Faculty Coaches

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
Throughout my career I have seen medical students flourish and struggle as they navigate the demands and innumerable choices and opportunities they face. Coaching during this rich and sometimes challenging experience is rewarding for me, someone who loves patient care, teaching, and the science of medicine. My goal is to create an atmosphere where students discover and gain confidence in the skills they possess and feel comfortable sharing their frustrations and concerns. Working with a group of coaches will help me grow and build relationships with people who share a common purpose.

What are your areas of medical practice?
Family Medicine/Geriatrics

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Stay curious, put on your own oxygen mask on first, enjoy the people and patients you meet along the way.

Hobbies / interests?
I began running in medical school to relax and stay fit. I still do. I enjoy creative expression through art and dance. Traveling and exploring new places excites me.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
A farmer taught me that there are things in life and medicine that you will not be able to control, despite your best efforts. Caring is always appreciated and within your power.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
During my time as a medical student, there were several key faculty members who were there to mentor me through the process of becoming a doctor. I would like to provide similar support to future medical students as they embark on this incredible time in their lives.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am an allergy and immunology physician and the associate program director for the allergy and immunology fellowship. I really enjoy this field of medicine because it allows me to help patients with a wide variety of conditions in both the outpatient and inpatient setting.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Your journey to becoming a physician at times will seem daunting however, it will be one of the most rewarding things you will do in your life.

Hobbies / interests?
I enjoy running, skiing, traveling, and spending time with my wife and kids.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Patients have taught me what real resilience is. Every day I am amazed at how strong my patients are in the face of incredible challenges.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
Throughout my life I have benefited from peers and mentors who knew me well and were willing to devote the time and effort needed to listen when I was overwhelmed or unsure and needed input from someone who cared; as well as to proactively push me when they believed I could achieve more.

I have been directly involved with the transformation of the medical curriculum since its inception. I was most pleased when the notion of a Faculty Coach surfaced early during the planning phase. The Faculty Coach program ensures each student has direct access to this invaluable human resource. I am committed to provide the time and effort needed to help our medical students fulfill their ambitions, be healthy, and be their best in their personal and professional lives.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology and pacing. While I was a member of the faculty at Washington University in St. Louis, my inpatient and outpatient clinical practices focused on the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of patients with abnormal heart rhythms.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
The special and awesome responsibility that physicians carry because patients entrust their lives to us.

Hobbies / interests?
I enjoy snow skiing and boating and my immersion into the unique environments that envelop these activities. I also like to travel and attend the theater.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
The importance of empathetic but honest communications with our patients.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I am passionate about helping each individual medical student reach their dreams.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a cardiologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and administration. My interests have been in prevention, patient care, echocardiography, point-of-care ultrasound, telemedicine, implantable/wearable devices, artificial/augmented intelligence, education, learning and teaching, co-management, and our healthcare system.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
It is impossible to choose "one thing!" My top 3 "things" are the following: 1. Lead with empathy, treat with compassion. 2. Take a biopsychosocial approach to every patient. 3. Finding joy in being a lifelong learner and a lifelong teacher.

Hobbies / interests?
There is hardly a sport that I have not participated in (or at least tried) over my lifetime. I have also been given the opportunity to travel throughout the world. I believe both sports and travel have not only enriched my life but greatly broadened my perspectives.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Every patient has a rich story to tell us. The more we know about our patients, the better our care. That is the "secret sauce" to joy and fulfillment in the practice of medicine.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I have always liked teaching and I find it rewarding for myself to teach.

What are your areas of medical practice?
Cardiology, medical administration, and federally-qualified health care.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Have a sense of humor and really listen to your patients.

Hobbies / interests?
Golf, sports in general, gardening, squash, grandchildren.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
To be humble and that compliance is a two-way street.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I think this role presents a unique opportunity to build longitudinal relationships with medical students as well as faculty and to learn from one another. A chance to be a small part of enhancing a student's overall educational experience is such a privilege.

