Medical School: University of North Texas - TCOM

I'm from the area between Dallas and Fort Worth called HEB, more specifically from the 'E' part of this mnemonic known as Euless, a cultural melting pot known for being home to the largest Tongan population in North America.  Growing up I participated in football, baseball, Goju Ryu karate, and spent my summers working as a lifeguard at Hurricane Harbor.

I got into Emergency Medicine early in life.  My father is a paramedic, which motivated me to get my EMT-B certification during college and to continue to a Bachelor of Science in Biology at UT-Arlington.  I worked as a scribe through college completing T-sheet charts for EM physicians.  It was unique as a pre-med student to be gainfully employed in an environment with that breadth of pathology, that mix of procedures, and a group of enthusiastic physicians who loved their jobs and lives.  My passion for Emergency Medicine was born.  I did my time in research, working with drosophila in the infamous Olson Lab at UT-Southwestern on a project focused on elucidating the molecular/genetic components in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer.  I continued my education, and stint in the DFW Metroplex, by joining the UNTHSC-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2010.

My favorite thing in the world outside of medicine is being dragged across water on skis, a wakeboard, or tube when my arms can't hold on anymore, and to be laughing so hard when it's over that I can't get back into the boat.  I am happy to continue my water sports ventures here in Corpus Christi.  I also enjoy live music, weekend warrior sports, and traveling.  My best travel/cultural experience is backpacking through Costa Rica and Panama for two weeks.  I hope to add to these experiences through the international medicine elective opportunity offered by this program.

I like that the Corpus Christi Emergency Medicine Residency Program is unopposed on procedures, has great ultrasound and SIM learning opportunities, and was the most academically progressive program that I have seen.  The most important thing to know about my experience here is that the team of residents, faculty, and staff are the most pleasant, enthusiastic, and entertaining group of people I have worked with and I’m excited to now be a part of it.