Chief Residents

Boxberger, John, M.D.

Hometown: Austin, TX (with roots in Kansas)
Undergrad: Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
Med School: University of Texas School of Medicine - San Antonio
Career interest or chosen specialty: Minimally Invasive General Surgery
Hobbies in residency: Basketball, movies, skiing, kayaking, anything that gets me outside.  
Thoughts about our program: The two primary factors I looked for when evaluating programs were collegiality among the residents and strong foundations in General Surgery. I did not know much about the program prior to applying, but a peer of mine suggested I look into it. Just in my brief interactions with the residents during my interview, it was clear that the relationships built at this program were different from what I would find elsewhere. The residents were more than just colleagues. Once I saw the early surgical experience residents received combined with the overall numbers they achieved over 5 years, I was sold. From the moment I got here, expectations were clear, and I received every opportunity to participate in all levels of patient care. This is simply not something you will find at every program.

Fennell, Heather, M.D.

Hometown: Oxford, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama, Finance;University of Alabama at Birmingham, Biology
Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Career interest or chosen specialty:Breast Surgery. Fellowship at UMMS-Baystate in
Hobbies in residency:Reading, exercise, sleep, beach trips
Thoughts about our program: BBH is an excellent training program because it offers the “best of both worlds.” We have the volume that a larger city offers, private specialty surgeons who are willing to teach, and ample opportunity to operate early in our careers.

Watlington, James, M.D.

Hometown: Shelbyville, TN
Undergrad: Middle Tennessee State University
Med School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Career interest or chosen specialty: Trauma Fellowship at MCG
Hobbies in residency: Take the dog for a walk/run, watch Marvel movies, build plastic models (current one in progress is a 2.5ft WWII submarine), piano, video games
Thoughts about our program: We have a great training environment and plenty of operating cases/experience. It’s an awesome group of residents/attendings who are willing to help you succeed.

Watts, Steve, III., M.D.

Hometown: Valdosta, Ga
Undergrad: Valdosta State University
Med School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Career interest or chosen specialty:General surgery with a focus in MIS/ robotic surgery
Hobbies in residency:Spending time with family and friends, hiking and anything outdoors, exercising, eating great food, visiting all the great Birmingham breweries.
Thoughts about our program:This is a high volume community program that prepares residents well for a career in general surgery. In particular, we have a well-established and high volume robotic surgery curriculum. It also provides a significant amount of training in surgical subspecialties such as MIS/bariatrics and colorectal surgery. Our program fosters a non-malignant learning environment in which there is much intraoperative and bedside teaching with a great mix of didactic and hands-on learning. There is a level of camaraderie among residents and attendings that makes you feel like part of a big family. Birmingham is an incredible place to live with so many fun and exciting things to do. You will not regret choosing this program..

2023 - 2024 PGY-4

Daughtry, Brock DO

Hometown: Perry, Georgia

Undergrad:  Auburn University

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty:Thoracic Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Baron's games, breweries with co-residents, hunting

Thoughts about our program: Overall we have a great program with excellent operative experience, strong clinical instruction, and strong relationships between resident classes, leadership faculty, and attendings. I would absolutely make the same decision if I had to do it over again and I would strongly recommend our program to anyone.

Fain, Trevor MD

Hometown: Wildwood, MO

Undergrad:  University of Alabama

Med School: University of Louisville School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty:General Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Movies, golfing, hiking, and trying new restaurants

Thoughts about our program: The two most important things in choosing a program were finding one that would train me to be a competent general surgeon, and one where I got along with my co-residents. After 3+ years here, I can absolutely say I came to the right place. We get in the OR early and often and receive great training that will prepare you to practice as a general surgeon after 5 years, or help you prepare for the fellowship of your choice. The culture here is also extremely positive and supportive. You’re going to work extremely hard no matter which program you go to, but at this program you won’t feel like you’re going through it alone.

