As a physician assistant (PA) in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, I assist surgeons by providing patient care for outpatients and inpatients, as well during their operation. Each patient has a story, and I try to see things from their perspective.

I have always loved working with children, starting with babysitting and working at a daycare as a teenager. I became interested in surgery when I performed microsurgeries on rats during my research experience in my undergraduate training.

I love the continuity of my position. I meet a family at their pre-surgery consult clinic, see them at the pre-operative evaluation, assist with their surgery and follow up with them after surgery in the inpatient and outpatient settings. This provides a familiar face through all phases of care for our patients and families, which I think is important.

I am the advanced practice provider (APP) lead for PA education at Cincinnati Children’s. This gives me an opportunity to work with future PAs to help them gain experience via shadowing opportunities and clinical rotations. I also work with new and current Cincinnati Children’s PAs with onboarding and continuing education.

When I’m not helping patients, I love to spend time with my kids, especially outdoors. This can include walks, family vacations or even a relaxing afternoon on the deck.