In our alumni spotlight series, learn about Harvard graduates' most meaningful experiences from college, and how Harvard impacted their professional and personal paths after graduation.

Hometown & Current City: Wilmette, IL

House Affiliation: Winthrop

Concentration and Secondary Field: English and American Literature and Language

Current Job Title/Company or organization: Chair of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health

What was your professional path after college? 

After graduating from Harvard, I completed medical school and then a residency in emergency medicine at Boston City Hospital/Boston Medical Center. I then completed a fellowship in medical toxicology where I learned to specialize in treating poisoning in patients. I am currently an Emergency Physician at Cook County Hospital, the Chair of Research in Emergency Medicine at Cook County Health, and the Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Medical Toxicology.

What fills your time now? Professionally and otherwise? 

Treating patients in our urban health system, doing medical research (poisoning, antidote development, COVID risks), editing medical journals, mentoring students interested in health professions; I perform magic for family, friends, and use magic in all my teaching activities to illustrate key learning principles.

How did your academic experience at Harvard guide you in your post-grad pursuits? 

Helped me think critically, solve problems, and take risks.

What was a favorite class you took and why? 

Too many! Any English class with Helen Vender - she taught me how to pay attention to details.

Did you have any research/internship opportunities and/or professor/mentor relationships that were influential? 

David Elliot at WHRB was an influential mentor.

What were you involved in extracurricularly? 

WHRB, House intramural sports, Film society

How did your extracurricular activities impact your Harvard experience? And have they had an impact on your post-grad life?

Created new friendships and reminded me that taking risks is important in life

What is a favorite memory of Harvard House life? 

Dining hall with friends

What is your favorite Harvard tradition and why? 

Friday and Saturday nights at Bright Hockey Center to view Harvard hockey with friends

What advice do you have for someone applying to college?

Think outside of conventional boxes