I am a Professor of Clinical Sciences and the Program Director of the General Surgery Residency at Florida State University College of Medicine, based at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. My career has been dedicated to surgical oncology, mentorship, and advancing cancer research — all while striving to increase diversity and equity within our field.

A proud native of Florida, I began my academic journey at Florida A&M University studying Biology, before earning my medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Rigorous training at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, with fellowships in Head and Neck Surgery, Surgical Oncology, and Cellular Biology, set the foundation for my focus on cancer care and research.

From my early faculty days at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine to my current role at Florida State University, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring countless residents and shaping surgical education programs. My research has explored everything from pancreatic cancer biobanking to how local inflammation affects tumor treatment — and I remain deeply committed to pushing forward the science that underpins better patient outcomes.

Outside the operating room and classroom, my life is enriched by simple joys: early morning workouts, meaningful conversations with patients and families, and opportunities to help others navigate their own personal or professional challenges. I am mission- and task-oriented — once there is a clear goal, I’m all in. This blog is an extension of that commitment: to share, to educate, and to keep learning alongside my peers and students.