What are your areas of medical practice?
Family Medicine

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
I suppose the one thing that I hold dear, and that is practicing medicine is a privilege. I've always thought that when a patient chooses to see you and wants to build a therapeutic relationship, you've likely done something right.

Hobbies / interests?
I enjoy watching/playing sports. I love a wide variety of music including jazz, classical, alternative. One day, I hope to build back my piano playing skills. Cinema and stage performance is also fun. Reading a good book, is always a treat. Most of all, I love spending quality time with my family.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Humility. Loads of humility, and that listening is often one of the most therapeutic interventions I can do.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I am passionate about education, I think there is a great value in it that transcends the dimensions of time and space, the knowledge that you disseminate will linger in the universe after your time is up and may affect someone positively even many years to come. It is a great legacy, like passing a torch from a generation to the other.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a physician with more than 10 years of clinical experience. I hold appointments with Nephrology and Internal Medicine at ECMC and BGH. Throughout my career, I had diverse clinical experiences ranging from being an urgent care provider and primary care provider in a resource limited inner city large community center to suburban clinics to practicing in small, medium and large hospital settings.

I had experience with research as well, were I had formal education and experience in lab bench research earlier in my career. Later in my career, I had experience with clinical research and formal education through courses from the NIH in addition to Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health as I completed the Program in Clinical Effectiveness with graduate credit courses in Epidemiology. I successfully obtained a Master of Public Health Degree from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2021. 

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Start by digging deep inside yourself to examine why you "really" want to get into medicine, you should always do it with and for the right intention and when you hit an obstacle remind yourself about why you are doing medicine, because sometimes this get lost in the midst of the grind, so learn to pace yourself because this a lifelong marathon and not a sprint, thus enjoy the journey and don't get lost looking for an imaginary destination. 

Hobbies / interests?
I am excited to try something new and I was lucky to experience many activities, ranging from attending symphonies, to outdoor activities. In the past, I enjoyed long distance running and I participated in local races and half marathon. Currently, I bike, swim and kayak leisurely. I love hiking with my family at nearby trails like the eternal flames, Akron falls, Reinstein reserve and others.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
I learned "a lot" from my patients. One of the important things I learned was it is ok to feel sad and low at times, but overall I need to be positive, patient and persevere in the face of adversity; because behind the life façade there are many people who are hurting way more than me, but they chose to live their life to the fullest given their situation. Thus, life is like a cup that is half empty and half full and I have the choice to focus on which half.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
The ability to take part in the changes in Medical Education is very exciting to me and the Faculty Coaches are in a unique position to bridge basic science and the clinical world. Being able to learn together as a community and to work with the larger community allows us all to make a difference in our patients' lives. This is a way for all types of learners to support each other.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am one of the Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist with a special interest in Stem Cell Transplant. We see all our outpatients at Roswell Park and our inpatients at Oishei Children’s Hospital.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Keep listening and learning, especially from your patients.

Hobbies / interests?
My biggest interests are my three kids – they have helped me learn more about myself than anyone else. I spend a lot of time knitting at sports events and being an Uber driver for them.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
You may not cure your patient, but you can help him live the best life that he can. One day at a time.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I have been passionate about teaching since my undergrad days. I believe knowledge is the only thing that increases by sharing. I would like to share the skills I have acquired over the years so that my students can benefit from my experience without having to spend as much time.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a general internist and clinical work includes out-patient as well as in-patient care.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Treat them as if they are your own. They are humans who have physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual needs. We need attend to the needs of our patient as a person rather than merely a case of diabetes, hypertension etc.

