Current Residents

Chief Residents

Sydney Bland, M.D.

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Medical School:University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville

Career interest or chosen specialty: Plastic Surgery

Hobbies: Working out, snow skiing, cooking, reading, & enjoying walks in Jemison Park on my off weekends

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 a strong support system would be important since I was going to be states away from my support system at home.

Austin Clements, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Medical School:Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn

Career interest or chosen specialty: Vascular Surgery

Hobbies: Golf, grilling out, Alabama Football

Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health has been an incredible fit for me because throughout my time at Baptist I have been challenged to grow, experienced exceptional operative volume, and been developed by excellent surgical faculty. Beyond clinical training, Baptist Health has provided mentors who consistently push me to pursue excellence. Looking back, I cannot imagine training anywhere else.

Kiara Touros, D.O.

Hometown: Vero Beach, FL

Medical School:Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, trying new restaurants

Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because it had a very collegial feel and I knew it was going to give me the operative training I was going to need to succeed upon graduation. We have heavy robotic experience and are well-prepared for transitioning to practice and fellowships.

Ashlyn White, D.O.

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas

Career interest or chosen specialty: Colon & Rectal Surgery

Hobbies: 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!

Jeff Xu, D.O.

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Medical School:Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies: Hanging out with wife and kids, foodie, video games, woodworking

Thoughts about our program: Good family-friendly environment, great operating opportunities. Great, easy to approach attendings. Great team of residents

2026 - 2027 PGY-4

Hannah Howard, M.D.

Hometown: Lowndesboro, AL

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Trauma/Critical Care

Hobbies: Hanging out with my husband and dog, reading, and preparing for the arrival of our first child

Thoughts about our program: I was looking for a program that had a strong reputation for graduating residents ready for practice without having to pursue a fellowship, and Baptist Health is known for graduating residents ready for practice. Plus, I wanted to stay in Birmingham so Baptist Health was the perfect fit for me.

Damon Lawson, M.D.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

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

Career interest or chosen specialty: Trauma/Surgical Critical Care

Hobbies: Going to the movies, cooking for my wife, playing with my dogs, working out, and watching Tennessee Football

Thoughts about our program: Baptist has a strong emphasis on resident autonomy and plenty of opportunities to gain meaningful operative experience early in training. The program fosters confident and capable surgeons. Just as importantly, the camaraderie among each of the residents and the supportive culture makes it a place where anyone can thrive both personally and professionally.

Jack Mason, M.D.

Hometown: New Albany, MS

Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies: Spending time with family, watching sports, running, cooking

Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health General Surgery because of its strong operative experience, broad clinical exposure, and supportive culture that emphasizes graduated autonomy. I wanted to train in a program where I could develop into a confident, technically-skilled general surgeon while working alongside faculty who are invested in resident education and mentorship.

Sam Thomas, M.D.

Hometown: Talladega, AL

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hobbies: Clay shooting, cooking, spending time with family and friends

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/ Undecided

Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health for residency because it truly felt like a family from the moment I interviewed. The program offers exceptional operative volume with exposure to high-acuity, complex surgical pathology, providing outstanding clinical and technical training. As a well-established residency with a strong reputation, it also opens doors to any fellowship or career path without limiting future opportunities.

Vijay Vobbilisetty, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hobbies: Hiking, pickleball, exploring the new restaurant scene

Career interest or chosen specialty: Surgery

Thoughts about our program: This program offers a strong, community-based surgical training experience with early operative autonomy, high case volume, and extensive robotic surgery exposure.

2026 - 2027 PGY-3

Ashley Calise, D.O.

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies: Running, painting, home projects

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: The thing I love most about this program is the people! It’s the reason I fell in love with it. You can rest assured you’re not only getting amazing general surgery training but also getting a family. This program is where I met my husband, Hunter, so that’s a bonus! Knowing I’ll graduate as a competent general surgeon with enough open, laparoscopic, and robotic training without the need for a fellowship is such a blessing!

Ethan Covil, M.D.

