Credentials

• Recipient of 2026 UNC Hospitals & UNC Faculty Physicians Award for Carolina Care Excellence
• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
• PhD Student, Speech and Hearing Sciences, UNC-Chapel Hill

Faculty Mentor

Katarina Haley, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Adam Jacks, PhD, CCC-SLP

Year of Matriculation

2025

Why I chose to do a residency program at UNC

I chose to pursue the orthopedic residency at UNC to strengthen my clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program’s strong focus on evidence-based practice, research, and professional growth aligns with my goal of becoming an advanced orthopedic clinician and preparing for a future fellowship in performing arts physical therapy.

What I like about NC

What I like about Chapel Hill is the welcoming community and the balance it offers between a vibrant college town and a peaceful environment. The nearby access to nature, along with its strong sense of connection and charm, makes it an appealing place to live. Coming from New Orleans, I appreciate the change of scenery and the opportunity to experience a different pace while still feeling a strong sense of community.

Why I chose to do a residency program at UNC

I decided to pursue a residency with UNC to further enhance my diagnostic proficiency and clinical reasoning skills to more effectively address the needs of a diverse patient population while advancing my professional growth as a physical therapist. I believe that establishing a strong foundation in orthopedics will provide a critical framework for delivering evidence-based care to individuals from all backgrounds. The mentors here at UNC are also passionate about progressing the education of every resident.

What I like about NC

I enjoy being in a state that provides endless opportunities for adventure. The coast is only a couple of hours East from Chapel Hill and the mountains are only a few hours to the West. Anything can be turned into a day trip on the weekends. The Research Triangle itself is filled with diverse culture and a wide variety of restaurants, breweries, and fun places to explore. And go Canes!

Why I chose to do a residency program at UNC

I chose this program because of the professional and academic opportunities it provides. The mentors and faculty have a wide variety of interests and are so willing to share that to help create an incredible learning environment.

What I like about NC

There’s always something to do in the area and a lot of good ACC sports to watch!

Why I chose to do a residency program at UNC

I chose to pursue my orthopedic residency at UNC to strengthen my clinical reasoning, gain mentorship from experienced clinicians, and deepen my expertise in orthopedic physical therapy within a collaborative, evidence-based environment. The program’s partnership with Novant Health in Wilmington, NC was also a key factor, offering a unique clinical setting that aligns with my professional goals. During my in-person interview, the supportive culture from faculty and mentors affirmed that UNC is the right fit for me to thrive both personally and professionally.

What I like about NC

I enjoy Wilmington, NC for its coastal atmosphere and easy access to outdoor activities, which contribute to a well-balanced and fulfilling lifestyle both in and out of the clinic.

Why I chose to do a residency program at UNC

I want to be able to treat any patient that needs my help with confidence that I am giving or guiding them to the care they need.

What I like about NC

So far Chapel Hill is showing me how beautiful it is to live in nature and be surrounded by trees to keep the city feeling like a free place to run and explore. This is also the perfect place to live in a diverse and accepting culture with a variety of events/clubs/groups to make you feel welcome no matter your interests.

Teaches/Directs

Principles of Health Care Systems and Leadership for Laboratory Professionals

Service 

• North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA), Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee
• National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
• Diversity MBA Magazine, Top 100 Under 50 Executive and Emerging Leaders
• Community Building Initiative (CBI), Leaders Under 40 (LU40)

Experience

Novant Health Medical Group Institute of Safety and Quality; Director of Clinical Improvement

Queen City Volleyball Academy (QCVA), Director|Co-Founder

Teaches/Directs

• Biostatistics for Laboratory Professionals
• Method Evaluation

Service 

• American Society for Clinical Pathology–Board of Directors; Commission on Science, Technology & Public Policy; Workforce Steering Committee
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (past service)–Education and Research Fund; Leadership Development Committee; Marketing-Communications Committee; Illinois Society Newsletter
• Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute–Expert Panel on Evaluation Protocols; Document development committees
• International Organizations for Standards–US Technical Advisory Group to ISO/TC2 212

Experience

Mayo Clinic Senior Principal Developer and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Assistant Professor in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Linda Watson

Credentials

• Licensed Speech Pathologist (WI, GA, NC)

Hobbies

Things I enjoy doing include salsa dancing, sewing, eating and hot yoga!

Faculty Mentors