Meet the Class of 2022

What is something that can make even the most difficult day at work instantly a little bit better?

A good patient outcome can always make a terrible day better.  Amidst the pressure and stress of horrible injuries and patient problems, seeing a patient get better lets you know that, at least for that patient, you made their world a little bit better.

What hidden benefit of Oklahoma have you enjoyed?

One of the best benefits of living in Oklahoma is that "heavy traffic" adds about 5 - 10 minutes to my already short commute.  OKC has almost everything you could want in a bigger city, but with less traffic and fewer people.

What was your all-time favorite Halloween costume?

My favorite costume has been with my wife based on characters in the show Parks and Rec.  I was Bert Macklin, FBI, and she was Janet Snake Hole.

Have you ever had to "unlearn" something in your professional life?  What was it?

I've had to unlearn tons of things.  I have had to unlearn how to make a schedule for my day/week because they almost never work out the way I planned.  Days that I have plans, I usually end up having to go in to operate or a case gets delayed.  If I am a little more flexible in planning, waiting until I'm done to finalize plans, then everybody (my wife, Megan) is happier.

What is your favorite OU Ortho tradition?

Trauma Team Staches, of course.  Close second is the Trauma Party hosted by the chief for the trauma team at the end of the rotation.

What's one song you have completely memorized?

Vanilla Ice!  (Ice, Ice, Baby, of course)

What rotation did you enjoy more than you expected?

Probably hand or foot-and-ankle.  We have great attendings in those areas.  And it's a good mixture of bone and soft tissue procedures.

What is your favorite time of year in Oklahoma?

Fall.  It has the best weather, and, of course, football season!

What job would you be terrible at?

Anything where I'd have to sit at a desk all day!

What is one thing someone just starting out in residency should invest in?

A Roth IRA.  If you haven't done it already, then residency/fellowship is kind of the last chance for you to put money into it.  As an attending, you'll make too much money.  It's a tax-free withdrawal, and it's much cheaper to pay now with our income than to pay later based on an attending's income.

What were you most worried about in moving to Oklahoma?  How has that worked out?

Finding a place to live and where to go for everything, like car repairs, groceries, dentist, etc.  I'd say it's definitely worked out well.  There are lots of new apartments around the hospital.  And the upper levels usually know the best places to go for everything.

What's something you get wrong almost every time you do it?

That's a tougher one, but I would say cooking.  I'm a pretty terrible cook and can figure it out eventually, but usually I don't even get the easy stuff right the first time.

What's the best piece of professional advice you've ever received?

The best advice I've gotten is to just enjoy every day at work and soak up all you can.  Take in every experience - the good and the bad, and use it to shape your work, because we are extremely fortunate to get to do what we do.

What drew you to Oklahoma?  Has it changed?

The residents, attendings, and staff, hands down.  Even when I came on my away rotation, they made me feel like a part of the team.  And I'd have to say I was right about them!  It's a tight-knit group of people, and everyone genuinely cares about each other.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

To be able to fly!

What's your go-to trick for efficiency?

Not letting your phone die!

What makes Oklahoma feel like home to you?

OKC has a small town vibe in a growing metropolitan environment.  And as far as Oklahoma goes, it's knowing we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand!

What job would you like to try for just one day?

Head groundskeeper at a professional stadium