Hobbies / interests?
Religion interests me and am an avid reader. I am involved in interfaith work to bring different religious communities together through dialogues, get-togethers and conferences, to learn about each other and develop peace, harmony & tolerance. I like to spend time with my family and do community work.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
They put their trust in us to help them with the difficulties they are facing, and we need to attend to this trust with utmost care and responsibility. They have needs outside of being our patients and we should always be cognizant of how their psychosocial spheres affect their 'medical care'.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I have taught CPM for 30 years to first year students. I enjoy the challenge of teaching how to take a proper history as well as how to examine a patient. The students at Jacobs School of Medicine are great to work with, bring their various talents to the classroom, and I am impressed by their sense of service to others. They volunteer so much time with Lighthouse and UBHeals, that I want to be part of their learning process.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a full time family physician, working at a family medicine residency site. I see patients half time and supervise/precept residents the other 50 percent. I teach Dilemmas in Clinical Medicine (Ethics) to third year med students in their family medicine rotation. I do teaching rounds in the hospital during the year.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
To listen, to care, to treat with kindness and empathy, and use your knowledge to help others. Don't forget to make time for yourself, your friends, and family-they are your support system.

Hobbies / interests?
I am an avid Buffalo sports fan, enjoy a round of golf, and mostly enjoy spending time with my 7 grandchildren who live nearby.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
My patients have taught me the value of human connection, the power of kindness and love, and that we all have the ability to make a difference in the world.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
Students are embarking on a path that is exciting and complex, and they will learn from the many good and bad examples set in their path. While any experienced and knowledgeable physician doesn’t have all the answers for them, we should at least try our best to set a good example for them, and impart to them as much as we can of what we have to give. Hey, it’s gonna be fun!

What are your areas of medical practice?
Internal Medicine

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Learn as much as you can the next four years, but remember always to apply your knowledge and skills with compassion, truth, empathy, and above all kindness. Treat all as if they were your mother or best friend.

Hobbies / interests?
Hockey, tennis, and gardening

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
When a doctor begins practice, he is taking care of people the best he can. At some point in 37 years, that practice becomes a family. With family, I have learned to listen better over the years. I’m still working on it.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
Some of the most important things that I learned in medical school came from great mentors and coaches. Things that didn't come from books or lectures. If I can impart any knowledge or wisdom that I have learned throughout my career to help someone else, I feel like I would be paying it forward.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a residency trained, board certified Emergency medicine physician. I have worked in several emergency departments across the country, from very big to very small. Each has their own unique issues. In addition, I have been in an administrative role for the many of the years I was working clinically. I was director for several ED locations and an administrator for two national organizations.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Although it is hard to truly enjoy the journey when you are knee deep in exams, rotations and studying, try to take time out and experience it. Happiness is not a future event.

Hobbies / interests?
When I am not spending time with my family, I love to travel all over the world to learn about other people and culture. In addition, I am very interested in fitness, golf, and playing the guitar.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
We have a brief moment in time to hopefully make a positive impact in a patient's life and we must constantly remember that what we do and say can many times have an enormous impact. Kindness doesn't cost you anything.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
During my medical training, my mentors have been influential in my decision to choose my current career path, and have been invaluable sources of support during this challenging but rewarding journey. I hope that as a Faculty Coach, I can serve a similar role for medical students throughout their four years here and beyond.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am an internal medicine physician at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). I see my own patients, and teach residents and students at the clinic. I am also the ECMC medicine clerkship site director, and am passionate about medical education.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Take it all in! I remember how stressful it was to drink from a firehose, and to figure out how to study for exams. But when it becomes overwhelming, stop to remember why you chose this path. You are learning new things and being exposed to new experiences every day, which is exciting. And you will soon interact with patients who will trust you with their care.

