“I always wanted to be an Elementary School Teacher. Not until my Middle School Teacher suggested I go into Medicine, did it enter my reality- no-one that I knew had so much as gone to college. So, I have always looked for teaching opportunities and found that an Academic career allowed me access to the privilege of teaching: medical students, residents, fellows, undergraduates, graduate students, other professionals and colleagues. Pretty much, anyone who is willing to listen to me! What I most enjoy about “teaching” is how much I learn with every teaching encounter.
I currently serve as Academic Advisor and Career Goal Advisor for Neurology. I also teach during the Neurosciences Course, which I previously led for 10 years. In my experience as TEC 1.0 Individualization Phase Co-Director, Neurology Clerkship Director and other roles over the years, I have had the joy of being part of the birth of branch campus sites. I currently serve as Chair of the AB Baker Section- this is the group of Educators in Neurology and we are all working to find better ways to teach, given the pressures of a busy, fiscally-centric clinical world: being able to work closely with Neurology educators from across the world is a highlight of my career. I most admire those educators who are steadfast during tumultuous times and are not easily influenced by trends that do not include common sense (just like those puffy sleeves from the 80’s… which seem to be making a comeback!).
I believe that educators in Medicine must stay focused on what matters most: our patients. Educators must model this for our learners so that we can withstand the winds of change.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful and patient husband, my daughter who is a junior at App State and my son, who is a Senior at Seaforth High School. They have spent many days, nights and weekends without me and their sacrifice has allowed me to work in Medicine. For that, I am so very grateful. And I am incredibly lucky to work at UNC, where I have been able to grow as an educator.”