Clinician, Adjunct Professor, Researcher—and Ironman
I knew that I wanted to be stronger clinically. I felt the DCN program at SHP would enhance my skill set and knowledge in a variety of ways including advanced clinical practice and clinical/translational research. There’s something unique about those combinations that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Joining the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Team at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
Pediatric Hem/Onc was always where I wanted to be, but jobs are limited in this area. Joining this team has allowed me to grow and practice to my fullest potential. The trust and relationship I have with my team to fully manage all our patients without hesitation or questioning has shown what our profession could be.
Finishing my DCN. This would not have happened if it wasn’t for the support of my wife and family, but also of my program advisors, Jane Zeigler and Rebecca Brody.
They were always there in a moment’s notice to turn to, to help guide or to navigate me through the program. They are still there today, helping me navigate the rest of my career.
The second highlight is the first grant that I got as a principal investigator. I received $25,000 to run a clinical trial within the Pediatric Hem/Onc field to examine nutrition interventions and alternative measures of success using novel body composition measures. Without the knowledge and rigorous research processes that the DCN program instilled in me, I would not have gotten this opportunity. This has also opened other doors for collaboration and additional clinical studies that can, hopefully, improve our nutrition care to patients and optimize their survival.
I am a ranked all-world triathlete who has completed multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races. I have qualified for Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, to be held on Nov. 9, 2025.
I’ve competed in Nationals for the last three years, but this is my first year making the World’s Championship.
