What drew you to the law?
I grew up in a time of great social and political change. Lawyers were able to use the power of the law to make a lasting impact.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Teaching is my passion. I hope that students feel the same enthusiasm for learning as I do for teaching.
What do you hope students gain from your courses?
I want students to realize that they are in law school primarily to learn the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that are necessary for a career in the law. In the future, students will need these skills to solve problems they have not previously encountered and to apply law that may not now exist. The study of law is a lifelong process, and students need to acquire the ability to be self-directed learners who can adapt to a changing legal landscape.
What did you do prior to entering academia?
I was in-house counsel for a large federal psychiatric hospital in the District of Columbia. After relocating to Texas, I entered private practice, where I defended physicians and other health care providers in medical malpractice cases.
What are you passionate about outside of the law?
My family. I also enjoy reading, hearing or watching anything related to medicine.
What are your research interests?
My scholarship and teaching focus on health law, bioethics, tort reform and the legal response to medical error.