I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from LECOM with both a medical degree and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration. Pittsburgh is also known as the “City of Bridges,” and similarly, I am bridging my interests in both Pediatrics and Neurology. Between UF’s strong influence in Pediatric advocacy and the esteemed faculty in both departments, it was an easy decision in partnering with UF for the next part of my medical training. The faculty is extremely supportive and dedicated, and I feel that continuing lifelong education is the mantra of the program. The difference that sets them apart from other programs, however, is that they really make you feel like family. Moreover, they stress the importance of work-life balance. In my spare time, I am dedicated to my family and friends and especially enjoy finding new adventures with my wife and son. In addition, I also enjoy working out, Pittsburgh sports, traveling, and reading.

I was born and raised in Turkey. I completed medical school at Erciyes University Kayseri in Turkey. Following my graduation, I wanted to discover research opportunities in the field of neuroscience before my starting my clinical practice. To that end, I worked as a research fellow in neuroscience at Emory University. After that, I wanted to pursue my career in Child Neurology. Residency at the University of Florida will help me understand and overcome both clinical and research conundrums in the field of child neurology. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy hiking, playing and watching soccer.

I was born and raised in Ghaziabad, India. My memories of high school include a fascination with the complexities of the human brain. During medical school at Jhalawar Medical College, Rajasthan, my interest grew in the field of child neurology. I gained greater exposure to this field from my medical school and during a rotation in Aiims, New Delhi. Afterwards, I pursued a research elective at Johns Hopkins and clinical electives at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. During my interview at the University of Florida, I discovered that here, no stone is left unturned while caring for patients. At the same time, one can actively engage in research, which I believe is essential for the progress of any specialty. This perfect combination of professional opportunities is what made me decide to pursue residency here. My long-term goal is to become a pediatric epileptologist. My hobbies include reading books (especially spiritual ones, including my favorite Eckhart Tolle), watching and playing soccer, and spending time with my family and friends.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Parkway South High where my interest in serving others through medicine originated. I have always loved to learn and this passion was fostered in Edmond, Oklahoma at Oklahoma Christian University, where I immersed myself in study. I joined the honors undergraduate program, which allowed me to explore many areas of study such as philosophy, literature, ancient history, bible history and theology, and so much more. Furthermore, I was privileged to work as a Chemistry Teaching Assistant and as a Restoration History and Archives Assistant for the University, which honed my time management and research skills. My love for lifelong learning continued when I attended Ross University School of Medicine in the Caribbean. I enjoyed learning about medicine so much that I became a teaching assistant for the Basic Sciences and the Cadaver Anatomy courses. During my clinical years I was blessed to rotate with a child neurologist, where my two passions, lifelong learning and medicine, were woven together. Throughout my clinical years, I was also blessed to participate in the Venezuelan founded hospital therapy clown program, “Doctor Yaso”. In the program I learned vital communication skills and unique ways to interact with my patients. Such skills help me engage patients in their therapy plans and evaluate them through play.I look forward to bringing my background and skills to Shands hospital and I am excited to learn from the wonderful community here.

Kirsten is originally from Hickory, North Carolina where she attended UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad and attended Liberty University of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. Since her undergraduate years, she has been involved in educational community outreach teaching children about the brain and hopes to continue this outreach at UF. When Kirsten is not pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric neurologist, she loves to watch comedy/stand-up, cheering for the UNC Tarheels basketball team, and playing the ukulele.