From a young age, Courtney knew she wanted to help others. Growing up in a home full of medical-related conversations, her mother, a dedicated nurse, often shared stories from her shifts. However, it wasn’t until high school that Courtney found herself drawn to pursue a career in medicine herself.
During a volunteer stint at her local hospital, she spent time in the nursery. One particular moment stands out in her memory: an infant, no more than a few days old, was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. As a high school student, all she could do was hold the baby. But, the experience ignited a fire within her. She wanted to be the one who could diagnose, treat, and ultimately, heal.
Specifically, the field of neonatology captivated her. “I was drawn to medicine and pediatrics in particular to be able to care for and advocate for children who I find to be the most vulnerable population,” shares Courtney. However, the path to becoming a neonatologist seemed like a distant dream. The years of education and the rigorous training made it feel almost unattainable. Despite these doubts, Courtney was dedicated to pursuing her passion.
This led her to Siena College, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in biology, complemented by a minor in French. Courtney’s academic pursuits were balanced by her long-standing involvement in cheerleading, a sport she had been passionate about since the 2nd grade. Cheerleading instilled a sense of teamwork and support that she carries into her medical practice today. As a pediatric resident, Courtney sees herself as a cheerleader for her young patients, always ready to lift their spirits and provide encouragement.
College also provided Courtney with the opportunity to explore the world and gain a broader perspective on healthcare. She spent a semester in Cape Town, South Africa, volunteering in underserved communities and participating in various events. Later, she traveled to Córdoba, Argentina, where she spent six weeks as a global medical volunteer. Working in an Infectious Disease and Pediatric Hospital, Courtney witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of healthcare in a different cultural context. “Learning about the healthcare system in another country has allowed me to appreciate all of the technology and advancements that we have access here in the US to help care for our patients,” shares Courtney.
Following her graduation from Siena College, Courtney took two years off before entering medical school. During this time, she worked as a medical scribe, a role that offered her invaluable insights into the medical field. She worked in an emergent care setting as a chief scribe. In this role, she was responsible for hiring, firing, creating schedules, and providing performance feedback to her team. The leadership skills she developed during this period have been crucial in her residency. Additionally, Courtney worked part-time as a scribe for a pediatrician, an experience that deepened her love for pediatrics. “The pediatrician who I worked for created amazing relationships with the families that she cared for, which showed me the true therapeutic power of a strong, trusting relationship with your pediatrician or primary care provider,” says Courtney.
When it was time to attend medical school, Courtney chose the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During her third-year clerkships, she rotated through various medical specialties, keeping an open mind. However, after just one week in a pediatric emergency room, she knew that pediatrics was where she belonged. This experience confirmed her decision to apply for pediatric residency, leading her to Nemours Children’s Health.
One of the ER providers she worked with during that rotation, now a colleague at Nemours, played a pivotal role in shaping her path. This provider encouraged Courtney to do a fourth-year rotation in the Nemours ER. It was during this time that Courtney truly fell in love with the hospital and its mission.
“During my time there I saw how special of a place Nemours is,” shares Courtney. “I had never experienced a hospital that was so dedicated to the care of children before. Everyone at Nemours strives to not only provide the best care for the patients but also aims to make their experience at the doctor’s office or hospital a slightly less scary time. I am now a rising 3rd year resident at Nemours and will be applying to fellowship in NICU where I can live out the dream that my 18-year-old self-thought was so unattainable.”
