Medicine is more than a profession to me. It allows me to grow, teach and make a meaningful impact on individuals and my community. \n My interest in medicine stems from my appreciation for the unique intersection of science and human connection. I love both the "hard" (rigorous scientific knowledge) and "soft" (the ability to make a tangible difference in people's lives) sides of medicine. \n I have a passion for continuous learning and am always looking to expand my knowledge - and share it with others. Medicine is always evolving, and I work to stay current on the latest findings. \n Medicine isn't my first career - I used to work in German American relations and taught German classes at Duke - but my diverse life experiences naturally led me here and shaped my perspective. I enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, which probably stems from a somewhat nomadic life. \n I'm originally from Eritrea but grew up in Germany. As the spouse of a retired service member, I had the privilege of living and immersing myself in many different places and cultures. \n Many chronic illnesses we see today can be prevented by developing healthy lifestyle habits. I believe family physicians are uniquely suited to make a significant impact on people's health through education. I aim to empower patients - kids, teens and adults - to take charge of their health. My goal is to not only treat illness - including childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, which have both skyrocketed in the U.S. - but to guide patients on how to achieve and maintain optimal health. \n I take a holistic approach to healthcare. I am trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine and am currently pursuing certification in integrative medicine. \n I am a board member of the Mecklenburg Medical Society, which allows me to connect with other physicians in the area and to - I hope - make a positive impact on our community. \n In my free time, I enjoy traveling, pottery, learning languages, being with my family and taking our goldendoodle for long walks. I love to run, and I'm an avid reader with a passion for German literature. I'm not afraid to admit my favorite author is Franz Kafka.