Brandi, at peritoneal dialysis clinic.
My father, a physician, was an army officer, so my parents, brother, sister and I moved often during my childhood. I’ve always treasured those experiences — who else can say that they’ve touched the Berlin Wall, ice-fished in Alaska, and boated down the Mississippi?
My family finally landed in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where I finished high school and later taught high school science. Thus, I claim Pine Bluff as my home. I’ve work at UVA for just shy of two years, after finishing my residency at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco.
Why medicine? Why nephrology?
I am a third-generation physician, and my father is a nephrologist. I didn’t always know I wanted to be a physician — in college, I majored in philosophy and religion — but I knew I wanted an intellectually challenging career in which I could do social good.
This desire to do social good, I think, led me to nephrology. In particular, I’m fascinated by the health disparities often associated with kidney disease. I strive to advocate for education and prevention, especially in communities of color.
Brandi (left) with friends and family at a wedding in San Diego.
Why UVA?
I love UVA. I’m mentored by world-renowned experts, and I’m exposed to a breadth of pathology, transplant nephrology and apheresis. I also admire the University’s commitment to the larger community.
I should make a plug, by the way, for the Division of Nephrology’s upcoming health fair and kidney screening. April 30th — Carver Recreation Center here in Charlottesville. The health fair is a partnership between UVA, the National Kidney Foundation, and the city of Charlottesville. Please come, and bring a friend. We’re going to have fun, I promise!
Brandi and her sister at a Garth Brooks concert.
Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?
My sister presented me with “the official unofficial best sister on the planet award.” I won two years in a row, but this year I think I may have stiff competition from her cat. Hey, the rules don’t stipulate the award goes to a blood relative, and, in all fairness, my sister does have an awesome cat.
What’s a story your family tells about you?
As an undergrad at James Madison University, I briefly belonged to the school’s break dance club. I specialized in the baby freeze — which, for those who have wisely blocked all memory of the 80s, required the dancer to stand on her head and freeze with her legs midair. While I’m quite proud of this accomplishment, I do regret that my friends and family memorialized my creative expression with video; every day, I fear that the footage will end up on You Tube.
Brandi and her partner at Lake Tahoe.
What’s one thing you always have in your fridge?
Sharp cheddar! Is that not in your fridge?!
Where did you go on your last vacation?
I recently went to Tahoe with my partner, where we placed third in a local karaoke competition singing the Back Street Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” I maintain the judging was rigged. What is an applause-meter anyway? As a scientist, I question the validity of this test of audience appreciation.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Hello cello! Total bucket list item.
Words to live by?
“The world should be a little better because a man has lived — even ever so little better.”
– Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett
What about you would surprise us?
I’m a huge fan of musicals — all of Rogers and Hammerstein, and just about any Broadway or Disney show.
Filed Under: News and Notes
Tags: Nephrology