A: My hometown is Fleetwood, Pa., which is about an hour north of Philadelphia.

Q: What was the focus of your undergraduate study?
A: I attended The Pennsylvania State University and completed a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences.

Q: Describe your MSiMR research project.
A: There are multiple projects I have been involved in while completing the MSiMR degree.

I originally developed a protocol for a prospective case series on the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy by comparing breast cancer patients receiving conventional treatment or integrated conventional and naturopathic treatment. I developed this study to gain a general knowledge of the impact of adjunctive naturopathic care in oncology. Conducting and completion of this study is pending until a larger population size is available.

I have also written a review paper on the in-utero epigenetic influences on future breast cancer development. This paper summarizes the influence of various fetal exposures on the risk of that female fetus developing breast cancer several decades later in life. This paper is in the final stages of editing and will be submitted for publication in multiple medical journals.

My current project, and the basis of my thesis, is a Delphi panel for the field of naturopathic oncology. The Delphi method was originally developed as a technique to forecast future events by gathering and questioning a panel of experts in a specific field. For my thesis project the method will be applied to an expert panel of individuals in the field of naturopathic oncology to bring clarity and congruency to the ethical and philosophical approach of naturopathic oncology.

Q: Who are your mentors?
A: My personal mentor is Dr. Wendy Hodsdon. Dr. Hodsdon has several years of experience in clinical practice and integrative medicine research. I am very grateful for her guidance through the MSiMR program and assistance with my research projects. I also keep in regular communication with Morgan Schafer and Dr. Heather Zwickey.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to apply for a residency position with a preference for a position at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). CTCA holds the opportunity to work both clinically and in integrative medical research, which is my ideal situation. Additional possibilities are holding a research position at an integrative research facility, working in academia, or just having a clinical practice.

Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I tossed around the usual childhood dreams of being a zoo keeper, astronaut, professional soccer player or snowboarder, or park ranger. To be honest, I never thought of being a doctor or working in the medical field. My path to this profession developed in college when I realized I was unhappy with the current conventional approach to health care.

Q: Now what do you want to be when you grow up?
A: I want to be a successful integrative medical practitioner and participate in integrative medicine research to support the field of naturopathic and alternative medicine. I want to eventually become involved in academia and global medicine.

Q: When is your favorite time of year in Portland?
A: My favorite time of year is summer and early fall. I get tired of the rain, so the dry and warm summer is nice, as well as the beginning of fall when it begins to cool off, but before the rains return.

Q: If you could go back in time and advise yourself just before starting medical school at NCNM, what would you say?
A: I would advise myself to remember to take better care of my own health and wellness. I highly enjoy my work and studies, but post-graduate school, particularly medical school, is demanding. It is easy to put work before your own health. Stress can become overwhelming, so keeping everything in check is important. Stay organized, work hard, but also remember to leave work behind every now and then, and enjoy the present.