Med School/Year Graduated: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2012
Years in Practice: 8
When did you know you had the stomach for wound care? Did you have a high threshold for gore even as a kid?
I always wanted to be a veterinarian and began working with animals at age 18 at a vet office… and inherently [treated] some minimal wounds during that time. I was never grossed out or bothered by any of it. Honestly, I’m not sure where the tolerance came from. I’m not a fan of gore!
Walk us through wound care. What kind of wounds are you generally dealing with, and how do you treat them?
We treat the spectrum of wounds, from chronic leg wounds to pressure injuries caused by beds or wheelchairs, to burns, to complex surgical complications. We assist with post-operative complications on the spectrum of specialties… orthopedic surgery, OB-GYN, neurosurgery, plastic surgery – you name it, we can help with it. Wounds are not one size fits all – sometimes they need surgery and sometimes they just need care in the clinic with diligent monitoring.
What inspired you to enter this field?
I was a trauma surgeon first and wanted more time with my family, so I switched over after having grown to enjoy taking care of wounds while being a surgeon. I enjoyed watching people get better, which you don’t really do long-term in trauma. It was an evolution of my practice… taking care of wounds is very interesting, with many complex factors that must all work together to heal a wound: nutrition, offloading of pressure, good wound care [and sometimes] surgery.
Why are hyperbaric chambers sometimes used in wound care? In what situations are they effectual?
They’re used to help oxygen perfusion to the wound bed. We use them in some diabetic wounds, post radiation, necrotizing soft tissue infections, and prior to flaps and grafts.
What are you streaming on TV these days?
Whatever my kids are watching. Minecraft, Vampirina, SpongeBob, Ratatouille.
What interests and hobbies do you have outside medicine?
Spending time with my two kids and husband. They are the best part of my life.
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be…”
A chef. I love making Italian food. Tiramisu and chicken piccata are my specialties.
