of medicine; and my co-residents are so warm, smart, and fun that coming to work feels just like hanging out with good friends.

Fun fact: I ended up being hospitalized for malaria over a year after returning from a volunteer trip to Ghana – proof that taking the full course of malarial prophylaxis is important!

Eric Matsumoto, MD

College:  Azusa Pacific University

Medical School:  Loma Linda University

Areas of Interest:  Underserved Populations, Spiritual Care, Integrative Medicine, Preventative Medicine

I grew up in the town of Morgan Hill, CA (or "Mo' Hill" as the locals say it), so coming back to the Bay Area to train and serve my home community is a huge blessing. My first exposure to medicine was volunteering as a translator for a RotaCare clinic when I was in high school. In undergrad, I enjoyed leading service teams to Mexico and partnering with a local volunteer-run hospice, which further confirmed my desire to pursue medicine.  In medical school, I fell in love with family medicine because of the ways it lined up with my passions for broad-spectrum training, whole person care, and at-risk populations.

My favorite aspects of the Stanford - OCH program are the amazing faculty, friendly residents, diverse patient population, and free food at the cafeteria!

Fun Fact: I enjoy playing improvisational piano, tennis, and pretty much any board/card/video game in existence.

Milt McColl, MD

College:  Stanford University

Medical School:  Stanford University School of Medicine

I was raised in a “football / medicine family” in Southern California. My father was an orthopedic surgeon who played for the Chicago Bears for 8 years during medical school and residency. Throughout medical school I was also fortunate enough to play professional football as a starting linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and earned two Super Bowl rings. After retiring from football, I chose to put my medical residency on hold and spent the next twenty plus years developing medical devices. During my career in business I never lost my passion for medicine and treating patients. I volunteered at a local primary care free clinic treating underserved, low income patients, many of whom were immigrants. Since my wife and I have now finished raising our four boys, I decided to “go back” and complete my residency. Eventually, I hope to work in a Federally Qualified Health Center or a non-profit clinic. Since I have experience volunteering as an international health care provider, I hope to spend a portion of my time in that capacity also.

O’Connor has been an incredible place for me to “re-enter” clinical medicine. It has an extremely positive environment and focuses not just on caring for patients but also on teaching. I feel very fortunate to be able to return to my passion and be a part of such a great place to learn medicine.

Fun Fact: About two years ago I started flying single engine planes and eventually earned my private pilot license. In my free time I enjoy flying, playing golf, hiking, biking, and most of all, watching my youngest son playing college baseball for Harvard (Go Crimson!)

Nelly Song, MD

College: University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

Areas of Interest: Underserved Populations, Preventative Medicine, Dermatology, Medical Education

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas to parents who had immigrated to the U.S. during the Salvadoran Civil War. While growing up, I traveled to El Salvador with my family on an annual basis. It was there where I learned just how limited access to care could be. As a result of this experience, I set my mind to medicine. I went to the University of Texas at Austin to study Biomedical Engineering and then to the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. I also volunteered at several free clinics, organized preventative health events, and mentored children and adolescents. Fast forward to now, I’m very happy to be at Stanford-O’Connor. The training provides full-spectrum family medicine and is unopposed; the faculty, residents, and staff are very supportive; and the program is dedicated to the underserved.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and dogs; learning and cooking different cuisines; baking; eating delicious food; running; yoga; hiking; and camping.

Fun fact:  I run 6 miles with my two adopted rescue dogs. Woof! Woof! Run!

Anh Tan, MD MPH

College:  Stanford University

Medical School:  Chicago Medical School

Other Degrees:  Masters from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health  

Areas of Interest:  Public Health, Patient Education and Advocacy, Mentoring

I grew up in Olympia, Washington, the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who taught me the importance community service. I spent my college years volunteering, organizing fundraisers, and mentoring underprivileged youth. I then went on to work at several nonprofits to combat hepatitis B and other health disparities. I became involved with Stanford's Pacific Free Clinic, which serves San Jose's most vulnerable populations, and came to realize that primary care is my true calling.

