UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology SUMMER 2024 - Flipbook - Page 36
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
become a doctor instead of a veterinarian.
My goal is to support people in their times
of intimate need, and I have found my
calling within medicine in a field where I
can do just that.
When I started medical school, I knew I
wanted to be a cancer doctor but didn’t
yet know the realm of possibilities
that existed. I was lucky enough to
discover Radiation Oncology as a firstyear medical student at the University
of Kansas (KU) when we had a lecture
about breast cancer taught by a radiation
oncologist from KU. I was so intrigued
that I eagerly spent a week shadowing in
the department. Once I discovered the
fascinating technology that exists within
the field, and that I can pair this with my
interest in cancer and caring for such a
special population of patients, my mind
was set on my specialty.
paired with a reputation for excellent
patient care. Additionally, for years I have
dreamt of moving back to my birthplace
in Southern California. UCLA Radiation
Oncology checked all the boxes when
searching for my dream residency
program.
I feel beyond lucky to be where I am
today. The technology is top-notch and
opportunities for research are nearly
endless. All the faculty and staff, from
the attending and resident physicians to
the radiation therapists to the nurses and
admin staff and everyone in between,
make the department feel like a family.
And, to top everything off: the sun is
almost always shining, the ocean is
minutes away, and I get to live in a truly
spectacular city.
E: What endeavors, beyond your
rotations, do you hope to throw yourself
behind while in the UCLA RO Residency
Program?
E: Although matching is a two-way
street, there are many Radiation
Oncology programs. Why did you pursue M: In addition to research, I am
the UCLA Radiation Oncology Residency planning on involving myself in other
opportunities during my residency. I
Program?
plan on serving on the Graduate Medical
M: Though I’m a Kansan, I am a native
Education Committee (GMEC) as one
Californian at heart. I was born in
of the representatives for our incoming
Southern California but moved around
residency program class. One of my longthe United States due to my father’s job
term goals is in program leadership,
in Aerospace. When it came to exploring
so I am eager to explore this role and
residency programs for Radiation
how I can assist with the continued
Oncology, my main goal was to find a
improvement of programs while ensuring
program that provides a vast array of
well-being of residents. Additionally,
opportunities for exploring research,
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