Recently a patient came in for her annual physical exam who had lost 120 pounds since her previous annual physical a year earlier. She credited me with motivating her and giving her the tools to start her weight loss journey. Another patient came in for her post-op appointment after having a hysterectomy for a large fibroid uterus. She no longer had heavy bleeding or pelvic pressure and was feeling more energetic and comfortable with exercise.

I went into medicine to help girls and women with their medical problems and that's the kind of feedback that motivates me to keep learning and be the best doctor I can be for my patients.

Whether working with patients or other health care professionals, I consider myself an educator and adviser. Though I'll take a conservative approach to treating you, I will encourage you to use all therapeutic options if I think they will help you achieve the best long-term outcome. Those therapies can include medication, supplements, exercise, surgery, physical therapy, counseling, etc.

I learned the value of this collegial approach twice during my medical training. The first time was as a student at UNC School of Medicine, when I received the Christopher C. Fordham Award for helping others to perform at their best. During my residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine a few years later, I was named OB-GYN Resident Teacher of the Year.

I am a proud wife and mother of two. When not working, I love to be outside doing just about anything, and love reading, cooking, listening to live music, and practicing the drums.

Gender: Female