Clinical Health Psychologist, Consultant at the Mayo Clinic Arizona; Psy.D., L.P., ABPP
About
What do you do at the Mayo Clinic Arizona?
I am a board-certified Clinical Health Psychologist and Consultant in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic Arizona. I am also an Instructor of Psychology for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Sciences. I am the lead Bariatric Surgery Psychologist, in which I provide pre-surgical evaluations and treatment to bariatric surgery candidates and post-surgery patients. I also sub-specialize in metabolic and obesity care, psycho-oncology care to individuals living with a cancer diagnosis, in survivorship, and their caregivers/loved ones, as well as psychogastroenterology (e.g. disorders of the gut-brain interaction, coping with chronic GI illness).
Why did you choose to major in Psychology and how has that affected your career thus far?
From a young age I knew I wanted to become a psychologist, so the choice was made long before I arrived at the University of Michigan. My undergraduate degree gave me the groundwork and tools I needed to carry me through graduate school. The professors in the psychology department provided insight, inspiration, and goals to work towards.
What advice do you have for students getting a degree in the UM Psychology Department who are considering your profession?
Stay open to all possibilities! There are many career paths as a psychologist. Your passions may evolve throughout graduate school and your career.
If possible, would you change anything about your career path?
No, I have been incredibly fortunate. Any challenges I faced helped shape me into the clinician and person I am today.
What has contributed most to your career success?
Hard work and, of course, passion for what I am doing.