Hometown: Easley, SC

Medical School: University of South Caroline School of Medicine

Hobbies: Gardening, Running, Hunting

Career interest or chosen specialty: Bariatrics/ Foregut/ General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: When I was applying to residency programs, the two main questions I asked myself were 1) If I trained here, would I be able to handle anything that came my way? 2) Would my wife and I be supported? Hands down this program answers both questions with an emphatic yes! The sheer volume and repetitions are unparalleled. The faculty are engaging and truly desire to see us succeed. My wife and I are supported emotionally and spiritually. This program truly is the best!

Tyler Reese, D.O.

Hometown: Panama City, FL

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn

Hobbies: Working out, golfing, fishing, cooking

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: This program really has a tight knit group of residents. From the top down, they not only care about you becoming a good, competent, and safe surgeon but they also care about you as a person. The hands-on experience, early OR time, and heavy emphasis on robotic surgery are a few of the big reasons I chose Baptist Health for surgery residency! I feel like I will be well prepared at the end of my 5 years here to go out and practice on my own.

Brooks Stroud, M.D.

Hometown: Macon, GA

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Golf, spending time with my wife, yard work, exercising

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided

Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because of the solid fellowship matches, preparedness to operate straight out of residency, robotic experience, and the early operative opportunities. Now that I am here and have met everyone, I realize how lucky I am to be part of a program with so many good people and teachers. Chief residents and faculty are absolutely willing to teach, and I have seen that this program is not toxic in any way. Residents get more hands-on intraoperative experience and autonomy at a much earlier stage than larger academic programs which was a large focus for me when choosing programs because I was tired of just watching surgery and ready to get hands on and operate. Birmingham is a surprisingly young city with a great food scene, breweries, and plenty of things to do. My wife and I couples matched here and we are very happy with the program and the city. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a great golf scene here!

Gabe Touliatos, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn

Hobbies: Basketball, fishing, hiking

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: Our program has early autonomy with 1 on 1 OR experience from intern year, great robotic exposure, and a collegial culture between residents and attendings that accelerates our skill in and out of the OR.

2026 - 2027 PGY-2

Andrew Bell, D.O.

Hometown: Tallassee, AL

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Hobbies in residency: Hunting and time outdoors with my family

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: This program has excellent early operative experience and a focus on growing inside and outside the operating room. The people in this program are the difference. Resident culture and attending interaction are truly second to none.

Maggie Garrett, M.D.

Hometown: Smyrna, GA

Med School: Medical College of Georgia

Hobbies in residency: Reading, rock climbing, knitting

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: I loved the camaraderie between residents, the operative experiences offered, and the support from the PD and APDs. Birmingham is also a blast, so much to do on the days you’re not in the hospital. Bakery hopping is a new favorite hobby!

Ebony Griffin, D.O.

Hometown: Rusk, TX

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Louisiana

Hobbies in residency: Yoga, hiking, and birdwatching!

Career interest or chosen specialty: Rural General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because from the moment I arrived on interview day it felt like home! I had nothing but positive interactions with the residents and faculty who all seemed very close with one another and invested in each other's future.
Aside from that, Baptist Health offers everything I want in a program - a diverse patient population, high volume of general surgery and specialized cases, and the opportunity to participate in global surgery. As a small town girl, Birmingham has been a dream! I love the variety in food places and there is always something to do - whether it's live music, attending a Barons game, or going for a hike at Ruffner Mountain!

Sarai Krewson, M.D.

Hometown: Gainesville, TX

Med School: Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU

Hobbies in residency: Reading, writing, true crime podcasts, grabbing coffee

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery, possibly Colon & Rectal Surgery

Thoughts about our program: The residents in this program are incredibly supportive of each other. They not only want you to succeed as a surgeon, but they also care about you succeeding and thriving as a person. This program is also special because of the early operative experience. They prioritize getting you in the OR early and often. There are also tons of opportunities for hands-on bedside procedures.

PGY-1 Categorical

Hector Caceres, M.D.

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Plastic Surgery

Hobbies: Coffee, soccer, hiking

Thoughts about our program: What drew me to Baptist Health was its strong operative experience, close-knit culture, and dedication to developing confident, well-rounded surgeons.

Trey Davis, D.O.

