(What you won’t find on social media … even if you’re approved as a friend)

• Born: Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
• Status: Married to my high school sweetheart from Effingham County High School
• Alma Mater: Mercer University (undergraduate) and Mercer University School of Medicine
• What’s on TV: Reality TV (who doesn’t love watching other people make questionable life choices?) — I love all variations of "Below Deck" and repeat viewings of "Friends" and "The Office" for emotional support.
• What I drive: My trusty, ever-faithful 2003 Honda Accord — missing paint, no bumper, and windows that might roll down if I talk sweetly to her.
• TV medical drama that actually gets it right (sort of): The first few seasons of "Grey’s Anatomy" depicting an intern year of residency are pretty close — minus the time for any relationships or sleep.
• Parking: Back-in or forward-in? Always forward in — because honestly, I still can’t figure out how to back in without making everyone in the parking lot stare.
• What I’m reading: "Atomic Habits" — always looking to sharpen my productivity skills. For moments when I want to dive deep into history, I turn to the latest Kristin Hannah novels. And when I need a break from reality, I love all books by Sarah J. Maas, filled with fantasy, fae, and fierce heroines.
• App I can’t live without (no judgment): Down Dog HIIT workout app and Google Maps — I still have to Google the route for places I’ve traveled my whole life.
• Worst habit: Convincing myself that every little task deserves a little treat.
• On my office walls: Photographs of magnolia flowers. We have a huge magnolia tree at home that inspired the name for Magnolia Primary Care.
• I would love to meet … Dr. Paul Farmer, Dr. Atul Gawande, and Dr. Jim Dahle. Dr. Farmer’s dedication to healthcare and social justice is truly inspiring. Dr. Gawande’s thoughtful approach to medicine offers deep insights. Dr. Dahle’s work empowering physicians to take control of their financial futures is something I greatly admire. Together, they represent the blend of compassion, wisdom, and practical guidance I aspire to in my own career.
• Favorite go-to comfort food: Pasta and chocolate.
• First thing I do in the morning: Coffee, coffee, coffee.
• Superstitions: In medicine, we never say, “It’s so quiet today” — because guess what? It’s like summoning the floodgates. Knock on wood, or risk a chaotic afternoon.
• Most used emoji: 😂
• First job: Lifeguard — nothing says "responsible adult" like saving lives while wearing a whistle.
• What I like about Effingham County: Effingham County will always be a big part of who I am. It’s where I grew up, fell in love, and eventually made my way back home after school. I’ve been lucky to stay close to family and longtime friends, and I’m so thankful for the people here who’ve supported and guided me over the years. Now, I’m honored (and honestly pretty excited) to give back by serving this amazing community as a physician.
• Favorite sports team: Kansas City Chiefs — when you’re a Taylor Swift fan, you follow the Swifties’ team.
• What song always gets me singing (or dancing): "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston or any Taylor Swift jam.
• Favorite value in others: Hard work and honesty — I admire people who get stuff done without pretending they have it all figured out.
• Advice I’d give my teenage self: Go for it — and don’t sweat the failures! Becoming a doctor is a long, winding road (with plenty of coffee and late nights). I spent a lot of time worrying that the dream might slip away, but here’s the truth: it’s way better to chase your goals, even if you stumble, than to hold back out of fear.
• Talent I’d most like to have: Playing the piano — I took lessons for years as a kid. I never quite mastered it, but some of my favorite memories are sitting at the keys and getting lost in music.
• Dream date: A peaceful, off-season beach day with no crowds, no Wi-Fi, and no agenda except relaxation.
• Attribute I like best about myself: I’m a dreamer who doesn’t give up — if there’s a will, there’s definitely a way.
• And least … I never like to accept a loss. I see a closed door as a failure instead of a redirection. Sometimes you have to trust that everything works out the way it’s supposed to.
• My hero: The private practice physicians who came before me. In today’s complex healthcare landscape, it takes real courage to open your own practice and stay focused on what matters most — your patients. I’m deeply inspired by the incredible doctors who’ve taken that leap, especially those who’ve paved the way right here in Effingham County. Because of them, I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.
• My bucket list: I’ve lived near the beach my whole life, but somehow I’ve never managed to catch sea turtles hatching in the wild — it's still high on my list. I’d also love to visit an elephant sanctuary someday. There’s just something magical about seeing animals up close in their natural environments.
• My motto: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt. It’s a reminder I hold close, especially during the long days and late nights. Believing in your dreams — and putting in the work to reach them — makes all the difference.

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