I grew up in a small rural town, where I recognized the aspects of rural medicine that attracts me: the scientific approach to daily problems, connecting directly with patients on a personal level, the advantage of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach for the underserved patient population. I found myself drawn to the art of medicine that focused on the patient’s social and health determinants. I discovered an appreciation for the often-challenging art of reaching a diagnosis, and derived satisfaction from connecting with the patient as a person first, in what is potentially the most vulnerable time of their lives. This residency program will provide me with a broad, solid foundation of knowledge and prepare me to achieve my goals of becoming an excellent rural physician. I enjoy soccer, jogging, gardening, writing, travel, reading, computing, and mentoring.