Louis Boohaker, MD

Hometown: Hoover, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Career Interest: Infectious Diseases
Hobbies: Disc golf, recreational sports (basketball, baseball/softball, kickball), deep sea fishing
Thoughts about our program: When I interviewed at this program, I was more than impressed with how welcoming the residents and faculty were as well as the layout of this program. While BBH has the reputation of being a community program, it is really more of a hybrid academic-community institution. The opportunity to practice at two different hospitals gives us the opportunity to treat two very different patient populations with varying pathologies. I also really value the amount of time that attending physicians spend with residents. Everyone in this program in invested in us professionally and personally.

 

Brock Richardson, MD

Hometown: Gulfport, MS
Undergrad: Mississippi College
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Career Interest: Undecided for now
Hobbies: Cooking, Listening to audiobooks, Video Games, and working with my wife to run her balloon business. We make balloon arches, garlands, and 36 inch helium balloons!
Thoughts about our program: This program is far and away the most welcoming program I've ever seen. It's a place where people really care about one another regardless if you're here for one year as a transitional year or prelim or as a categorical. The learning environment challenges you and for a community program we see patients as sick as any academic program and have the opportunity to care for them and learn from them.
Moving to Birmingham as a long time Mississippian has been great! Birmingham has so much to offer, hiking at Oak Mountain State Park, James Beard Award winning chefs, great farmer's markets, art festivals, and so much more. My wife and I have really enjoyed exploring our new home and could not be happier to be in Birmingham.

 

Pooja Agrawal, MD

Hometown: New Delhi, India
Medical School: Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Medical College, Navi Mumbai
Career Interest: Primary Care/Rheumatology
Hobbies: Cooking and baking, travelling, houseplant care, and badminton
Thoughts about our program: I first came to Birmingham a year before the Match to do an observership and get to know about the program. I was really impressed with the didactics and how involved the faculty was in teaching the residents. The attendings were very friendly and welcoming and residents very happy with the program. I also liked their way of scheduling rotations and their emphasis on resident wellness. Coming to the city, Birmingham is a beautiful place with lots of good food options. I am glad that I matched here!

 

John Derzis, DO

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad : Samford University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
Career Interest: Hospitalist, Primary Care, Sports Medicine, Cardiology
Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Golf, Road Biking, Weight Lifting, Sports, Alabama Football and Basketball, Hiking
Thoughts about our program: I chose BBH as my residency because I felt very at home when I did my rotations here. Everyone felt very welcoming and knowledgeable. I appreciate how this program is small to medium in size, so while it is rigorous, it is not overwhelming. I feel very valued as a resident physician and know that my opinions and thoughts matter. Another driving force to choosing this program was the location. I have lived in Birmingham most of my life and love what the city has to offer. I knew that I was going to get a good foundation of internal medicine here at this program.

 

Danielle Elmore, DO

Hometown: Gurley, AL
Undergrad: Auburn University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Fishing, kayaking, board/card games, roller coasters, Taylor Swift Concerts
Thoughts about our program:  I attended a zoom open house spring of third year, and I really enjoyed the vibes of the program. It seemed like a supportive environment where the residents wanted each other to succeed. After I interviewed with the program, I knew Brookwood is where I wanted to train. One thing that stuck out from my interview was one of the residents saying they felt loved and appreciated. I also loved the fact that you train at two different hospitals. It seemed like a program where I would get exposed to a variety of conditions and could leave feeling confident going straight into practice without fellowship. I’m from Huntsville, so location was the cherry on top.

 

Dillon Harper, MD

Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Undergrad: Louisiana Tech University
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine – Shreveport
Career Interest: I am currently interested in hospitalist medicine, but have always been interested in pursuing a fellowship in Cardiology.
Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy woodworking and home remodeling. From building retaining walls to my daughters crib, I have been woodworking for 6+ years now and enjoy working with my hands. My family and I love being outdoors so whenever we have time we like to go hiking and camping.
Thoughts about our program: When going through my interviews for residency, I really enjoyed speaking with the staff/faculty of this program. They were all so nice and made it feel as if I would be joining a family. Birmingham is a little far from home for me, being from Shreveport, La, but I have come to love the area. There are so many things to do outdoors and to experience with my family of four. We are very excited to be living in Birmingham for the foreseeable future.

