Engagement 365: Member Spotlight

I became a member of AHA in early 2019. I was looking for an organization that was centered on making an impact on the devastating burden that cardiovascular disease is and considers lifestyle medicine in that approach. Now in 2025, I am overwhelmed by the impact this organization has had on my career. I've experienced priceless mentorship, cultivated several amazing collaborative research efforts that have become friendships, and had the honor of contributing to Scientific Statements with researchers that I have admired for years. I sincerely thank Dr. Jerry Jerome for encouraging me to be involved and his dedication to my organizational involvement and Dr. Bethany Barone-Gibbs for her incredible mentorship and encouragement over the last 5 years. In the future, I would love to serve/mentor new and early career members, especially those who come from more teaching-based institutions, in how they can make an impact in this amazing organization.