Professional Summary
Personal Statement
I quickly learned that "Hej," the Danish equivalent of hello, is pronounced exactly like "Hi" when a waitress in Copenhagen began speaking rapidly to me in Danish. Having no understanding of what she was saying, I was frustratingly reminded of how language goes beyond conversing. Although Copenhagen is full of English speakers, I couldn't fully appreciate the group of men watching Formula 1, the band singing folk songs in the square, or the quiet conversations on the subway. Lost in translation were not just words, but humor, subtlety, and identity. These are the elements of language I've come to value in Internal Medicine. Patients are not always able to communicate their feelings directly, potentially physically limited or overwhelmed by anxiety from uncertainty. Often their use of sarcasm, response to a loved one's touch, or a shift in tone tells me more than words alone. The more I listen, the more I understand, which can guide my clinical judgement and better align my goals with the patient's.
Why I Chose Cincinnati
I was drawn most to the culture of learning here at UC. From our program director Dr. Warm to every resident I talked to, there was an obvious emphasis on developing residents as educators and learners. I wanted to develop in an environment that encouraged growth, camaraderie, and dedication to evidence based medicine, and I felt that throughout all stages of the application process with UC. It was also very apparent how close the residents were, and I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of that community. As someone from the southeast, I was also blown away by how great of a city Cincinnati is. There’s fantastic food, plenty of live sports, and always something to do. I can officially say Midwestern kindness is very real!