Harris, Kathleen MD

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty:Colorectal Surgery/ General Surgery

Hobbies in residency:Running, gymnastics, hiking, just being outside and active, reading, watching UNC basketball

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to the program initially because of the high operative numbers, the mindset of operating early and often, and the strength of residents graduating from the program. What kept me here after interviewing and rotating, was the people. Since that time, my co-residents have become some of my closest friends and support group. Our attendings are supportive and approachable. I have been pleased with my case numbers and the strength of our robotics training. My experience and autonomy has increased appropriately each year, both in the OR and in patient care decision making. Overall, I feel well-prepared to apply for fellowship or to begin a career in general surgery.

Holt, Kenneth MD

Hometown: McCalla, AL

Undergrad:  University of Alabama at Birmingham

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty:Cardiac Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Reading, exercising, hiking, fishing, going to concerts, eating at any of the great restaurants in Birmingham

Thoughts about our program: I really enjoyed working with the residents while I did a rotation during my 4th year of medical school. I was looking for a program where the residents were a tight-knit group and where I could get a well-rounded general surgery experience. This is the perfect place for both. Now that I have been here for several years, my interests have shifted towards pursuing fellowship training and I could not be happier with the training I have received so far.

Nelson, Sara DO

Hometown: Dothan, AL

Undergrad:  Troy University

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Running, soccer, playing with the dogs, hiking, trying new restaurants, traveling, Alabama football - Roll Tide!

Thoughts about our program: The camaraderie in the program is undeniable. Great support from attendings and co-residents. Opportunities at two different hospitals allows for a wide variety and a large volume of cases. BBH provides exceptional training in robotic surgery and instills confidence in operative ability coming out of residency without having to pursue a fellowship.

Reece, Claren Harper, M.D.

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Med School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/ Breast Surgery
Hobbies in residency:Being a mom of twins! Crafting/Painting, Bargain Shopping, Sleeping, Harry Potter on repeat
Thoughts about our program:Overall I've been very happy with the training I've received at Baptist. As an intern, I performed cases in the OR start-to-finish, I placed 100+ CVLs and arterial lines, and I spent a month (on surg onc) where I scrubbed in the OR every single day of the rotation. During my PGY-2 year, I spent two months functioning as a chief resident on one of our many general surgery services, without senior residents to compete for those cases. As a PGY-3, I logged about 350 "Surgeon Junior" cases and was able to consistently develop skills at the robot console. At the end of my PGY-3 year, I needed to take time off from residency to have my twins (while managing type 1 diabetes), and our program leadership and my co-residents were supportive to help make this happen. Now as a PGY-4, I am back in the OR every day and learning how to balance being a surgeon and a mom. Our attendings are approachable and generally down-to-earth, I enjoy spending time with my co-residents in and out of work, and my husband and I love Birmingham. Also, we have great snacks..

2023 - 2024 PGY-3

Coleman, Madi MD

Hometown: Acworth, GA

Undergrad:  University of Georgia

Med School: Medical College of Georgia

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided

Hobbies in residency:Rock climbing, playing music, making art, exploring the outdoors, cooking/ baking, hanging with friends around Birmingham, and cheering on the Dawgs!

Thoughts about our program: The bottom line with any respectable surgery residency is that it will be hard - the hours are long, the work is challenging, and it will push you to the limits of what you think you are capable of. The beauty of a program like ours is that it undoubtedly does all of these things, but it does so in a supportive environment where we genuinely care for the success and well-being of each other and our patients. Stepping into Birmingham, I knew absolutely nobody and I never could have anticipated that this group of people would become my family, my mentors, and the people who make me laugh every day. All of this is only made better by our rigorous operative experience (as a third year I am consistently performing the majority of major cases), the early autonomy we are granted in direct patient care, and the wide breadth of surgical experience we are exposed to. This program challenges me to be the best doctor, surgeon, and human being I can be, and for that I am very grateful.