Hobbies / interests?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, going to museums, traveling, hiking, playing tennis. My husband has recently been trying to get me into pickleball.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Do not make assumptions, and listen to every patient. If they are not taking their medications consistently or they cannot make it to their appointments, explore why. They will often share what is going on in their lives, and hopefully we can help with those barriers and provide support.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I feel that with my experience in the academic and medical world that I will be able to help guide a student through some of the more difficult times in medical school. Medical school is interesting, fascinating, but it’s also hard work and frustrating. I would like to help students avoid the pitfalls, and encourage them to keep going. It’s a wonderful career and there is a joy in helping fellow humans and I want to impart that joy to the students.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a board-certified OB/GYN, but I also have a PhD in pathology and did research on insect venom, identification and desensitization for humans. I see patients currently and I have performed surgeries and deliveries for years. I did spend my first year in Chicago in general trauma surgery, which was interesting.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
I think number one is the joy in practicing, it is a privilege and an honor to be able to take care of other human beings. It is a fascinating career, you never stop learning and never stop seeking out the latest and greatest, but you also fall back on your experiences. I think that the wonder of medicine never gets dull. There is learning and studying for a lifetime. You know this is a practice of medicine and it’s an art of medicine and I think it’s important to have that perspective. You will never have all the answers nor cure everyone, but you will help some cure some and find its rewarding. You need to maintain your joy of learning and not let it become tedious. Also, the patients will surprise you at times and they give you so much back.

Hobbies / interests?
I like to ride my bike. I like to garden, snorkel and swim. As well as sailing and kayaking. I have been skiing for many many years. I enjoy painting, I paint acrylic paintings. I think it’s good to be well rounded and use other parts of your brain. I find that creative things like painting and playing flute are helpful. You need hobbies to round yourself out so in the quiet times you have other things to do, it’s nice. Oh yeah, I love to cook, a useful hobby!

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Patients have taught me humility. Taught me to really listen. You cannot always solve what their problems are, but you can listen. I’ve learned from them as much as they have learned from me. Patients have also taught me to respect. To respect them, and to respect other people. Patients will tell you what’s wrong with them if you let them and they will help guide you in your treatment of them.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I want to be a role model and resource for medical students throughout their medical school journey to help navigate the transitions and the aspects of medicine that are not taught in a lecture hall.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I'm a primary care provider seeing patients of all ages in a suburban outpatient practice. I especially enjoy women's health and getting to know multiple patients within the same family.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Don't lose sight of the forest for the trees. Remember why you chose this path and your goal at the end will be worth it.

Hobbies / interests?
I love cross-stitching and reading when I get some free time, a rarity with my two small children! We love to be outdoors in all seasons.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Never jump to conclusions, the patient will tell you (and not always with words) what is going on. You make a bigger impact in patients lives than you may think.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
Being a faculty coach means that I have the chance to pay forward what has been given to me by my mentors in medicine.

What are your areas of medical practice?
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry with interest in FASD and adult psychiatry with specific interest in the veteran population.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Be aware of your emotions when working with patients/colleagues and be intentional about how they impact your judgment and actions.

Hobbies / interests?
I love being active, specifically yoga, hiking, and skiing. I have begun working on a new interest in botany.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Good intentions mean the world, I may not be able to solve the problem or make it perfect but can always make life a little better by being present.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I am passionate about being part of a community of students who are embarking on a transformative journey in medical school education. My goal is for students to feel a sense of confidence and fulfillment in who they have become at the time they prepare for the next phase of their development after medical school. I believe everyone can benefit from having a Coach, who can be present in this journey of growth to achieve their personal and professional best.

What are your areas of medical practice?
Pulmonology, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
I hope to impart, Perspective to a new medical student. As an intensivist, I often have to balance the specifics and details of the complexities of a patient’s illness while also keeping in mind the “big picture” of their overall prognosis and psychosocial situation. This same skill of maintaining perspective of the road in front of you and the road ahead is important in navigating the many challenges from the demands of medical school education. Hence, I hope to emphasize the importance of learning, but also a student’s motivations for why they are learning medicine, and keeping in mind who they will impact through their education.

Hobbies / interests?
As a 'foodie,' I enjoy learning new cuisines, especially the more intricate the recipe. I enjoy more the experience and challenge of cooking, more than even the meal. In general, my hobbies consist of the enjoyment of learning a new skill and then applying that skill on an activity that channels my creative energy. I am drawn to hobbies that are novel, challenging, and creative.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
I have shared in the joyful experience of second chances. Patients have taught me that part of my role as a physician is to help them have second chances, second chances after illness to live out their life to their fullest, to spend more time with loved ones, to pursue hobbies and interests, and to succeed in their goals.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I’ve enjoyed teaching first year medical students for many years. They arrive with enthusiasm, excited to be at the doorstep of their career in medicine. A major objective of the year one coursework is to develop the skills needed to navigate an encounter with a patient, in a professional and sensitive manner, demonstrate comfort with elemental physical examination skills, and based upon the history and exam findings, propose a diagnosis with a rationale. These are fundamental processes which I use every day. I look forward to sharing my clinical experience with beginners.

