What is my education and experience background?
I attended Abilene Christian University for a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. I worked at Texas Tech Health Science Center to repurpose drugs for cancer therapies. I also spent time studying the progression of prostate cancer at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. I am currently pursuing my PhD in pharmacology at the University of Michigan. My goal is to work on new immunotherapies for cancer patients while communicating how drugs work to the patients who take them.
What are my core values as a healthcare professional?
I believe every patient can and should understand their disease. My core believes are that every life has dignity, everyone should be treated with integrity, and everyone is deserving of compassion. Far too often healthcare strips patients of their dignity and people are reduced to their disease. Learning about their cancer and the therapies that are best for them restores dignity and enables patients to make the decisions that are best for them. Integrity is essential as it establishes trust between patients and their providers. By treating everyone with compassion, I can recognize unique needs a patient might have based on extenuating life circumstances.
How do you aim to work with patients?
I genuinely enjoy working and talking with people and I am looking forward to talking with you—whether that be on the phone, Zoom, or in person. I have extensive experience explaining cancer and therapies to non-scientists. My goal is to form a meaningful connection with you to enable the best communication about therapeutic options.
At the end of a long day of conducting research for her PHD, Claire can be found enjoying a cup of tea and reading a good book to unwind.