Garriga, Galen MD

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Undergrad:  University of South Alabama

Med School: University of South Alabama Medical School

Career interest or chosen specialty:MIS or Colorectal Surgery

Hobbies in residency:Running, walks with the dog, fish aquarium connoisseur. Spending time with family and being active at my local church.

Thoughts about our program: Excellent program, great robotic experience. Residents are one big family. No matter what is going on in your personal life, everyone has been nothing but supportive and helpful. Early operative experience, and I will definitely feel ready to go out and practice by the end of 5 years in this program.

McNair, Chris DO

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Undergrad:  University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided, maybe bariatric surgery

Hobbies in residency: Playing guitar, collecting fountain pens, spending time with my wife and our two children

Thoughts about our program: I rotated here during my fourth year of medical school and it really felt like a great fit for what I was looking for in a residency program. We operate early and get exposure to a vast amount of surgical pathology. Our attendings are excellent teachers. All of the residents here are cohesive and look after one another.

Switzer, Jacob MD

Hometown: Fairhope, AL

Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty:Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Hobbies in residency:Golf, playing guitar and recording music.

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to Baptist surgery residency for a number of reasons. The early operative experience, case volume, and robotic training are several strengths of the program that set it apart from other surgical residencies. The camaraderie and friendship among residents is also a quality of the program which is unmatched elsewhere. I feel blessed to train at such a great program and could not imagine being anywhere else.

Thomas, Evan DO

Hometown: Auburn, Alabama

Undergrad:  University of Mississippi

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty:Plastic Surgery

Hobbies in residency:Spending time with friends and family, cooking, being outdoors, fishing, hunting, golfing.

Thoughts about our program: This program is a hidden gem. It provides incredible surgical experience with endless fellowship opportunities. Residents that finish from our program are practice-ready. I can’t say enough positive things about my fellow residents, attendings, and the culture we have in our program..

2023 - 2024 PGY-2

Bland, Sydney, M.D

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Undergrad:  Clemson University -UG

Med School: University of South Caroline School of Medicine Greenville

Career interest/ specialty: Considering Plastic Surgery

Hobbies in residency:Working out, skiing, cooking, and reading

Thoughts about our program: I knew I wanted to stay in the south close to SC for residency, and I was interested in a high-volume community surgery program. I was able to check both of those boxes by choosing our program. When interview day came around, I remember having genuine conversations with attendings and residents alike, and I was able to appreciate how supportive the residency family truly was. I knew the support system would be important since I was going to be states away from my support system at home. <.p>

Clements, Austin, D.O

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad:  University of Alabama

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine -Auburn Campus

Career interest or chosen specialty: Vascular, MIS/Robotics

Hobbies in residency:Traveling, Golf, Exploring new cuisine, Pickleball

Thoughts about our program: Baptist is a unique and special program to train as a general surgery resident. Although a community program, Baptist is situated between cutting edge surgical technology, academia, and classic general surgery training. As an intern, I performed cases skin-to-skin that may be reserved for upper-level or chief residents at other programs. The early responsibility and operative experience has accelerated my general surgery training beyond the expected work of a resident at my level. Given my intern year experience, as a PGY-2 I am able to hone my skills as an open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon without the burden of a technological learning curve. Aside from the OR, our program guards our residents as an absolutely essential piece of our organization. Our attendings are not only our leaders, but they are also our friends and mentors. With direct access to our attendings on a daily basis, I am a better surgery resident and future surgeon because of their willingness to teach and mentor. Lastly, our resident family is just that, a family. Through various highs and lows of my own or my colleagues, we have prioritized and supported one another. Overall, Baptist has proven to be the best fit for me and my wife Jess as I pursue my goal to become an excellent surgeon.

Touros, Kiara, DO

Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida

Undergrad:Florida State University

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career Interest or Decided Specialty: General/Undecided

Hobbies in residency:Travel, Reading, Sleeping, Checking out local restaurants, Baking

Thoughts about our program: I chose this program due to the heavy operative experience and camaraderie among residents. We have heavy robotic experience and are well-prepared for transitioning to practice and fellowships.

