My love for science and my interest in helping people were the first things that led me to a career in medicine. Growing up in Chicago, I always had a desire to be a physician to help people live a healthier life. \n My approach to health and wellness begins with the patient sitting in front of me. The patient is the most crucial part of the healthcare team. He or she should be involved in developing a treatment plan or health regimen. And obviously, the plan is only as strong as the patient's commitment to it. I work in concert with patients to try to prevent diseases from emerging. If they do develop, then we work together to prevent them from progressing. \n As the physician liaison to Novant Health Office of Health Equity and Community Health, I connect our organization with our community in order to improve health equity and to reduce disparities.