O'Connor represents the best of all worlds: a community-based, university-sponsored, unopposed program, with a diverse and underserved patient population, and where the training is rigorous yet nurturing and the people are brilliant yet down-to-earth. I genuinely love my work family. Plus, the location can't be beat!

Fun Fact: I co-founded a hip hop danec group in college called dv8.

Stephen Vogel, MD

College:  Davidson College

Medical School:  Wake Forest School of Medicine

Areas of Interest:  Preventative Medicine, Health & Wellness, Sports Medicine

I'm a Sacramento, California native who came back to the west after a long stint in North Carolina. My life interests are about as broad as my clinical ones, and I find connections with patients to be a highlight of medicine, which is why Family Medicine was the perfect fit. If I'm not on shift I'll be out on my bike(s) training for national races alongside my fiancee. 

The energy put together by residents and faculty to care for the under and uninsured while learning a huge range of clinical subjects inspires me to perform the best I can, every day.  

My interests outside of medicine include road & mountain bike racing, cooking, coffee & crosswords.

Fun Fact: I majored in pipe organ performance in college. 

Lydia Wong, MD

College:  UC Berkeley (Go Bears!!)

Medical School:  The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Global Health, Women's Health, Adolescent Health, Preventative Medicine

I was born in Hong Kong and moved to California when I was 5. I found my passion for medicine during college while volunteering with local underserved communities. While I loved my time in the Midwest for medical school, I am delighted to be home in the wonderful Bay Area for my residency training.

Doing a sub-I at OCH completely sold me on this program - the high quality of teaching from both attendings and residents, the supportive nature of the residency family, and the intrinsically happy culture made all the difference. I could go on endlessly about my love for our residency program, and I am incredibly happy to have matched here. As residents, we are given so many opportunities to pursue our individual interests - I have even gotten to practice medicine in a rural village in Uganda with one of our attendings!

Fun Fact: My interests outside of medicine include plotting my next travel and food adventures, enjoying the glorious California sunshine and staying caffeinated.

Allison Xie, MD

College:  Wellesley College

Medical School:  Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

My family moved from China to Hawaii about a decade ago, and while my parents remained on the sunny island, I ventured to the East coast for college and medical school. As a history major, I was particularly drawn to the development of humanism. In medical school, I gravitated toward family medicine because it is a specialty that best manifests the humanistic aspect of medicine. After four years in beautiful but freezing New Hampshire, I am very glad to be back in warm weather again.

I chose O'Connor because of the rigorous curriculum, diverse patient population, supportive faculty and residents, and the wonderful sense of community. I feel so fortunate to be part of this family and look forward to learning from everyone in the next few years!

Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking, board games, ballroom dancing, and flipping through old historical manuscripts for funny quotes (malleus maleficarum has some great ones).

Matilde Fredrikson, DO

College:  University of Texas at Austin

Medical School:  University of North Texas Health Science Center / Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Areas of Interest:  Vulnerable Populations, Mental Health, Addiction Medicine, Health Literacy

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I quickly learned the hardships and oppression many immigrants face in this country. Witnessing the lack of access to health care and mental health resources in my community motivated me to pursue a career in community medicine. During college, I fostered my passion for service and led several service projects which included teaching English and Citizenship classes, mentoring children of incarcerated parents, and providing free health screenings in the community. During medical school, I joined the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), where I helped organize two annual regional conferences; these conferences helped address the health disparities that still exist in the Latino community and ways we can work toward health equality for all patients regardless of background, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity.

I chose Stanford-O’Connor because it has many of the qualities I was looking for in a program: an underserved patient population, a strong behavioral science curriculum, supportive faculty with diverse areas of interest, and friendly residents. I am excited to start this journey and continue my commitment for health and social equality. In my spare time, I enjoy Salsa dancing, Bikram yoga, and going on walks with my husband Kurt!

Fun Fact: I have a 16-year-old cat named Smidge!

Nick Hatamiya, DO

College:  UC Berkeley (Go Bears!!)