 

Michael Hirezi, MD

Hometown: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Undergrad: Louisiana State University

Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Everything music, from making music to collecting vinyls / cds to exploring live music venues! Also love soccer, hiking, and travel.
Thoughts about our program: I had a great interview day and immediately felt like this program was for me. In many ways its outline aligns with my career goals and I can tell it was a supportive learning environment. I can say now that I've started I don't have any regrets! Also, I had heard Birmingham was a great city to be (as a plus).

 

 

 

Tyler Kilburn, DO

Hometown:
Undergrad: The University of Tennessee at Martin
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career interest: Hospitalist or Fellowship
Hobbies: Sports, Music, Working out, and hanging out with my wife and dog. I have also recently gotten a grill and have enjoyed experimenting with it!
Thoughts about our program: I knew BBH would be a great program for me after doing an audition here during my fourth year of medical school. It was a great learning experience, and the learning environment was very supportive which is something that I valued in a program. The attendings are highly knowledgeable and passionate about teaching and I felt confident that I would receive quality training here, and this has certainly been the case. Birmingham is also a great city that has everything you need to enjoy yourself. I have enjoyed getting to know the city and all it has to offer, particularly the fantastic restaurants!

 

Anushka Kulkarni, MD

Hometown: : Houston, TX; Richmond, VA
Undergrad: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Career Interest: Hospitalist or Fellowship
Hobbies: Hiking, tennis, cooking, and traveling
Thoughts about our program: While searching for a residency program, I knew I wanted to train at a place that would allow me to receive a strong clinical training and grow in a supportive environment. I was able to see that camaraderie amongst the faculty and residents at BBH and knew it was the right fit! I also found it helpful to have the unique opportunity to train at two major hospitals, which exposes us to a wide range of patients and diverse pathologies, and further adds to the well-rounded training. I recently moved to Birmingham, and the city has been great so far! Everyone has been super welcoming. In my free time, I enjoy going to the Farmer’s market, trying local restaurants and coffee shops. There are also many hiking trails and beautiful parks to explore!

 

Stephen Thrasher, MD

Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Undergrad: Auburn University
Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Career Interest: Critical Care or Hospitalist
Hobbies: Horror movies, sci-fi books, history podcasts, trying new breakfast cereals, and travelling

Thoughts about our program: After five years away, my wife and I were delighted to match back in Birmingham where we had met. It has been great to be close to friends and family. The BBH staff are very welcoming and eager to teach.

 

 

Caitlin Vega, DO

Hometown: Franklin and Lafayette, LA
Undergrad: University of Louisiana Monroe
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
Career Interest: Clinical Education
Hobbies: Reading and golf

Thoughts about our program: I chose the program for the training in clinical education and the program culture. I felt like I would thrive in this program because of how supportive the faculty and staff are and how well the residents all work together

 

 

Varshini Venkatesan, DO

Hometown: Chennai, India and Mobile, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Career Interest: Fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care
Hobbies: Binge watching TV shows, dancing, reading books, watching soccer
Thoughts about our program: After being away for medical school, I was itching to come back to Birmingham. It's a city with a small town feel and has everything you need. I chose BBH mainly because the residents welcomed me as one of their own after meeting me just briefly. Working at two hospitals with drastically different patient populations exposes residents to a range of unique pathologies. Moreover, the residents get to work one-on-one with their attending during sub-specialty and elective rotation, allowing for strong mentor-mentee relationships. I am very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful program.

 

 

Mahi Yetukuri, MD

Hometown: Raleigh/Durham, NC; Saint Louis, MO
Undergrad: Saint Louis University
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Career Interest: Undecided
Hobbies: Chess, dancing, board/video games, cooking, and martial arts

Thoughts about our program:Right off the bat, this program has an incredibly welcoming environment. You truly feel like part of a big family. The faculty and residents are passionate, supportive, and easy to get along with. I also appreciate the diversity of the patient population and the opportunity to practice at 2 different hospitals with different EMR to broaden the scope of my knowledge. Birmingham itself is a city with a ton of great food, activities, and an overall friendly vibe.

