Why do you think engaging in the AAMC Virtual Community is important?
The opportunity to reach out to other folks who may be doing similar work and benchmark/connect on ways to advance our common cause. This is particularly important to me and the work that I do.
Do you have a professional skill or area of expertise that might be of particular interest to your peers in this community? Are you the “go-to” person at your institution for advice or expertise in a particular subject?
Prevention education, assistance, and resources for sexual and gender-based misconduct at a large academic medical center. This primarily works at bringing together the policy- driven aspects of Title IX along with the human elements of connection and repairing of harm.
What should people in the virtual community contact you about?
Connect with folks that do similar work at other academic medical centers across the country.
What was the best book you most recently read (or TV show/movie) that you watched?
What’s the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
Always be looking for cues around how people perceive you. Actively seek that out and see what you can do to make sure they accurately reflect who you are.
What’s the worst piece of professional advice you have ever received?
Listen to your gut...it can be filled with bias, emotions, misunderstandings, etc.
What do you think is the best, most challenging, or most unique thing about working in academic medicine (or your field or specialty specifically)?
Trying to convince people that academic medicine is similar to other industries, and there are other ways to do it. I spent almost 12 years in the airline industry, and there are so many similarities I see in the culture, operational demands, mitigating risks, etc. I wish we could take a closer look at those and see how we can innovate.
What do you hope to gain from this online community?
The ability to connect with others who may want to work collectively on advancing an issue that is too pervasive in academic medicine.
Did you have an unusual path to your current career? Tell us about it.
Absolutely! I originally went to school to be an airline pilot. I flew for a bit, but decided it should've been a hobby and not a career. Over the course of 15 years, I found my passion in social work, specifically on finding ways for employees to thrive in the workplace.
Thinking about all the conferences, workshops, webinars you have attended in the last few years, was there a speaker or session topic that stands out as your favorite? Who? Why?
The AAMMC's workshop on Restorative Justice in Academic Medicine (RJAM). It brings together some of the most amazing people doing RJ work across various fields, and helps to apply it to academic medicine.
How do you prefer to start your day?
Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
How do you prefer to end your day?
Gratitude reflection with my husband.
You live/work in Detroit. What’s your favorite restaurant there? Is there something special we should check out next time we visit?
Detroit will surprise you in ways you didn't expect. From the history that made this city become what it is, to the revival of communities. The mix of international food is amazing here, and at an affordable price. Try out Leila if you happen to find yourself downtown. You won't regret it.
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
I try to have a moment of gratitude! At worst, I thank myself for showing up and doing what I'm called to do. At best, I thank myself or someone else for something done to make the world a better place.
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
Reddit: I think it's the best example of how an online community can really help each other. Whenever I need an answer to something I think has never happened to someone, I always find an answer.
Target (store): Don't overlook those coupons and rack up those points!
Fitness: Having a workout plan every day that I don't have to think about and can just do.
Do you have pets? Please be unashamed in showing us a photo of your adorable pets!
Hudson! Black lab border collie mix that is starting to get way too many gray hair
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