Medical School:  Western University of Health Sciences

Areas of Interest:  Sports Medicine, Medical Education, Health Technologies, Advocacy

I grew up on my family’s peach, prune, and walnut farm in a small, rural community just outside of Sacramento, CA.  My hometown is classified as being “medically underserved” and my motivation to pursue family medicine stems from my rural upbringing.  I attended college at UC Berkeley, where I studied Integrative Biology and rooted for my beloved Cal Bears along the sidelines as a Sports Medicine Intern.  Afterwards, I spent several years doing sports medicine/biomechanics research at UCSF, volunteering in Honduras, and working for a digital health startup company before heading off to medical school.

I chose Stanford - O’Connor because it is a community-based, single residency program that is fiercely commitment to the underserved. There are also plenty of opportunities to become involved with sports medicine and medical education (OSLER).  More importantly, I absolutely loved the supportive nature of the faculty and the diversity of resident backgrounds while doing my sub-I as a 4th year.

In my free time, you can find me snapping photos while adventuring outdoors, checking out the latest “foodie” spot, or binge-watching Netflix shows.  I'm also planning on running an ultra marathon and hope to complete a marathon on every continent (yes, they even have one on Antarctica!).

Fun fact:  I was voted as the "social media king" in medical school.

Yusuke Kobayashi, MD

College:  Linfield College

Medical School:  University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine

Areas of Interest:  Underserved/ Homeless Populations, Global Health, Procedural Medicine, Sports Medicine

I was born in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, when I was six years old. I ventured to the Oregon for college, where I majored in exercise science with a premedical focus. Although I loved my time in Oregon, I escaped the "cold" and returned to the beautiful islands for medical school. Throughout my medical education, I worked at a student-run homeless shelter clinic, where I found my passion for family medicine and the underserved population.

I chose Stanford-O'Connor because of their rigorous unopposed curriculum, diversity of resident interests, educational innovation (OSLER program), and most importantly, their fierce dedication to the underserved populations.

My interests outside of medicine include spending time with my wife, surfing, surf/water photography, and swimming.

Fun Fact: During my second year of medical school, I swam in a relay with my friends across the Molokai channel between the islands of Molokai and Oahu, spanning 26 miles!

Meg Tabaka, MD MPH
 

College:  Wellesley College

Medical School:  Stanford University School of Medicine

Other Degrees: MPH from the University of Minnesota

Areas of Interest:  Underserved populations, Procedural medicine, Addiction medicine

I hail from the great state of Minnesota where I grew up among beautiful lakes and pine trees. I went on to attend Wellesley College for four glorious years where I majored in Neuroscience and spent my free time competing on the rowing team. After much soul searching and gazing into the eyes of many, many Drosophila, I ultimately realized that I wanted to work more closely with people. I thus began my journey in the healthcare field, first completing my MPH in epidemiology followed by attending medical school.  While in graduate school I had the opportunity to work in free clinics in both Minneapolis and the Bay Area and it was here that I first found my passion for primary care. During medical school I was drawn to Family Medicine because it allowed me to take care of patients from all stages and walks of life.   

I rotated at O'Connor during medical school and was continually impressed by the dedicated faculty, staff, and residents. I was drawn in by the high quality of teaching, supportive learning environment, and focus on holistic patient care. My ideal residency program was one that was both rigorous and focused on underserved population medicine - I found exactly that at O'Connor.  

Outside of medicine, I spend my free time eating my wife's excellent cooking, taking videos of my daughter, and explaining to my yellow labrador why he is no longer an only child.    

Fun fact:  I spent my summers growing up in the turtle racing capital of the world.

Lucia Tomé, MD

College:  UC Berkeley

Medical School:  Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Areas of Interest:  Women’s Health, Underserved Populations

As a child I moved from Argentina to Canada and finally to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, which I consider my home town. I attended college at UC Berkeley, where I double majored in Psychology and Political Science. I was immediately attracted to the clinician-patient relationship in Psychology and human physiology. Volunteering in underserved communities during college introduced me to the barriers that underserved communities face when accessing a multitude of services, including medical care. I contemplated a PhD in Psychology, but soon realized that I wanted to work in a clinical context in which I could integrate physiology, psychology, and the lessons I had learned during these experiences. So, I applied to medical school, fell in love with Family Medicine, and haven’t looked back.  