 

 

Jackson Baugh, MD

Hometown: Shawnee, OK
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Fishing, avid OU football fan, spending time with family and friends, and playing with my dog
Thoughts about our program: During my interview, it was obvious that the culture of the program was like a giant family. I could tell that the faculty genuinely cared about each resident’s education, as well as their wellbeing, and that has been my experience so far. This program is unique in that it is a community program, but you have the resources and educational components of an academic program. Additionally, the opportunity to work in two hospitals with significantly different patient populations allows this programs residents to see a breadth of pathology and prepares us to care for all patients we may encounter throughout our careers. Finally, Birmingham is a great place to live, as it offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan city while also having fantastic outdoor activities.

 

Courtney Eggleston, DO

Hometown: Oakwood, OH
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn

 

Omar Hamki, MD

Hometown: Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

 

Caroline Houston, DO

Hometown: Dallas, GA
Undergrad: University of Georgia
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
Career Interest: Fellowship
Hobbies: Georgia football, reading, foodie, concerts
Thoughts about our program: I really love the diversity of patients and pathology you see between each of two hospitals. When I did an audition rotation here, I felt completely immersed into the program. The current interns were well-balanced and really inclusive, and I knew I wanted to have them as my upper level residents. This program felt like an environment where I would really thrive, and on top of that Birmingham is such a cool city!

 

Matthew Hudson, MD

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Career Interest: Fellowship interests: Pulmonary-Critical care, Rheumatology
Hobbies: Cooking, Hiking, Cycling, watching sports (Braves, Auburn, Saints)
Thoughts about our program: Having been a student at UAB for undergrad and medical school, I have discovered Birmingham to truly be my second home. I’ve loved watching the city grow and knew I wanted to stay close by for residency. During my application cycle, I found that I really gravitated towards programs that emphasized the camaraderie amongst their residents, as well as having approachable, knowledgeable GME faculty and small resident cohorts. BBH also attracted me because the program gives us the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse group of patients with very different backgrounds and perspectives on healthcare. So far, I have really enjoyed being in an environment that values education and resident wellness equally. I look forward to the rest of my training in the BBH IM Residency Program!

 

Walaa Saeed, MD

Hometown: Doha, Qatar; Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) Faculty of Medicine, Sudan
Career Interest: Rheumatology fellowship or hospitalist
Hobbies: I love spending time with my son, family and friends. I also enjoy baking, travelling and exploring different states.
Thoughts about our program: During my audition in the program, as an IMG, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality and extra effort extended to ensure I felt included. Having seen various programs, I truly value a nurturing and supportive work environment. Words can't fully capture my experience here so far. Everyone, from the janitors to the GME office, is friendly. The core faculty show deep commitment to our education and personal growth. Our daily noon conferences and strong emphasis on research and academia, supported by exceptional librarians, create an academically robust community program. The program's small size allows us to take on primary patient care roles that would typically fall under neurology or cardiology, providing invaluable hands-on learning experiences. I appreciate how our education here not only offers a comprehensive understanding of hospital operations through rotations like patient safety but also customizes learning to align with our career goals, such as in Clinical Educator rotations. In addition to enhancing exposure to our desired specialties in the later years of training.

 

Nicole Stroud, MD

Hometown: Saint Mary’s, GA
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Career Interest: Undecided
Hobbies: Cooking, big college football girl (Go Dawgs), hanging out with my husband, reading, and walking my cats

Thoughts about our program: BBH emphasized a lot of core values that aligned with my personal values. I enjoyed my interactions with the residents during interviews, and I saw myself getting along with them well. My biggest reason for choosing BBH was Dr. Townsley, our PD. I loved how genuine she was and that statement stands true after the interview process. I couples matched here with my husband who is a General Surgery intern at BBH. The program has been so supportive of me and husband as a couple, and that is something that I really looked for in a residency program. Birmingham is such a young and adorable city. Most importantly, I feel safe here. The community has been so welcoming and quick to invite me to lunch or dinner.

