Chief Resident

Nutting, Andy, D.O.

Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergrad: University of Central Florida
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest: Pulmonology/ Critical
Hobbies: Video games, traveling, theatre, my cats, canoeing, hiking, crochet
Thoughts about our program: One of the most important aspects I look for in a program is family atmosphere, and BBH is definitely a family. We all work together and help one another. Everyone enjoys teaching, and you can always count on your co-residents as well as attendings to be there when you need them. My fellow residents are always willing to stay and help out when I am on-call and things become unexpectedly busy. The attendings are compassionate and truly care about our learning.

 

Stafford, Colin, M.D.

Hometown: Greenville, SC
Undergrad: Auburn University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

2022 - 2023 PGY-3

Childers, Hunter, M.D.

Hometown: Vina, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Hiking, running, hunting, fishing
Thoughts about our program: When looking for a residency program I had two main search criteria. I was looking for a small to medium sized program with residents who were supportive of each other. I had the opportunity to meet many of the residents when I was interviewing for the program, and I could tell that they were genuinely kind people who were helping each other do well. After spending some time around the residents and faculty I could see that the culture here was one that encourages supporting one another. Now that I have started residency I am happy to say that my impression was correct. This program provides a great learning environment.

 

Furno, Kurt, M.D.

Hometown - Oviedo, FL
Undergrad - Florida State University
Medical School - University of Central Florida
Career Interest: Undecided
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my wife, playing golf, fishing, kayaking, and traveling. 
Thoughts about our program: I chose BBH because the people were so welcoming and I enjoyed Birmingham when I interviewed here. Also, being able to train at two hospitals and be exposed to different patient populations was very attractive. 

 

Grant, Jerry, D.O.

Hometown: Salem, AL
Undergrad: Auburn University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Fishing, kayaking, golfing
Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood Baptist Health as my place for residency because of my experience while completing my audition rotation with the program during my fourth year of medical school. As a third year medical student, I had heard so many good things about the program from my fellow classmates who were in Birmingham for their clinical clerkships. I decided to do an audition rotation early on in my fourth year to see if this is where I wanted to go. After spending one week of my four-week-long audition rotation on Staff Medicine at Grandview, I knew this was the place for me. The residents in the program seemed very happy and were always very friendly. The attendings were always very friendly as well and were always available to answer any questions if needed, and they were all excellent at teaching. I felt like I fit right in with the team. In addition to this, the amount of medical knowledge that I learned in this one month is also another reason that I chose Brookwood Baptist Health. I saw such an amazing variety of pathology at Grandview, and I know that this will be expanded upon since this program has rotations at two different hospitals -- Grandview and Princeton. After completing my first month of residency, my experience has been the same. Everyone has been very friendly, the residents all seem genuinely happy, and I have already learned so much! Aside from the program, Birmingham is an amazing place to live. This city offers just about anything you would want to do in the great outdoors from great hiking to fantastic golf courses to some awesome places for kayaking. Also, the restaurant scene is amazing as well. Overall, I am very happy that I ended up at Brookwood Baptist Health for my residency, and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for me!

Hilton, Jesse, M.D.

Hometown: Carrollton, TX
Undergrad: Baylor University
Medical School: Texas Tech University School of Medicine
Career Interest: Hospitalist or PCP
Hobbies: Photography, swimming, biking, PC gaming

Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood Baptist Health because of the welcome environment I felt as I met and interacted with the residents, leadership, faculty, and staff. While career growth is important and

 

Jovzpary, Jasmine, D.O.

Hometown- Ashville, AL
Undergrad- Jacksonville State University
Medical School- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Career Interest- Hospitalist
Hobbies- Going to the river and beach, fishing, watching Alabama football
Thoughts about our program: The location was a huge deciding factor for me. Birmingham has everything you need. Also, the people were so nice and welcoming during my interview.

 

Kondragunta, Kaushika, M.D.

Hometown: Guntar, India
Undergrad: N.R.I. Medical College

Medical School: N.R.I. Medical College

 

Landers, Conrad, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Career interest: Pulmonary Critical Care, Hospitalist, or ER Fellowship
Hobbies: Saltwater fishing, hiking, sports and hunting
Thoughts about our program: I chose this program because of the residents and staff. The residents from day one welcome you as if you have known them forever. They are supportive and are always there to help both inside and outside the hospital setting. 

 

Lowrey, Lauren, D.O.