O’Connor offers the opportunity to train in an unopposed residency with a long-standing dedication to serving the underserved populations of San Jose. The faculty and residents create a supportive and stimulating educational environment that not only prepares residents to be effective and caring Family Physicians but also nurtures residents’ individual interests and passions.

Fun fact: I played the trombone for 9 years, from 4th grade through senior year of high school.

Norma Villalon, MD

College:  UC Davis

Medical School:  Stanford University School of Medicine

Areas of Interest:  Underserved Communities, Women’s Health, Chronic Disease Management, Patient Education, Mentoring 

I grew up in a rural town in Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 18. I am the oldest of 4 in my family and the first generation to go to college. I did not speak English when I moved to this country, so I attended community college for 4 years in order to learn it. I then transferred to UC Davis where I completed my undergraduate education. I did community health and prevention research for two years before attending medical school. While in medical school, I took 2 years off to pursue a very fulfilling project studying the effect of diabetes self-management education in patients at a student-run free clinic. Throughout medical school I was also involved with the Stanford Health Career Opportunity Program for premed students from underrepresented backgrounds, where I served as an instructor and mentor. Giving back is very important to me, so I continue to mentor students who have limited resources, as I did as a premed student.

I did a couple of rotations at O’Connor and knew this was the place for me. O’Connor works with underserved populations, including a high proportion of Spanish speakers, the faculty and staff are extremely supportive and excellent teachers, and the opportunities for community outreach are plenty starting from year one. In addition, the residents are happy and support each other like a family. I am extremely excited to begin my training here and to be part of a group of like-minded physicians and staff who strive to provide the best care to each patient, while also working to improve the community.

Fun fact:  I have recently started gardening in my front yard - built raised garden beds at home and currently am growing several varieties of tomatoes, squash, peppers, herbs, strawberries, and watermelon! I’m so excited to see them grow. I check my tomatoes every morning when I leave the house and when I get back home!

Daniel Weisel, MD

College:  University of Southern California

Medical School:  Washington University in St. Louis

Areas of Interest:  Preventive Medicine, Underserved Populations, Procedural Medicine

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, as a die-hard Cardinals fan. I completed my undergrad Evolutionary Biology degree at USC (Fight on!) before boomeranging back to St. Louis for medical school. During my time at WashU, I was involved in running free clinics and health screenings for the local community, and I travelled to Guatemala to study the relationship between fast food advertising and rising obesity rates. I was drawn to family medicine because of its emphasis on preventative care and its broad scope of expertise. Now I am finally back on the West-coast-Best-coast to complete my training at OCH!

I was drawn to O'Connor because of their outstanding commitment to the underserved populations of San Jose. The residents are a tight-knit group and the faculty is clearly invested in teaching and the education of their residents.

Beyond CPR and memorizing generic drug names, my interests include playing baseball and tennis, reading fantasy novels, and hiking through national parks.

Fun Fact: I spent two weeks living with, caring for, and feeding lion cubs in Johannesburg!

Marisa Yanez, MD
 

College: Stanford University

Medical School:  David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA/Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science

Areas of Interest:  Sports Medicine, Procedural Medicine, Underserved Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Global Health, Medical Education

I was born and raised in sunny Southern California (Orange County to be exact) and am the youngest of four siblings. Soccer is my passion, but I enjoy anything that gets my heart rate up, including yoga, weightlifting, hiking, and swimming, just to name a few. A torn ACL is what first brought me to medicine, but my attraction to full spectrum medicine and my work with underserved populations is what happily brought me to Family Medicine. In my spare time, I can be found listening to audiobooks, playing with my adorable kitten, or enjoying the company of my fiancé. 