 

 

Cole Sullivan, DO

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
Career Interest: Primary Care
Hobbies: Gym, pickleball, my 2 cats

Thoughts about our program: I am from Birmingham and love it here. I did my 3rd and 4th year rotations here. The residents maintain a healthy work environment and the attendings are supportive and enjoy teaching.

 

 

Leanne Wang, DO

Hometown: Auburn, AL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn
Career Interest: Undecided for now
Hobbies: Reading, binging tv shows, piano, working out, listening to music

Thoughts about our program: I chose this program because it seemed like a great learning environment and one in which residents receive a well-rounded education. During my interview, everyone was so friendly, and the residents talked about how much they enjoyed being in the program. Since starting, it's clear that the faculty really care about the residents and are invested in our education. The attendings and upper level residents are encouraging, so supportive, and look for ways to help me grow and improve as a physician.

 

 

Joe Boscia, M.D.

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC
Undergrad: College of Charleston
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Critical Care
Hobbies in residency: Spending time with my wife and our dog, guitar, running and weightlifting
Thoughts about our program: From my very first interview, I felt genuinely welcomed by everyone in this program, and that sense of support has continued ever since. Training across two hospitals provides exposure to a diverse patient population and offers early, frequent procedural experience. There are also strong opportunities for scholarly activity and collaborative projects. The rotations are designed to challenge residents to think critically and make evidence-based clinical decisions from the start. I am confident this program will prepare me well for the next stage of my career. Outside of training, Birmingham is a great place to live, and my wife and I love being part of this community!

 

Eric Carbo, D.O.

Hometown: Mobile, AL
Undergrad: Auburn University
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Gastroenterology, Academic Medicine
Hobbies in residency: Pickleball, Golf, Exploring new towns with my wife and son
Thoughts about our program: What sets the Baptist Health Internal Medicine Residency Program apart is the dedication of its core faculty, who are deeply invested in each resident’s growth and bring a genuine passion for teaching. The program fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where success is shared, and the close-knit environment creates a strong sense of community.

 

Alexander Hall, D.O.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergrad: UAB
Medical School: VCOM-AUBURN
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Hospitalist or Fellowship
Hobbies in residency: Exercising, Parks (2-year-old son)
Thoughts about our program: My experience at Baptist Health has been great. The residents are incredibly welcoming and create a supportive environment, and the attendings truly take the time to teach and explain. What stands out the most is the wide variety of cases you are exposed to. You really get to see almost everything, which makes it an outstanding place to learn and grow.

 

Naziyya Haque, D.O.

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergrad: Boston University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Primary Care, Rheumatology
Hobbies in residency: Cooking, baking, reading, video games, and going on outdoor nature walks
Thoughts about our program: Our program has such a warm and welcoming environment. During my interview, I could sense that every person I met, from environmental services to upper-level residents and faculty, really cared about each other and wanted to create and maintain a compassionate, supportive culture where residents feel supported as they develop their clinical and professional skills. This feeling has not changed as a resident. Our attendings care about our learning as well as our personal well-being, and we see (and treat!) so many complex patients in two different hospital systems with varying patient populations. Birmingham also has so much to offer, from the greenway and parks to a thriving food scene with several international grocery stores and proximity to other major southern cities like Atlanta and Memphis. The city is growing and thriving, and there’s something here for everyone!

 

Wendy Jiang, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad: UAB
Medical School: UAB
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Critical Care or Palliative
Hobbies in residency: traveling, playing pickleball, thrifting, going to Trader Joe's, attending live music events
Thoughts about our program: My experience at Baptist Health has already exceeded my expectations! Having lived in Birmingham for most of my life, I’ve always loved the city for its mix of outdoor activities and amazing restaurants (like Gianmarco's), but being part of this program has shown me an entirely new side of it. The residents and faculty have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a culture that’s motivating, friendly, and fun! The people are truly the best part of the program. They genuinely want you to thrive, and that makes all the difference. After just three months, I can confidently say this program has given me great training and lifelong friends, and I’m grateful to be here!

 

Scott Kohlhepp, D.O.

Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Undergrad: Fairfield University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Gastroenterology
Hobbies in residency: Ice Hockey, Pizza & Bread baking, Software development & networking, Weightlifting.
Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health was my top choice for many reasons. Many people will say that the big draw to their program is ‘the people’ but it is especially true here. Every attending is kind and helpful and the entire program setup allows you to feel comfortable and confident on day 1 as an intern. I appreciate how friendly and supportive everyone in the program is and the learning opportunities between two hospitals with very different patient demographics provide the perfect foundation for a great internal medicine education. Health and wellbeing are well supported here and even as an intern I have plenty of time outside of work to enjoy spending time with my Family and living in Birmingham!

 

Cameron Mercer, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad: UAB
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Hospitalist or Critical Care
Hobbies in residency: Anything sports, especially soccer, football, and basketball (Inter Miami, Eagles, Lakers, Alabama). I love golfing and weight training when I have the time. I am also an avid gamer. Above all, I love spending quality time with my wife and kids.
Thoughts about our program: Choosing this program was actually very easy for me. I had the pleasure of doing my clinical rotations here as a medical student, and that is when I fell in love with the program. It’s amazing and quite unique how lively, friendly, and supportive the program is. Even as a medical student the residents, attendings, and staff all took the time to get to know me personally and to teach me. I quickly felt like I was a part of this one big happy and supportive family. This program blew me away effortlessly. It’s also convenient that Birmingham is my hometown, and this program serves the very community that I grew up in.

 

Muhammad Rashid, M.D.

Hometown: Muzaffargarh, Pakistan
Undergrad: Rashid Minhas High School, Alipur
Medical School: Nishtar Medical University, Multan
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Undecided
Hobbies in residency: Running, hiking, long drives and exploring Pakistani/Indian restaurants in Birmingham
Thoughts about our program: Coming from a small town in Pakistan, working and training alongside such amazing doctors truly feels like a dream come true. From the time I first did my observer ship here to now joining as a resident, I’ve always been touched by how positive and welcoming everyone is both in the program and in the community. That warmth is one of the things I love most about being in the South. The faculty and mentors are always approachable and supportive, which makes this program feel like a second home.

 

David Rippee, MD

Hometown: Jackson, MS
Undergrad: University of Mississippi
Medical School: University of Mississippi
Career interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Golf, Fishing
Thoughts about our program: I really enjoy the fact that we rotate at two hospitals, Grandview and Princeton, in this program. It gives you exposure to a wide variety of patient demographics and pathology. I also think our Baptist resident clinic is a great way to learn how to develop rapport with repeat patients.

 

Berkeley Sharpe, D.O.

Hometown: Monroe, GA
Undergrad: Berry College
Medical School: VCOM - Auburn
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Hospitalist
Hobbies in residency: I chose this program for several reasons. The residents were very welcoming, and I immediately felt at home when talking with them. I also found the teaching faculty to be highly knowledgeable and connected with the engaging teaching style emphasized throughout the program. Additionally, I was impressed by the different pathology encountered across the two hospitals, which I knew would prepare me well for my future career. Finally, Birmingham is a wonderful place to live, and I have enjoyed everything the city has to offer!

 

Amado Velasquez, M.D.

Hometown: Magdalena del Mar, Lima, Peru
Undergrad:
Medical School: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Cardiology Fellowship, Hospitalist, Medical Education, Mentorship
Hobbies in residency: I enjoy playing guitar—electric, acoustic, and fingerstyle—with the goal of eventually mastering jazz. I also like cooking Peruvian food, especially "ají de gallina". In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places and cultures, watching movies, series, anime, and playing trivia or retro games (I’m a big fan of The Legend of Zelda). I also enjoy salsa dancing, technology projects like building PCs, and staying active with ping pong, bowling, cycling, and swimming.
Thoughts about our program: During my observership at Grandview Medical Center, I immediately felt welcomed as part of the team. Everyone—from medical students to residents and attendings—was kind and genuinely interested in me as a person, not just as a visiting physician. That experience confirmed my desire to be here for residency, and now that I am part of the program, it truly feels like home. I value the mentorship, camaraderie, and friendships I’ve found here, which make being far from family easier. Living in Birmingham has also been a great experience—I enjoy the city’s culture, amenities, and its convenient location for visiting family and friends. The only thing missing is a Peruvian restaurant, but maybe that will change in the future!