What are your areas of medical practice?
When I began my career as a family physician, my clinical practice spanned newborns to hospice care, hospital, office, home, and nursing home. For the last few years, I’ve focused on the ambulatory care of the elderly, who often have difficulty finding the care they need. Their medical conditions are complex, challenging, and include a family component. Continuity relationships with my patients and their families offer personal and professional satisfaction. Patients find security in a trusting relationship with their primary care physician.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Doctoring is unique and special. It’s a privilege to serve as a physician. I want first year students to begin to understand the responsibilities of the role, and professional expectations. A career in medicine offers multiple directions, common to all is caring for the patient. Preparing students to meet patient expectations, exercise their knowledge and skills in a humane manner, to understand their personal strengths, weaknesses, and nurture a reservoir of resilience, are the ingredients for a fruitful career.

Hobbies / interests?
Two-year-old twin grandchildren happily take up the bandwidth formerly tapped by the three children my wife and I raised while we pursued careers as clinician teachers and administrators.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
The one thing I have learned from my patients is that they are all different. They share a need for diagnosis, treatment, care, advice, support, but their individual values and situations affect how these needs are met.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I really cherish my own personal experience at the Jacobs School, so I'm passionate about giving back and helping to develop the next future doctors.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I practice family medicine at ECMC Family Health Center. At my clinic I care for children and adults of all ages and treat a variety of acute and chronic disorders. I really enjoy the heterogeneity of each day. One constant during my visits however, is that I try to incorporate as much preventative medicine as possible, counseling patients/parents on lifestyle changes for wellbeing.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
All the fundamental skills you will need to be successful you already have, they just need to be tailored to learning and practicing the science and art of medicine.

Hobbies / interests?
I really enjoy cooking and baking/cake decorating. My newest hobby is finding recipes online and if they taste good, pretending like it was my very own creation.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Any patient pre-labeled as "difficult" should prompt you to think outside the box. What works for everyone else may not work for them.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I have 20 years of experience serving as a small group seminar leader and preceptor in the Clinical Practice of Medicine course at the Jacobs School, so I am well positioned to teach students the skills they need to learn for interviewing, physical examination and other patient-care topics. I have also served as an advisor for students and look forward to helping to guide students in the Faculty Coach role.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a board-certified family physician and I have been a full-time faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine for 30 years. My practice includes direct patient care at UBMD Primary Care offices, and supervision of medical students and residents in the office setting and on the family medicine inpatient service at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Medicine offers a broad array of opportunities, and students will come to medical school with unique past experiences and interests. I can help students learn what it is like to care for patients and families on a long-term basis with emphasis on continuity of care and coordination of medical resources in service of the patient.

Hobbies / interests?
I have enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking and studying natural history as a birdwatcher since elementary school days.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Demonstrating the capacity to show resilience in the face of serious medical illnesses and to maintain an attitude that is hopeful and optimistic even in difficult circumstances.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
The students are a constant reminder of why we practice medicine. Our students bring an open mind, a new energy, and constant passion to help our patients. I'm honored to be a part of that process. 

What are your areas of medical practice?
I'm an Emergency Physician at Buffalo General and Erie County Medical Center. The ED is a constant place of learning. It's ground zero for patient care, and you need to be a jack of all trades. Everything from a stubbed toe to cardiac arrest will come into the department in a single shift!

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Medicine, like every venture, is a journey of triumphs and failures. Every one of us has struggled in some class, clerkship, or area of clinical medicine. Mistakes are encouraged as long as you're willing to learn from them!