Coming to Stanford-O’Connor was an easy choice for me. They truly are a family here; from my co-resident class, to my big sibs, to the extremely supportive staff and faculty, I am surrounded by respect, love, and encouragement at all times. And with the opportunity to explore any and every passion, I do not have to limit my areas of interest and am confident that I will graduate a very capable and well-rounded physician. Plus, it is a welcome joy to be back by my alma mater (go trees!).

Fun fact:  I  have traveled to 4 continents and 20 countries, 15 of which were during medical school!

Pedro Alvarez, MD

College: UC Santa Barbara

Medical School:  UC Irvine

Areas of Interest: Immigrant and Underserved Health

As a child, my family and I followed the migrant farm workers seasonal harvest throughout the fields of California in our food truck to provide meals. It was through these experiences that I developed my sense of connectedness with my community and came to understand that that my own successes were tied those of the people around me. In choosing medicine as a path, it was a combination of my love for science and an opportunity to give back to my community.

I chose Stanford-OCH for the co-interns, residents, and faculty.  So far, I've had a great experience during night float and have been able to practice adult medicine, pediatrics, and even participate in deliveries, sometimes all in one night. As somebody that enjoys Family Medicine because of its breath, this has been a great experience. 

My hobbies outside of medicine include dancing, movies, and video games. 

Fun Fact: I don't know how to drive stick shift, however, my fiancee is teaching me.

Yael Braunschweig, MD

College:  Harvard University

Medical School:  University of Michigan

Other degrees: PhD from University of California, Berkeley; MPH from University of Michigan

Areas of Interest:  Women's and Children's health, Reproductive Justice, Global Health, Public Health

I studied music and history in college and then went on to do a PhD in musicology. My research in music drew on gender studies and my work in this area helped fuel a passion for women's health. I became a birth doula and soon realized that I wanted a career where I could provide medical care to women and children. Family medicine, with its broad lens and unique ability to address family and community health needs, has been a perfect fit. 

I grew up in San Jose and am thrilled to be able to work with and give back to this community. I was also drawn to the supportive, family-like environment at O'Connor.

Fun Fact: I'm a great hula hooper. 

Emmeline Ha, MD

College:  The George Washington University

Medical School:  The George Washington University

Areas of Interest:  Community Medicine, Immigrant Health, Geriatrics, Medical Education 

My parents are refugees from Vietnam, and I grew up working at our family restaurant in northern Virginia. A strong appreciation for my roots led me to value family-based care. During medical school, I was involved in Asian American health advocacy, chronic hepatitis disparities research, and promoting the specialty of family medicine. While I never imagined myself moving to California, I fell in love with Stanford-OCH. 

I was drawn to OCH's amazing faculty and residents, diverse patient population and commitment to the underserved. I also love the opportunity for rigorous, unopposed, community-based training while being affiliated with a strong academic center. Even though this is my first time living away from home, I have been lucky to have my great OCH family supporting me! 

Fun Fact: I was born at our very own O'Connor Hospital.

William Hui, MD

College:  UC San Diego

Medical School:  Drexel University College of Medicine

Areas of Interest:  Immigrant Health, Sports Medicine, Pediatrics, Procedural Medicine, Global Health 

I spent most of my life in the Bay Area living in Millbrae, CA and moved to sunny Socal studying Human Biology, wooed by the beach and sun. My interest in free clinics and FQHCs taught me the amount of health disparities that exist and I wanted to help towards increasing health access in my own community.  I sought out to become a leader at the student-run Chinatown clinic and became empowered and motivated to work with the underserved populations serving Philadelphia's Chinatown. I always knew I wanted to do primary care, but I was specifically drawn to family medicine due to its unique flexibility to find your own niche of interests, ability to serve as a fierce advocate for your patient, and the long-term bonds you have with one another and the family unit.
 
I am ecstatic to join the OCH family after doing a sub-internship at O'Connor Hospital because obviously, west coast > east coast. It is the best of both worlds, top-notch academic teaching atmosphere, yet clearly housed in an unopposed full-spectrum community residency program at OCH. I was blown away by the level of teaching from its residents and attendings, loved the exposure of outpatient procedures and sports medicine, the commitment of the program towards the underserved, and most importantly of all -- the happy, passionate, and incredibly smart co-residents. It is no wonder that this program is known as the "happy residency." Lastly, I am thrilled to be back where my family lives in the Bay Area, whom I can eat dim sum with!