 

 

Krishna Amin, M.D.

Hometown: Gadsden, AL
Undergrad: University of South Alabama
Medical School: University of South Alabama
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabiliation
Hobbies in residency: Hiking, exploring new resturants and shops, trying new workout classes, hanging out with friends and family, cooking all kinds of recipes

Thoughts about our program: The program is collaborative and education-focused, with approachable faculty and peers who are genuinely invested in our growth as physicians and as individuals beyond medicine. We are well-supported, with strong resources dedicated to both learning and well-being.

 

 

Julia Cucarola, M.D.

Hometown: Sterling, Colorado
Undergrad: Colorado State University
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Critical Care
Hobbies in residency: When I interviewed with this program, I truly felt that they valued my experiences and interests as an individual. What stands out most is the program’s genuine, welcoming atmosphere and the way faculty and residents invest in each other’s growth. As a resident with young children, I value the family-friendly culture that supports a healthy balance between training and life outside the hospital. The program prioritizes resident well-being and creates an environment where we enjoy both learning and working. I am grateful for the opportunity to care for a complex and diverse patient population that continually challenges me to expand my skills as a clinician. The teaching is both strong and practical, and mentors are approachable and committed to helping us succeed. Birmingham quickly feels like home, with friendly people and endless ways to relax and recharge. We’ve loved sampling Birmingham’s food scene, hiking the area’s many scenic trails, and catching live music whenever we can.

 

Taylor Peterson, M.D

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas MD Anderson SHP
Medical School: Texas Tech Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Hobbies in residency: traveling, pickleball, tennis, anything outdoors with my dog, foodie
Thoughts about our program: I value the strong emphasis on resident wellbeing and education. Everyone I have had the pleasure to interact with has been nothing short of welcoming and eager to teach. Rotating at two hospitals has offered two patient populations that owe to a diverse educational experience. I had never been to Birmingham before, and I was so surprised at what the city has to offer. Great local farmers markets, coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery.

 

Ayaa Woday, D.O.

Hometown: Buford, GA
Undergrad: Kennesaw State University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Hobbies in residency: Spending time with my family, reading, anime, painting/drawing, going to coffee shops
Thoughts about our program: I feel very grateful to have matched at this program since our values are aligned. Everyone I have worked with has been kind and eager to teach, which makes being a resident much easier! This program is very family friendly and has such a supportive culture!

 

Benjamin Benita, M.D.

Hometown:
Undergrad:
Medical School:
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty:
Hobbies in residency:

Thoughts about our program:

 

 

Palmer Ford, D.O.

Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama Huntsville
Medical School: VCOM - Auburn
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Hobbies in residency: Golfing, traveling, spending time with family and friends
Thoughts about our program: I chose this program because of its strong commitment to a family-type culture and clinical training. Having rotated here for two years during medical school, I experienced firsthand the supportive environment, dedication to patient care, and the culture that made me feel most welcomed.

 

Donovan Lewis, M.D.

Hometown: Greenville, SC
Undergrad: Bob Jones University
Medical School: USC School of Medicine, Greenville
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Neuroradiology, MSK
Hobbies in residency: Soccer, chess, reading and good food
Thoughts about our program: What makes this program are the people. I'm extremely excited to have matched here with Baptist Health and am looking forward to 5 years with great co-residents, expert faculty and a strong education focused on being excellent in private practice with an academic flair. A big draw for me is the small cohort and emphasis on personal responsibility for your growth but with plenty of support if needed.

 

Andrew Zhang, M.D.

Hometown:
Undergrad: Bob Jones University
Medical School:
Career Interest or Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Hobbies in residency: soccer, piano, pickleball, spending time with family and friends
Thoughts about our program: I was impressed by how the faculty and residents seemed to get along very well together, which was important to me during the residency interview trail. My experience thus far has been positive during my rotations, and I am very grateful to have matched here. Birmingham has also been a nice place to live with plenty of activities, restaurants, and events.