Hobbies / interests?
Any day of the week you can find me playing pick up basketball, swinging a golf club, hitting the slopes, or anywhere that live music is played.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Medicine is more than just telling people what their blood work and their cat scans show: it's about helping people understand why they feel the way they do.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I find great joy and passion in mentoring and coaching the next generation of physicians. There is great fulfillment in nurturing the minds of our future physicians, helping them navigate the complexities of medical education and fostering their professional growth.  By sharing my knowledge and experience I hope to empower students to reach their full potential and develop into compassionate, skilled, emotionally intelligent physicians. 

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a Board Certified Emergency Physician who has worked in both the community and academic setting.  I am currently the Director of the UBMD EM Mentoring Program but have held multiple different roles in the area of Emergency Medicine. I am currently practicing at Buffalo General Hospital, Oishei Children's Hospital and the VA of WNY.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Be vulnerable. Be willing to be open with yourself and others so you can discover what truly makes you feel passion and joy.  Medical School is hard, Medicine is hard but if you are willing to dig deep and find what makes you tick, you can discover great joy both personally and professionally.

Hobbies / interests?
I enjoy all things Buffalo Bills and Disney. I am actually a certified travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations. I also embrace the winter and ski with my family in Ellicottville as often as possible.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Seeing such a variety of patients throughout my career, I have learned a great deal from my patients.  The thing that stands out the most is to remain humble. This has given me great insight into what is really going on with my patients and not just their chief complaint. I have gained a much better understanding of what they are truly concerned about in the brief time I am given to gain the trust of my patients

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
Medical school is such a formative, challenging, and even fun season of life. I'm excited to have a small cohort of students so together we can develop our passions, become inquisitive learners, and learn how to take excellent care of patients.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I work in the Emergency Department at Buffalo General, Erie County Medical Center, and Oishei Children's Hospital. Everyday is different!

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
1. Becoming a physician is a long journey that goes fast. It's important to find joy in each stage, even when it seems stressful. 2. It's okay to be wrong. It's inevitable. It's human. These moments are opportunities for learning, growth, and improvement moving forward.

Hobbies / interests?
I love to cook. I hate doing dishes. Since having two kids, it has really been fun to see them grow and learn something new every day. I also enjoy running, hiking, camping, and video games.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Patients teach me a lot! A recurring theme is that I often see patients and families on their worst day. I'm reminded that life has unexpected twists and turns and it's important to cherish and make the most of life because you never know what tomorrow holds.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I applied to become a faculty coach because I thought the idea was novel and could greatly help the transition students make from medical school to residency and eventually to becoming an independent practitioner. I genuinely enjoy working with medical trainees and I would have loved having a resource like this during my medical school training.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a thoracic surgeon and I mainly treat and operate on patients with lung cancer.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Make it a habit to care for your patients as if they were your close family or friends.

Hobbies / interests?
I try to spend most of my free time with my son. I like reading books related to personal growth and self development. I also like running outdoors, exercising and trying different foods/restaurants.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
I have learned that patients process difficult and sometimes complex information related to their health in their own way and at their own pace. Our role as providers is to guide them through these challenging times.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I want to be the kind of support that I needed in the first few years of medical school - some help navigating new professional waters, some commiserating about the challenging things we can't change (yet), and a little friendly reminding of how cool medicine is and how fortunate we are to be able to practice it. I'm so impressed by our medical students and am really excited to learn from them!

What are your areas of medical practice?
I'm a public health child and adolescent psychiatrist, working at the interface of primary care, mental health, and schools, doing education, consultation, and early intervention work. I also enjoy supervising our child psychiatry fellows in their outpatient clinic and have a small family therapy practice.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
You, and your relationship with your patient, are the most important tool in your doctor's bag. Learning how to take good care of yourself helps you take good care of your patients.

