Associate Program Director for Curriculum

Where did you attend college? 

I attended Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island for undergraduate studies and then attended the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I also studied at the Harvard School of Public Health for my MPH between my third and fourth years of medical school.

Where did you do your residency?

I traveled to Boise, Idaho for residency at the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho. The environment and mission of my residency training program was very similar to that of the FMRWM.

Within your specialty, do you have any sub-specialty areas of practice that you particularly enjoy?

I enjoy a broad spectrum of Family Medicine, and especially have enjoyed working with patients of all ages. Some particular areas of specialization include Hepatitis C treatment and HIV primary care, including management of antiretrovirals. Within this realm, I have an interest in ECHO models of telemedicine care to expand access to specialty care for vulnerable populations.

What do you most enjoy about practicing Family Medicine?

I never tire of the feeling I get as I am developing a relationship with a patient in the context of treating their healthcare needs. Whether it is a first visit or a visit after years of working together, our physician-patient relationship is the most important tool I have in partnering with my patients for their health and wellness. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Teaching brings me the most joy when I think about how I am helping to grow the next generation of Family Physicians and leaders for our healthcare system, especially for Montana. I also love to help students and residents put together the connections of their medical knowledge with the psychosocial element of their patients' needs to bring out the true skill of what Family Medicine is all about.

What brought you to Montana?

Although from suburban New England, I ventured West for residency in Idaho to experience training in the full scope of Family Medicine with rural experiences. I was a National Health Service Corps scholar and knew I would need these skills when it came time for my service in practice. I intended to stay in the Northwest after residency, and in the meantime met my husband, Mark, who is from Montana. That helped direct me towards Montana for my NHSC service! I worked for a little over two years at the Community Health Center in Butte with a scope of practice including pediatric through adult care, obstetrics, nursing home care, and HIV care.

Why did you choose to be part of FMRWM?

The mission of FMRWM resonated with me in many ways, as it is a program dedicated to growing the Family Medicine workforce for rural Montana, with a particular emphasis on underserved populations. The clinic is also based at a Community Health Center, a model of primary care that remains close to my heart. I jumped at the opportunity to join a teaching environment dedicated to this mission, given my own passion for Family Medicine workforce development for Montana and our nation as a whole.

What are some of your interests outside of the clinic or classroom?

My husband Mark and I enjoy getting to know our new home of Missoula. In our free time we can be found traveling, nordic and alpine skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping. I also really enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, especially French cuisine!

What do you love about Western Montana?

Growing up in the suburban Northeast, Western Montana is so different from what I was used to. I love the beauty of nature and the feeling of open spaces. Missoula is also a great city with arts and culture, but with a quick and easy escape to the great outdoors. The people are wonderful too!

What is your favorite:

• Book? The Book of Joy
• Album? Lord Huron
• Movie? Midnight in Paris