Why I came to UAB?
I had worked retail for 7 years and decided I wanted to try hospital pharmacy. I had relatives who lived here in Birmingham and spoke highly of UAB. I saw a lot of opportunity here, and it has turned out to be a good fit for me.
One thing I would tell a pharmacist interested in UAB?
There a lot of opportunities for pharmacists, from retail at Kirklin Clinic to inpatient, intensive care, research, management, and almost anything in between.
Tell about an event while working at UAB that has changed you.
I will never forget the first code I ever went to. I had never seen a person in that shape before, and being able to assist as well as see that many people working together to save that person's life was something I will always remember.
What are some characteristics of a UAB pharmacist?
A UAB pharmacist should be well motivated, have a good work ethic, work well with others and also be able to rely on them for help.
What has surprised you the most about the support you have received as a pharmacist?
I have been very surprised how well the physicians and pharmacists support each other. Also, the support that I have received from my fellow pharmacists has been amazing. They have gone above and beyond to try to help me and encourage my in any way that they can.
Why stay in Birmingham?
To me Birmingham has all the amenities of a large city, but kind of has the feel of a small city. There lots of great restaurants, theaters, sports bars, shopping, churches, and outdoor activities nearby. The location is very good as well being only a few hours drive from the beach, the mountains, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, or Memphis.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be?
A juicy steak, sautéed mushrooms, baked potato, salad, and a great glass of wine.
What I do when I am not at work:
I love whitewater kayaking and rafting, but I also like camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and hanging out at the beach. If I am not doing one of those things, I am probably thinking about when the next time will be that I can.
One goal you would like to accomplish during your lifetime:
I like to travel to new places, and I want to visit all seven continents at least once in my lifetime. I have been to four, and have Europe, Australia, and Antarctica left to go.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
There are so many places I want to visit it is hard to pick just one. However, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia would definitely be high on my list. I love scuba diving, and think it would be amazing to be able to live on a boat for a week or so and explore the reef.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, they would be:
Adventurous, hard working, and honest
My favorite quote is:
If you are going to be dumb, you had better be tough. This quote came from my dad, and unfortunately, I heard it quite often while growing up.
The best book I have ever read:
Touching the Void. It is a true story about the tragedy and survival of two climbers in the Peruvian Andes Mountains.
The best cure for boredom:
Getting outdoors. Anything is better than sitting inside with nothing to do.
Favorite thing to do in Birmingham?
Having a drink with my friends and watching a good ballgame.