Hometown: Hattiesburg, MS

Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies: Hunting, pickleball

Thoughts about our program:This program provides residents of all levels with the most operative time of any other program I worked with, which was a huge factor for me. The residents also really take care of one another and prioritize everyone’s families, like mine, with a wife and two kids who are always included in program events. Birmingham has been great for my family and me because there are plenty of events and activities to help pass the time on the long days. But we get plenty of golden weekends, so I get to try all their top choices when I’m off! Would choose here, again, every time.

Cayla Graham, M.D.

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AL

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies: Running, reading, antique shopping, cooking

Thoughts about our program: Early hands-on experience, lots of exposure to common general surgery cases, & great community, leadership, and coresidents

Alex Howard, D.O.

Hometown: Opelika, AL

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/Undecided

Hobbies: Walking my dog, gardening, and anything artsy

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to Baptist Health because of the early operative experience, strong clinical training, and the program’s culture. I wanted a place where I could gain the hands-on experience needed to become a confident, well-rounded surgeon while learning from supportive faculty and being part of a close-knit resident team

Madison Kouba, D.O.

Hometown: Oviedo, FL

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies: Dinner with friends, Pilates, reading, spoiling my cats

Thoughts about our program: I love my community! From day 1 it was clear that this is a tight-knit group of people looking out for each other. Also, I feel like I am getting great exposure to diverse cases. My attendings expect me to play an active role in the OR and to expand my operating skills every day.

Maddex Webb, M.D.

Hometown: Niceville, FL

Medical School: East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery, Colon and Rectal, Trauma

Hobbies: Games of any kind, trying new restaurants, sports, college football

Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health does a great job of bringing in residents with different backgrounds, but similar in certain aspects, personalities and work styles which leads to a cohesive work environment. Everyone is super friendly and easy to work with, attendings as well. You have appropriate autonomy as an intern and as you progress. I wouldn’t have picked any other program!

PGY-1 Preliminary

Whitt Harrelson, M.D.

Hometown: Vestavia Hills, AL

Med School: Vestavia Hills, AL

Hobbies in residency: Spending time with my wife Shelley and daughter Annie, fly fishing, baking, and woodworking

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health’s general surgery residency program feels like more of a family than a job. The faculty take great interest in both our training and our personal life, and I feel like I know each resident for more than just who they are at work. As an intern, I’ve already seen a wide array of pathology and acuity of care that is offered at Princeton and Grandview, and I really believe this residency program will prepare me for the real world.

Zishan Mahmood, M.D.

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

Med School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Working out, DIY projects, cars

Career interest or chosen specialty: ENT/General Surgery

Thoughts about our program:An excellent program that provides interns with valuable hands-on training and experience both on the floor and in the operating room.

Cheyenne Malmin, M.D.

Hometown: Boise, ID

Med School: University of Washington School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Book binding, hiking with my dog Tank, baking, reading

Career interest or chosen specialty: Diagnostic Radiology at UAB

Thoughts about our program: I'll be going into diagnostic radiology after my preliminary year at Baptist Health. At Baptist Health, I have the opportunity to work in the operating room, where I see anatomy in real time and gain firsthand exposure to surgical pathology. The hands-on surgical training combined with the collaborative learning environment at Baptist Health provides invaluable experience as I look forward to a career in radiology.

Nivedita Rao, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn

Hobbies in residency: Running/pickleball, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided

Thoughts about our program: What really drew me to this program was the combination of outstanding surgical training and the supportive culture among both the residents and faculty. From my interactions, it was clear that everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed, creating a collaborative environment where residents support one another both inside and outside the hospital. I also appreciate the strong operative experience, broad clinical exposure, and the opportunity for early robotic surgery training, which reflects the program's commitment to preparing residents with modern surgical skills.

Kelly Sala, M.D.

Hometown: San Carlos, CA

Med School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans

Hobbies in residency: Movies, exploring Birmingham

Career interest or chosen specialty: Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery

Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health is the best possible place to do a surgical preliminary year. I have gotten so much more procedural autonomy and personal attention than I would have anticipated as a surgical intern. Furthermore, the residents are friendly, and the administration is incredibly helpful.