Hobbies / interests?
I am an amateur woodworker - mostly small furniture items or whatever my children tell me they "need" in their rooms.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Most of life (and healing) happens outside of my office, exam room or hospital. I get to plant seeds that bloom when and where my patients need them.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I have directed the Clinical Practice of Medicine Course (CPM I) for about 15 years. I love introducing medical students to becoming physicians, and I look forward to continuing to do that as director of the Foundations of Patient Centered Care course, which will be implemented in the context of the Learning Communities in the new curriculum. I also appreciate that a large part of this role will involve being able to spend focused time on academic advising and mentorship.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am board certified in family medicine and addiction medicine. I see patients in the outpatient setting at UBMD Primary Care on Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda, as well as in the inpatient setting at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville. I provide addiction medicine services for Horizon Health Services in Lockport.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Take your role seriously, while maintaining a sense of good humor for the sake of your colleagues, your patients, and for yourself.

Hobbies / interests?
I play guitar. I enjoy running and hiking. I am trained as a SCUBA instructor and enjoy getting into the ocean when I can.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Patients appreciate our care. When a patient says “thank you” (like when you depart their hospital room), consider pausing, looking at the patient directly, and acknowledging their appreciation by saying something like, “It 's my pleasure.” It nurtures the patient, and it nurtures the physician.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I'm excited to work with medical students to support and guide them to be their best selves through the challenges of medical training and beyond. I also believe each person has a gift to share, and I look forward to what I will learn from the students and program faculty.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I trained in Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics followed by a Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship. Most recently I worked in Palliative Medicine for adults and children, and served as the Program Director for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program. I am completing my Life Coach certification and am now working as a coach for other healthcare professionals.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
Our path in life is rarely linear, stay open to possibilities and take risks for opportunities that excite you.

Hobbies / interests?
Interior design, travel, and have recently taken up tennis.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
Be curious and ask more open questions. The first response isn't usually the full story.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I am driven by the recognition that the challenges of medical school can be daunting, especially when facing them alone. Providing personalized support tailored to individual needs is crucial in navigating these hurdles effectively.

What are your areas of medical practice?
My expertise lies in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, specializing particularly in inpatient detox.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
One message I aim to instill in new medical students is the understanding that while this profession is immensely rewarding, it also demands resilience and adaptation to its unique challenges, allowing for personalization and growth along the way.

Hobbies / interests?
Outside of medicine, I find joy in various interests such as home improvement projects, computer building, gaming, and indulging in the thrill of snow skiing.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
A profound lesson from a patient has been a deeper understanding of human priorities and the universal nature of our experiences, highlighting the interconnectedness and similarities that unite us all.

Why become a Faculty Coach at the Jacobs School?
I have a genuine passion for teaching and mentoring students and residents. I am excited to get to know students and watch them grow over four years of medical school. As a faculty coach, I hope to create an environment where we can laugh, support each other, and navigate challenges together along the medical education journey. In this new role, I look forward to furthering my own professional development, contributing to student education, connecting with other faculty colleagues, and collaborating on research/educational projects.

What are your areas of medical practice?
I am a board certified family physician. I enjoy caring for families and helping patients with complex medical histories. I see patients primarily in an outpatient setting and also supervise residents on the family medicine inpatient service at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

What is one thing that you’d want to impart upon a new medical student?
In your medical education some weeks can feel endless. Each day is filled with intense learning that seems to stretch on indefinitely. Yet, when you look back, the years have passed in a blur, marked by milestones, achievements, and new friendships. It’s a reminder to make the most of every moment, to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible, and cultivate friendships with those around you.

Hobbies / interests?
Being a mom to three busy kids takes up most of my free time. I enjoy traveling, seeing the world through their eyes, exploring new destinations, and creating lasting memories together.

What is one thing that a patient has taught you?
As a family physician, patients entrust us with more than their medical history. We hear about their stories, vulnerabilities, and walk alongside them during life’s ups and downs. When faced with a patient’s challenging circumstances, I have at times found myself speechless. In turn, I have learned to become comfortable with moments of stillness during patient interactions. In these moments, I have found a deeper connection with my patients.