Philanthropy is a cornerstone of the work I do—both professionally and personally. As a radiologist, I’ve spent a lot of time focused on diagnosing and treating medical conditions, but I’ve also been deeply invested in giving back to the community. Through my work and my foundation, I’ve realized just how important it is to give others the opportunity to thrive—whether it’s through improving their health or empowering them to be leaders in their respective fields.
At the intersection of my professional life in medicine and my personal passion for sports, I’ve found a unique way to give back. This combination has helped me see how much the right support, encouragement, and resources can do for people. Giving back isn’t just a duty—it’s a privilege. In this blog, I’ll discuss why philanthropy in both medicine and sports is crucial, especially in today’s world, and why we need to continue to invest in the future of our communities.
The Intersection of Medicine and Sports
Growing up, I was always active. I played baseball, volleyball, and even dabbled in music as a drummer. This foundation in sports has stayed with me throughout my life and shaped how I approach my work today. I’ve seen firsthand how important physical health is—not only for treating injuries but also for building resilience, confidence, and leadership.
Sports offer valuable life lessons—lessons that extend far beyond the playing field. They teach discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness, while also fostering a sense of community. These values align with my work in medicine, where the goal is to support individuals in their health journeys, not just by treating illnesses but by empowering them to be their best selves.
As a radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal imaging, I’m also keenly aware of the role that sports injuries play in the lives of athletes and non-athletes alike. Whether it’s a professional athlete or someone participating in recreational sports, injuries can disrupt lives, but with early detection and intervention, many of these injuries are preventable or manageable. This is why I’m passionate about combining my expertise in medicine with my love for sports to create meaningful opportunities for others.
Empowering Women Through Elite Sports
One of the most rewarding aspects of my philanthropic work is our foundation’s involvement with women’s leadership through elite sports, particularly volleyball. I’ve seen how empowering young women through sports can make a profound impact on their lives. When women are given the opportunity to excel in sports, it builds confidence, promotes leadership, and opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach.
Volleyball is a great example of a sport that fosters teamwork and discipline, helping individuals learn to work together while also building their personal skills. But beyond that, sports give women the platform to challenge the societal norms and stereotypes that might hold them back. The value of sports in promoting women’s leadership cannot be overstated—it teaches them that they are capable of achieving greatness, whether on the court or in the boardroom.
Through our foundation, we are dedicated to offering young women the resources and mentorship they need to become strong leaders. From coaching programs to scholarships, the aim is to provide opportunities for women in sports, allowing them to build their confidence and leadership skills that will help them succeed in whatever they choose to do in life.
Supporting Mental Health Initiatives
In addition to empowering women through sports, our foundation also focuses on supporting mental health initiatives. This cause is especially close to my heart. Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. The stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for people, especially athletes, to seek the help they need.
Having worked with athletes throughout my career, I know that the pressures of competition and performance can take a toll on one’s mental well-being. At the same time, many people in general face mental health challenges that are exacerbated by life’s stresses. By promoting awareness of mental health and providing resources for individuals to access the care they need, we can help break the stigma and ensure that people don’t have to suffer in silence.
We support mental health initiatives at institutions like Wake Forest University, where we provide counseling and other resources to students, athletes, and others who need them. It’s important to remind people that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that mental health is just as important as physical health.
The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Medical Research
Philanthropy isn’t just about giving money—it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. It’s about advancing causes that improve health outcomes, promote equality, and create opportunities. One of the key areas where philanthropy has made a tremendous impact is in the field of medical research.
There are countless diseases and conditions that still don’t have cures, and philanthropy plays a crucial role in funding the research that may one day lead to breakthroughs. In particular, diseases like pancreatic cancer, ALS, and pediatric cancer are causes that our foundation is deeply involved with. These diseases touch the lives of so many people, and the more we can invest in research, the closer we get to finding better treatments and, hopefully, cures.
Medical research is often underfunded, and without the support of philanthropic efforts, many important projects simply don’t get off the ground. Through our foundation, we contribute to funding research that can lead to better outcomes for patients in the future. Giving back in this way—helping support efforts to find cures for devastating diseases—has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.
Why Philanthropy Matters Now More Than Ever
Philanthropy matters more than ever in today’s world. We are living in an era where the challenges facing individuals and communities seem overwhelming. From health crises to social inequities, we need to come together as a society and give back in whatever ways we can. Whether through medicine, sports, or other avenues, the impact of philanthropy is far-reaching.
Now more than ever, it’s important to support organizations that empower individuals and make a positive difference. It’s vital to give back to the communities that shape us, so we can create a future where health, leadership, and opportunity are available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
The Power of Giving Back
Giving back through medicine and sports has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. Whether it’s empowering young women to become leaders, supporting mental health initiatives, or funding research for devastating diseases, philanthropy is an integral part of making a positive impact in the world.
I believe we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place, and through my work in both medicine and sports, I’ve seen just how transformative philanthropy can be. Every act of giving—no matter how big or small—makes a difference. And if we can continue to empower others and invest in their potential, we can create a future that’s healthier, more inclusive, and filled with opportunity.