Hometown: Gadsden, Alabama
Undergrad: Jacksonville State University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Career Interest: Hospitalist or fellowship
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy traveling, riding horses, snow skiing, throwing a Frisbee to my puppy named Bonnie, and spending time with my family
Thoughts about our program: I knew Brookwood Baptist Health had a reputation for producing great physicians. The faculty is excited to teach. I also like how we have the opportunity to train at two different hospitals.  

 

Martin, Tiffany, M.D.

Hometown: Cullman, AL
Undergrad: Mississippi State University
Medical School: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Career Interest: General internal medicine (hospitalist/clinic), especially in underserved communities
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, re-creating Pinterest projects, and -- most importantly -- spending time with my husband and our daughter.
Thoughts about our program: I chose this program because during my interview I got the feeling that the faculty and staff were passionate about the same things as me. I really value teaching and providing care to the underserved.

Singletary, Kyle, D.O.

Hometown: Cottonwood Alabama
Undergrad: Troy University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and watching Auburn football

Thoughts about our program: I did an AI here during my 4th year and noted how the residents here were always trying to help each other out and treated each other with respect. I knew residency would challenge me, so surrounding myself with team-oriented individuals was a priority. I also learned so much during my time here and was impressed with the willingness of the attendings to teach everyone on the team. In addition, my wife’s family is from the area, so I had visited frequently during my third and fourth years as a medical student and loved the city of Birmingham and surrounding communities. I am very happy with my decision to pursue residency at BBH. 

 

2022-2023 PGY-2

Etheridge, Luke, D.O.

Hometown: Fairhope, AL
Undergrad: Birmingham-Southern College
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Grilling, fishing, hiking with my wife and dog
Thoughts about our program I chose this program because of the people. Everyone I interacted with throughout the process of rotating, applying, and interviewing was phenomenal. I could tell the culture was one that not only fostered a great learning environment but also encouraged wellness and camaraderie. Additionally, the educational experience you get as a BBH resident is unmatched. We are allowed just the right amount of independence so that we take full accountability for our patients and their treatment plans but an upper level or attending is never more than a call or text away, even in the middle of the night. All of our co-residents and attendings are extremely approachable and would never criticize you for asking for help. We also have the unique opportunity of rotating through two very unique hospitals which gives us the opportunity to take care of people from a spectrum of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Overall, this program is fantastic, and I could not have asked for a better place to complete my residency training.

 

Jackson, Will, D.O.

Hometown - Andalusia, AL
Undergrad - University of Alabama
Medical School - Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest: Undecided
Hobbies: Powerlifting, Golfing, Spending time with my wife, cats, and dog 
Thoughts about our program: : I had the opportunity to do an AI at Princeton during my 4th year of medical school, and I loved the sense of comradery amongst the residents. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be a part of the program and willing to help each other, which was an important factor when it came to rankings. I also appreciate the fact we get to rotate between two hospitals with two different EMRs, as I think it will help better prepare us for life after residency 

 

Johnston, Thomas, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad: University of Georgia
Medical School: University of Alabama

Patel, Aashka, M.D.

Hometown- Vestavia Hills, AL
UndergradUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School- University of Alabama School of Medicine
Career Interest- Still decided between hospitalist and fellowship
Hobbies- Spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading
Thoughts about our program: Growing up in Birmingham, I have always loved the city and knew I wanted to stay close by for residency. During the interview process at BBH, I experienced and appreciated how close-knit and friendly the residents were as well as the attendings who were genuinely invested in our education. This program also offered a unique opportunity to practice at two hospitals and be exposed to a diverse group of patients with different backgrounds. One of the additional benefits of this program is that it has offered me the chance to work one-on-one with sub-specialty attendings and acquire hands-on experience with various procedures. During my time here, I have loved being in this supportive environment with all of the staff, attendings, and my co-residents. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to complete my training in the BBH IM Residency Program.

 

Patel, Shreya, M.D..

Hometown: Ahmedabad, India
Undergrad: AMC MET Medical College

Medical School: AMC MET Medical College
Career Interest- Primary Care vs Hospitalist
Hobbies- Listening to music, singing, dancing, cooking, traveling, meditation and yoga, watching movies esp. animated
Thoughts about our program: While doing an observership at BBH about a year ago with my husband Vash, I met the amazing faculty and saw how friendly the relations between residents were. From that time, this was the program we wanted to match into. Vash and I applied for a couple’s match and we matched! Since then, Birmingham has been a home to us and I truly feel this is all I could’ve asked for... Despite being an IMG, I felt a smoother transition with the help of everyone around. For me, the program is a summation of approachable and eager-to-teach attendings, super helpful and encouraging seniors, friendly and intelligent peers, highly knowledgeable librarians and nursing staff, super sweet program coordinators of all specialties, and an inspiring learning environment with a wide patient population… And finally about Birmingham, who doesn't love a lot of trees and warm weather?

