I'm a radiation oncologist who most often treats gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers, as well as lymphomas. I have broad training across cancer types and am grateful for every opportunity to care for patients facing serious illness. I do my best work when the stakes are high and focus on helping people through complex, life-threatening conditions.I knew I had found my calling the first day I shadowed in a radiation oncology clinic. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is the time I’m able to spend with patients. We often have a full hour together at the first visit, which is a rare luxury in modern medicine and allows me to truly get to know the people who come to me for help.My interest in medicine began when I was a child. After winning a reading contest, I chose a used book about treating people born with heart defects who would not have survived without medical care. That experience sparked my fascination with understanding how the body works and the ability to save lives. Although I had been exposed to medical procedures through working on a ranch, this was the first time I imagined applying those skills to caring for people.Outside of work, I enjoy metal detecting and searching for everyday objects that were lost long ago. It’s a reminder of how much history exists just beneath our feet.