Meet the Class of 2025

How would you describe orthopedics to a young child?  And why you chose it as a profession?

I'd say it's using screws and metal to put broken bones back together.  And that I have always been the type to use my hands to build/fix things and now I get to do that with people's bones.

What developments are you most excited about for OKC and/or the residency in the coming years?

In OKC, Scissortail Park is an amazing new addition.  Super excited about Thunder games coming back and all the new restaurants in midtown and downtown.  As for the residency, it'd have to be the addition of Dr. Hull and other young faculty recently.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Putting away laundry.  The worst.

What is one thing you wish you'd known before you started residency?

I wish I would have known that you don't have to try to know everything before you start.  The team is always going to be there to help and give you advice.  You're not on your own.

How do you wind down after work?

After work, I like to spend time with my wife and little girl.  I also try to get to the gym as often as I can; I enjoy shooting some hoops.

What's something that you've done but would never want to try again?

Not the biggest fan of heights, so I'd never go skydiving again.

What motivates you to get up and go to work?

My alarm clock, and my drive to keep playing better golf than Austin Cantrell.

How would you describe OKC to someone who has never visited before?

One of only two state capitals that begin with an O.  And O man, is it great!

What's one thing you're currently trying to make a habit?

Taking the stairs

If you had to choose another specialty outside of orthopedics, what would it be?

Probably OB/Gyn.  I enjoyed that rotation far more than I thought I would.

How would you describe the neighborhood in which you live?

We live up in Edmond and it's super family friendly, close to pretty much everything, and has a great school district for anyone with kids.  Our neighborhood has a ton of amenities like a community pool, gym, soccer field, fishing pond, playground, and more.  We also have an awesome HOA that does a bunch of events for you to get to know your neighbors, like movie nights, Fourth of July parties, weekly poker night, and on and on.

We came from Fort Worth and were able to afford a much bigger house than we could have in Fort Worth because the cost of living here is so low.  OKC and the surrounding areas are expanding like crazy, so there are tons of options for whatever you're looking for... established neighborhoods, new developments, townhomes, etc.

What cause is close to your heart?

I have a passion for the Bone Marrow Registry, because we had a family friend who was in need of a donor and was able to find one through the registry.  I actually had the opportunity to donate my marrow back in 2014, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience.  There is a huge need for people in the registry, especially for people of color, because you usually can only donate to people of similar ethnic backgrounds.  I've hosted several registry events in college and medical school, and I hope to continue the tradition here.

Who inspired you to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery?

I chose ortho after rotating with orthopedic trauma during third year, so my start was later than some.  The residents that I interacted with during that rotation inspired me.  They seemed like the type of people I wanted to spend my time with and work to follow in their footsteps.

What are three words to describe the OU Orthopedic residency?

Fun, efficient, and caring

Do you cook?  What's your signature dish?

I can't cook.  But I can serve up a mean plate of scrambled eggs!

What part of the residency application and match process was most intimidating to you?

Knowing when and how to reach out to programs outside of the formal application - balancing showing interest without being annoying.  When to reach out if you want an interview but haven't gotten one yet, if/how you should tell a program they're #1 or top of your list, etc.

What do you want applicants to notice about the Oklahoma Ortho program?

The family culture and values that stem from the leadership, down through the entire program.

What tv show or movie do you absolutely refuse to watch?

Any version of The Bachelor / Bachelorette!