 

 

Patel, Vash, M.D.

Hometown: Ahmedabad, India
Undergrad: AMC MET Medical College
Medical School: AMC MET Medical College
Career interestHospitalist or Fellowship
Hobbies: Traveling, Music, Marvel/DC Comic movies
Thoughts about our program: I heard great things about our program from a very close friend who graduated from here. One of the other major factors in choosing BBH was me and my wife, Shreya interviewed here as we were participating in a couples match. We both loved the faculty here and already knew how supportive the program is while doing a rotation last year. The faculty and residents were friendly, passionate and knowledgeable. Upper-level residents were keen to take us on rounds, teach and help improve our knowledge base. We wanted to be as passionate about medicine as our faculty and seniors were. Apart from many great things about Birmingham such as weather, lush green trails it also has a diverse patient population that offers a wide range of pathophysiology and complex patient cases. Now when we work here I am happy to experience what we had hoped for.  

 

Pollard, Ryan, D.O.

Hometown: Auburn, AL
Undergrad: Utah State University
Medical School: VCOM - Auburn

Toy, Brandon, M.D.

Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Undergrad: LSU and Agricultural and Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine/Shreveport
Career Interest: Critical Care, Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital Medicine
Hobbies: Tennis, Photography, Piano, Working Out, Hiking, Gardening, Cooking, Eating

Thoughts about our program: I Really liked the conversations with the residents and how much they enjoyed the program. Birmingham is a beautiful green city with several places to hike and enjoy the outdoors.. 

 

Vemulapalli, Uday, M.D.

Hometown: Bristol, England
Undergrad: NRI Medical College
Medical School: NRI Medical College
Career Interest: Hospitalist or Nephrology
Hobbies: Any and all sports, movies, eating and cooking good food, hiking

Thoughts about our program: This program has an incredible family feel, you could tell from how their residents spoke about it on interview day ad my experience so far how much they really care about our well-being whilst also being excellent educators that they genuinely care about guiding us to being the best possible physicians you we can be.
They value your input, encourage your feedback and really nurture an environment of open communication and strive to make improvements to the program as a whole. This is a big emphasis on education, and they encourage us to make our own decisions constantly which is exactly what I was looking for, that sense of responsibility I have whilst also being trusted to make these choices is really helping me develop my skills. My co-residents have been incredible welcoming and supportive and I've made some good friends already who share common interests whether that's going out for dinner and drinks or hiking through the beautiful parks around here.
Birmingham is also a great city to live in, its the perfect size, everything is 15m away, loads of great breweries, some fantastic restaurants and its so green and pleasant throughout the year. I have absolutely no regrets about joining this great program and truly enjoy being a part of the culture that they hold in the highest regard and look forward to continuing to grow as a physician as this program continues to evolve. . 

 

2022 - 2023 PGY-1

Boohaker, Louis, MD

Hometown: Hoover, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Career Interest: Hospitalist, Primary Care
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.

 

Durr, Somer, MD

Hometown: Terry, MS
Undergrad: Belhaven University
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: Gem mining and rockhounding, Antique collecting
Thoughts about our program: I chose this program because it seemed like one big family. I feel valued, and I know that the attendings and chiefs care about me as a person. They not only genuinely care about my growth as a physician, but also about my physical and mental well-being. Everyone works really well together and I know that I can call anyone of my fellow residents for help if needed.

 

Gandotra, Rahul, DO

Hometown: Coral Springs, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest: Fellowship
Hobbies: My two main hobbies are doing anything fitness related and playing the guitar and piano. Exercise and fitness have always been a large part of my life, it first started in elementary school with soccer, and continued in high school with cross country and my job as a personal trainer during my undergraduate studies. Doing fitness related activities has helped me succeed in other aspects of my life as it has taught me discipline and helps me maintain my good health.

 

Ghamrawi, Rima, DO

Hometown: Plano, TX
Undergrad: Collin College and University of Texas - Dallas
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Career Interest: Fellowship
Hobbies: Geocaching, hiking, interior design, game nights, DIY projects, cooking.
Thoughts about our program: I'm from Texas originally and have always loved the southern hospitality down here. I completed medical school in Auburn, AL but had never been to Birmingham before so I was really excited for the opportunity to explore Alabama a little further. So far, the city has been great! Lots of greenery, great foods, and a central point for any fun weekend trips to the beach.

