Meet the Fellows

What are your research interests

I am working on a translational project focused on understanding the relationships between bacterial translocation, chronic inflammation, and growth failure in children with liver disease.  Malnutrition prior to liver transplant is associated with significant morbidity and these patients struggle to grow despite supplementation with enteral or parenteral nutrition.  We hope by exploring the physiology behind growth failure in children with liver disease we will be able to identify opportunities for intervention.

What has been the most rewarding experience so far:

I have been surprised by how much I enjoy reviewing biopsies to guide diagnosis and management of patients.  I was not a histology fan in medical school but I learn so much from going to pathology to discuss cases.  A real strength of our program is the close relationship with our pathologists who lead weekly didactic sessions for the fellows.

What do you do for fun or relax:

My husband and I love to take advantage of work-free weekends by going out to restaurants, or more accurately these days, ordering takeout.  I consume pop culture in all forms with a special interest in the royal family.  I love to lounge around with our french bulldog, Hogan who's great at watching Bravo and binging Netflix. 

 

Why did you choose Lurie?

It is a large academic center where you will see everything and have a plethora of resources and support but it is small enough that I know everyone in the department personally. And honestly, what I love most is how down-to-earth and approachable all of the attendings are.  I felt extremely supported my first year of fellowship which I think is really important.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

Mostly spending time with my husband and friends on dog friendly patios or in parks.  I used to love going to cycling classes (in the era of COVID, I have been riding my peloton hard).  Otherwise, I consider myself a connoisseur of true crime podcasts and reality TV.

What do you love most about Chicago?

I'm completely biased but I think Chicago is the best city. I love being outside and Chicago has a great lakeshore that you can walk/bike/run on or you can go boating or kayaking.  I love that it is a pretty healthy city with active people and a ton of neighborhoods to explore and restaurants to eat at.

What has been the most rewarding experience so far?

Finishing my first colonoscopy without someone else touching the scope and getting into the TI!! 

What are your research interests?

My main project is identifying biomarkers to predict diagnosis of GALD and improve outcomes in neonatal acute liver failure. I am also working on a study to evaluate the immunophenotype of psoriasiform dermatitis in patients on TNF-alpha inhibitors.

What are your research interests?

I am interested in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and esophageal motility disorders.

Why did you choose Lurie?

I was impressed by the camaraderie within the fellowship and throughout the department, the breadth of clinical and educational opportunities, and the program’s support for fellows’ research and career interests. The program, department, and hospital provide a fantastic learning environment.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I enjoy exploring the city and all of the unique neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, and walking/running/biking along the lakeshore path.

What do you love most about Chicago?

I love the number of parks and outdoor spaces, the lakeshore, the awesome food scene, and the museums. It’s a very active city with endless things to do in all seasons (even in the winter!).

Why did you choose Lurie?

I considered many things during fellowship interviews including size of program/hospital and location.  I was looking for a program with a medium to large sized department.  Coming into fellowship, I did not know where my specific interests in the field lie.  At Lurie the faculty have diverse interests, so you’ll experience most everything GI and Liver have to offer!  I was also drawn to Chicago, a fun city I could enjoy in my free time.  

What has been the most rewarding experience so far?

Leaving residency was bitter sweet, I was excited to move on to my next chapter but becoming a fellow was daunting.   Moving to a new city, new hospital, new role as a fellow was quite an adjustment but everyone in the department was so welcoming and made the transition easier!   

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I enjoy cooking, baking, and running.   Lake shore trail is a great spot for running/walking/biking or picnicking!

What do you love most about Chicago?

Can’t lie, I’m nervous about the Chicago winters!  But I love living in a big city with endless restaurants and activities.   There is still so much of the city I need to explore.    Side note, I am OBSESSED with my dog Heidi.  Unfortunately, she lives in NJ with my parents, but for you dog owners Chicago is super dog friendly!

What drew you to the field?

Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Hepatology is such a diverse field that allows you to think critically of the interplay between many organs while still being a subspecialist. I personally feel as though it is the best field because of the numerous procedures you can do without losing long term continuity of care with your patients.

Why did you choose Lurie?

I chose Lurie because I was particularly interested in an institution that would provide a wide array of clinical complexity, strong support for research endeavors, and significant diversity within their patient population. I needed an institution that would allow me to continue my interests in community advocacy and health disparities work for the underserved as well. Lurie Children’s GI/Hepatology provided all of these robust opportunities in addition to having supportive faculty members and a warm family feel! I am very happy with my choice.

What do you do for fun or to relax?

I love traveling! I have been to over 20 countries and have been to 5 out of the 7 continents. I love learning about new cultures and particularly enjoy lounging on the beach (Chicago also has a beach! Which is an extra plus for me since I can lounge on it in the summer time). I also love cooking Jamaican food since the aromas make me feel closer to home and my roots