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Kenan Institute 2024 Grand Challenge: Business Resilience
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Market-Based Solutions to Vital Economic Issues

Background

During my years an undergraduate at Emory University, I became enamored with the brain and neural correlates of thought. I majored in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and completed a minor in Economics. I then attended medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, during which time I developed a passion for neurosurgery.

Career Path

While I had an inclination that I’d be drawn to neurosurgery upon entering medical school, I explored all specialties searching for the one that would provide the challenging yet fulfilling career that I desired. One does not make the decision to enter neurosurgery lightly and multiple mentors advised me that if I thought I could be equally happy pursuing a different specialty, that I should do that. And while each clinical rotation presented its set of appealing attributes, I never found anything that intrigued me nearly as much as neurosurgery. I applied for residency at hospitals along the east coast and ultimately was fortunate to match into UNC’s neurosurgery training program. Neurosurgery training is a seven-year process of which the first four are purely clinical. The program however also allows time during the fifth year for non-clinical training. Over the course of my training, I began to appreciate the need for strong physician leadership given the climate surrounding healthcare reform and the American healthcare system. I felt that obtaining an MBA during this year would provide significant career versatility, and equip me with the management and leadership skills necessary to make a difference in healthcare beyond just my clinical practice.

Interests and Hobbies

In terms of clinical interests, I have a strong interest in the neurosurgical subspecialties of functional neurosurgery and spinal surgery. I have career interests in exploring quality and value in healthcare as well as graduate medical education geared toward health policy, quality improvement, and physician leadership. I am a huge sports fan and root for the Jets, Mets, Knicks, and Devils. I’m an avid golfer and often use golf to de-stress. I enjoy travel and spending time with family and friends. I love animals and am actively trying to convince my girlfriend to let me adopt a dog.