White, Ashlyn, D.O

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Undergrad:  University of South Carolina

Med School:VCOM Carolinas

Career interest/ specialty: Colorectal Surgery

Hobbies in residency:beach volleyball, mountain climbing, running.

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to this program because of the strong robotic curriculum, faculty investment, and supportive atmosphere. Also, Birmingham itself has lots to offer!

Xu, Jeffrey, D.O

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Undergrad: University of California, San Diego

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interests: General Surgery

Hobbies in residency:Spending time with my wife and kids, foodie, video games

Thoughts about our program: I was first drawn to this program because of two things: how family-friendly the residents, attendings, and administrators are, and how well-prepared the graduates are for general surgery practice. As an intern, I completed many skin-to-skin cases including cholecystectomies and appendectomies within the first week of residency. The amount of hands-on experience, along with autonomy, allowed me to understand the practice of surgery rather than just having general knowledge. As a PGY-2, I've rotated at UAB for pediatrics, trauma/burn ICU, and transplant, which broadened my surgical experiences.

PGY-1 Categorical

Howard, Hannah, M.D.

Hometown: Lowndesboro, AL

Undergrad: Huntingdon College

Med School:University of Alabama School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:I enjoy reading, indoor cycling, and baking. Also, my husband and I recently bought a new home so lately my free time is spent working on it.

Career interest or chosen specialty: MIS/ Foregut

Thoughts about our program: BBH stood out to me for several reasons. First, it was obvious that the residents truly got along with each other and supported their co-residents. I was looking for a program that emphasized operative experience early and often, and it was evident that BBH residents were operating from the beginning of intern year. I also liked that research and surgical education were prioritized. Finally, it was important to me that my future program be high-volume and create independent surgeons ready for practice at the end of residency, which is one of the biggest strengths of this program. We are also well-supported if we choose to pursue fellowship following residency. I feel fortunate to have matched here and to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of people..

Lawson, Damon, M.D.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Undergrad: University of Tennessee

Med School:University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:Soccer, skateboarding, playing with my dogs, trying new coffee shops, and watching Tennessee football.

Career interest or chosen specialty: Trauma or general surgery

Thoughts about our program: When looking for a training program, I emphasized programs that would have me in the OR early and often. BBH hits that mark, as I have scrubbed into cases nearly every day of residency as an intern. Attendings here are very supportive and they foster resident learning through early autonomy with patient care and intraoperative training.

Mason, Jack, M.D.

Hometown: New Albany, MS

Undergrad: University of Mississippi

Med School:University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:Spending time with family, watching Ole Miss sports, golf, video games

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood Baptist Health because of their early operative experience, case volume, and similarities to my career goals. Also, Birmingham is a great city.

Thomas, Sam, M.D.

Hometown: Talladega, AL

Undergrad:Auburn University

Med School:University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:Cooking, baking, video games, clay shooting, spending time with family and friends

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/ Undecided

Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood Baptist Health for my surgical residency because it instills strong surgical skills including ample exposure to robotic surgery. It is also a close-knit program that is truly a big happy family!

Vobbilisetty, Vijay, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad:University of Michigan

Med School:University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:Hiking, running, pickleball, tennis

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/ Undecided

Thoughts about our program: Early operative experience. Good exposure to robotic surgery. Great cohort of residents.

PGY-1 Preliminary

Chambers II, Fred, M.D.

Hometown: Mobile, AL

Undergrad: University of South Alabama

Med School:University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hart, Susan, M.D.

Hometown: Murray, KY

Undergrad: Western Kentucky University

Med School:University of Louisville School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:Hiking/ trail running

Webb, Adam, M.D.

Hometown: Hartsfield, GA

Undergrad: University of Georgia

Med School:Mercer University School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency:Reading history biographies, exercising, hanging out with my wife and son, and watching SEC football on Saturdays