Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology, Villanova University
Graduate/Other Continuing Education: Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Drexel University College of Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies
Student's next step: Emergency Medicine residency at Rush University in Chicago, IL

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to choose Drexel for your medical education?

I was born and raised in inner-city Philadelphia, and as a first-generation college and medical student, my path into medicine has been non-linear and deeply personal. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of health care disparities and the importance of compassionate, community-rooted care. Drexel stood out to me because of its strong commitment to service, diversity and training future physicians to lead with both skill and empathy. The College's mission aligned closely with my values and aspirations to make a tangible difference in underserved communities.

What experiences at Drexel have most influenced your career goals?

Drexel gave me countless opportunities to grow, but what truly shaped me were the moments of connection — with patients, mentors and peers. Being inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society was a powerful affirmation of the kind of physician I strive to be. Working with vulnerable populations during clinical rotations in urban settings, engaging with communities, and participating in service-learning projects helped solidify my passion for health equity and advocacy.

How did your experience in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) program prepare you for medical school?

The IHS program at Drexel was a transformative experience for me. It provided a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, but more importantly, it challenged me to think critically about health care through an interdisciplinary lens. I learned to bridge basic science with clinical relevance, and to approach patient care with both intellectual rigor and cultural humility.

I am fortunate to have been surrounded by like-minded peers and faculty who understood the importance of equity in health care and helped me solidify my identity as a future physician. Many of which I am still in contact with today. The program didn’t just prepare me academically — it strengthened my resilience, affirmed my purpose, and gave me the community and tools to succeed in medical school and beyond. I would say that IHS didn’t just get me into medical school — it helped shape the kind of doctor I want to become.