Fun Fact: I've ran marathons in (mostly) every place I've settled in (SF, LA, Philly, DC) hoping to qualify for Boston someday. I eat dim sum every Saturday lunchtime with my family (unbreakable tradition, unless of course, hospital duties!) I want a cat. Aspiring American Ninja Warrior.

Haley Miller, MD

College:  Davidson College

Medical School:  University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Other Degrees:  MPH from UC San Diego

Areas of Interest:  Women’s Health including Obstetrics, Vulnerable Populations, Addiction Medicine, Medical Education

I was born in Philadelphia, but my family moved back to NC when I was 4. I grew up enjoying the woods, mountains, beaches, and BBQ, and stayed for both undergrad and medical school. In med school I had the privilege of working with a variety of patients from all over the state, cementing my belief that all patients deserve excellent care regardless of their background. I fell in love with family medicine because it invites providers to see and care for patients as whole people in the context of a larger community, and also because it allows providers to support patients through major transitions in their lives. Family medicine also offers a lot of opportunity for teaching, both with patients and other students.

A passion for women’s health and obstetrics combined with couples’ matching led to a far-flung application cycle. After a long couples-match interview season, O’Connor stood out to me as an exceptionally supportive, tight-knit, and education-focused community. The residents and faculty are clearly passionate about providing high-quality care for their vulnerable patient population, and I feel lucky to work with and learn from my patients here. There is also a ton of women’s health and especially obstetrics throughout all three years! Finally, I was drawn by the OSLER program as I hope to incorporate teaching into my future career.

Outside of medicine, I love running, swimming, crossword puzzles, hiking, camping, and exploring the amazing hiking and beaches around the area with my husband and two dogs. I’m still confused by the lack of rain here, but I’m so excited to explore and learn in my new home for the next few years!

Fun Fact: One of my ears is folded over, and in high school my track teammates decided that it was lucky, and used to kiss it before every race. So weird!

Nav Rai, MD

College:  UCLA

Medical School:  Albany Medical College 

Areas of Interest: Sports Medicine

Born and raised in San Jose. Sports. Big family. College. Failed athlete. Public health. Grad school. Research. Personal trainer. Med school.

Fun Fact: I enjoy exploring the outdoors, playing and watching sports, fitness, traveling, dogs, laughing, and watching movies

Kristen Zwicky, MD

College:  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

Medical School:  University of Illinois at Chicago 

Areas of Interest:  Medical Education, Underserved Populations, Preventative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Innovative Care Models

 I was born and raised in central Illinois and have done all my training there up until this point. In college I studied Speech and Hearing Science but found myself more drawn to medicine, so instead of changing majors I graduated a year early to gain real world experience in the hospital and make sure it was a good fit for me. That year I did an AmeriCorps service year with the Chicago Health Corps and specifically worked for the American Cancer Society as a patient liaison at John H. Stroger Jr., Hospital of Cook County. My day-to-day involved connecting patients with cancer to food, housing, and transportation resources while they were undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy. This experience introduced me to the ideas of social determinants of health, the biopsychosocial model of care, and the importance of community resources. 

The following year I started medical school at the University of Illinois in Chicago where I quickly found my passion for family medicine and the opportunities it provides to help patients make positive change in their life by getting to know them as people. I spent a lot of my time in medical school teaching our intro to clinical medicine course for first years and the family medicine shelf exam reviews for third years, and hope to stay involved in academic medicine in my career. 

O’Connor offers a lot in the way of my professional interests in that our clinic is an FQHC and there are built-in tracks for both medical education and integrative medicine. The faculty are very approachable and clearly invested in the residents’ success, and my co-residents are some of the most supportive, interesting people I’ve ever met. 

Fun Fact: Other than a brief weekend at a conference in Anaheim, I had never been to California before my interview at O’Connor.