 

McBride, Christine, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham 
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Career Interest: Hospitalist
Hobbies: trail running, cycling, reading, and playing with my dog
Thoughts about our program: The people! As every other person's bio reports, this program has an amazing sense of community and comradery among the residents and faculty. It makes for a great learning environment. I also feel the 2 hospitals allow for more exposure to different patient populations. My fiancé and our families are also from the area and it is very important to me to have my support system near during residency.  

 

Ortiz-Soriano, Victor, MD

Hometown: Lima, Peru
Medical School: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado
Career Interest: Nephrology Fellowship
Hobbies: I like playing soccer, cooking Peruvian food, playing guitar, and learning about new technology. I also enjoy exploring new escape rooms with my wife. Birmingham has great escape rooms, and we're always looking for new teammates!
Thoughts about our program: I had the opportunity to rotate here as an observer, and felt like the culture of the program was a great match for me. Teaching is a priority for seniors and attendings and all the residents have a very collaborative attitude. My family and I have loved moving to Birmingham. Plenty of job opportunities for my spouse, access to both a local and a larger airport in Atlanta (which makes it easier to visit home), and lots of entertainment here in the city, including great restaurants and outdoor activities.

 

Patel, Sahil, DO

Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham 
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia
Career Interest: GI Fellowship
Hobbies: Watching football, soccer, cricket, and basketball. Watching anime. Playing video games.
Thoughts about our program: I chose this program for multiple reasons, however, the top reasons being the community, the opportunities, and the city. The community here is welcoming and fosters a learning environment with lots of teaching moments from both attendings and senior residents. Making mistakes are seen are teaching/learning opportunities and are not dismissed as individual problems. There are a multitude of opportunities across both hospital systems. We get trained in both EPIC and Cerner while seeing a wide range of health issues. Regardless of your career aspiration, the opportunities are here to help you succeed. Finally, the city of Birmingham is great. In my opinion, it has everything a major metropolitan has with little traffic. Lots of food options, outdoor activities, tourist attractions, sporting events, and tons of places to hangout with friends.

 

Richardson, Brock, 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.

 

Salahia, Haya, MD

Hometown: Aleppo, Syria
Medical School: Tanta University Faculty of Medicine
Career Interest: Fellowship and Primary Care
Hobbies: Socializing with family and friends, listening to music & walking
Thoughts about our program: I worked at BBH before the Match and met some of the residents. I liked multiple aspects of the IM Categorical Program, especially, the benign teaching environment. My husband and I moved to Birmingham last year, and we love the city! I am grateful for the opportunity to train at BBH, as I am learning and growing everyday and I am enjoying it!

 

Simon, Elaine, DO

Hometown: Birmingham, AL & Monroe, LA
Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Career Interest: Traditionalist - hospital and primary care medicine
Hobbies: Tennis, working out, eating everything and anything, WWII fiction
Thoughts about our program: I loved my 3rd and 4th year rotations with the BBH program and am so grateful I got to stay. To echo all of the other previous bios, the residency felt like a safe place to learn and grow. The faculty and residents are encouraging, excited to teach/guide, and always challenging me to be a better physician and person. I also love Birmingham and have loved watching it transform into the city it is today!

 

 

 

Preliminary Internal Medicine Residents

Berry, David, DO

Hometown: Brighton, MI; Bad Soden, Germany; Carmel, IN
Undergrad: Michigan State University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest: PM&R
Hobbies: Hiking, guitar, and various coffee brewing methods
Thoughts about our program: I liked the chance to see a wide variety of clinical pathology with accessible faculty while living in a community that has a balance between city life and outdoor activities.

 

Cummins, Ian, MD

Hometown: Hartselle, AL
Undergrad: Auburn University
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Career Interest: PM&R
Hobbies: Playing soccer in local men’s league, Lifting weights & running, Fly fishing (beginner), Watching Premier League soccer & college football, and Traveling with my wife

 

Patel, Nandan, MD

Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Undergrad: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Career Interest: Cooking and Catering
Hobbies: Wonderful staff and benefits

 

Roark, Casey, MD

Hometown: Conway, AR
Undergrad: Ouachita Baptist University
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Career Interest: PM&R
Hobbies: Exploring Birmingham with my wife, going on walks with my dog, watching sports, and eating/cooking.
Thoughts about our program: Being from out of state, I have been super impressed with Birmingham so far. Lots of great restaurants and fun things to do. I like this program because the residents enjoy working together and like to hang out outside of work.