2023-2024 Transitional Year Biographies
Isabella Aldana, M.D.
- Hometown: Vestavia Hills, AL
- Undergraduate:Auburn University
- Medical School:University of Alabama Birmingham
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
- What drew you to our program? The residency program at BBH cultivates a welcoming learning environment and promotes wellness for its residents. I appreciate that this program has faculty and staff that are genuinely committed to its residents. I feel incredibly lucky to be training at this program that allows me to treat patients in a community setting while also having exposure to subspecialties. A bonus for transitional year residents is the chance to rotate in our chosen specialty as interns. BBH truly has an incredible reputation as a residency program. I was eager to continue training close to home, and I am so glad I did!
Ashley Barras, M.D.
- Hometown: Lafayette, LA
- Undergraduate: LSU – Baton Rouge
- Medical School:LSU- Shreveport
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Institution: LSU – New Orleans
- What drew you to our program?I chose the TY program at Brookwood Baptist Health because of the various experiences that we get through our rotations and elective opportunities. Going into Dermatology, it was an added bonus that we get a month of Dermatopathology which was unique to any first year program I interviewed with! In addition, I heard about BBH from a medical school friend that recently matched here who emphasized the wonderful faculty, exceptional teaching, and resident autonomy that he felt made the program really special.
Michelle Basha, M.D.
- Hometown: Jackson, MS
- Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
- Graduate: University of Mississippi
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
- What drew you to our program? I met several people on the interview trail who spoke so highly of BBH. The collegiality of the residents during my interview was evident. Additionally, the TY program exposes residents to a very broad schedule throughout the year, which is exactly what I was looking for in a transitional year to pave the foundation for the rest of residency. Being here now, the teamwork between specialties and residents is unmatched. Leadership and administration are also very friendly and approachable. Also, the work-life balance is definitely promoted at BBH.
Sarah Bracher, M.D.
- Hometown: Augusta, GA
Undergraduate: Georgia Institute of Technology
Medical School:Medical College of Georgia at Augusta
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
What drew you to our program?I was drawn to the TY program at BBH because of the close-knit community and caring faculty/staff. Everyone is approachable and wants to help you have the best learning experience possible. You get to have solid clinical training in a supportive environment!
Minh Chung, M.D.
- Hometown: Montgomery, AL
- Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
- Medical School: University of Alabama Birmingham
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Institution: Case Western - Ohio
- What drew you to our program? From speaking with attendings and residents, it was clear BBH provides strong training and education while maintaining a welcoming environment. This was quickly confirmed upon starting here; the administration really tries to take care of you. There are a wide variety of electives across many specialties to get experience in whatever you want. Birmingham is also a nice, affordable place to live with plenty to do.
Reza Djavadian, M.D., PhD
- Hometown:Madison, Wisconsin
- Undergraduate: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Medical School: Wayne State University
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
- What drew you to our program?The program at BBH affords the opportunity to obtain a balanced experience in different fields of medicine before transitioning to my own specialty. I had heard great things about the program from former residents when I was considering applying. I am pleased to say that the atmosphere of the program is exceedingly collegial with attendings and residents that are invested in medical education while simultaneously dedicated to patient care. This is reflected in daily discussions at rounds and didactics. There are also unique opportunities to grow as a physician by caring for different patient populations at two different hospitals in Birmingham. The focus on resident wellness is appropriate.
Ahmed Elgazar, M.D.
- Hometown: Johnson City, TN
- Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University
- Medical School:East Tennessee State University
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
- What drew you to our program? I had interacted with residents in the Birmingham area during an away rotation in my fourth year. They all spoke highly of the program and mentioned how well rounded it was in terms of exposure to multiple specialties throughout the year. I wanted a TY year that would give me this broad experience, but also have a foundation in hospital medicine so I can sharpen my clinical decision making. Since starting at BBH, everyone I have interacted with, from my co-residents, seniors, and administration, have treated me like family. I could not be more grateful to begin my residency journey with BBH.
Christopher Johns, M.D.
- Hometown:Litchfield, IL
- Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
- Medical School: University of Texas – Southwestern
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: Ohio State University
- What drew you to our program?A friend from the class above me in medical school matched at BBH for his transitional year. I spoke with him throughout the application cycle and he was always expressing the incredible experience he was having at BBH and strongly encouraged me to come. He described it as a place with incredible culture and great clinical opportunities. The more intense (within reason) IM months are balanced with electives that recharge the batteries. My experience thus far has been consistent with his. Princeton Baptist in a gem. It is a wonderful place to continue my growth as a clinician but also a much friendlier environment than many other intern years across the country.
William King, M.D., PhD
- Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
- Undergraduate:University of Memphis
- Graduate School: University of Tennessee
- Medical School: University of Tennessee
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Washington
- What drew you to our program?I chose Brookwood Baptist Transitional Year for my intern year for several reasons. Its close proximity to both my wife and my extended family was advantageous, offering the opportunity to maintain strong personal connections while getting to explore a great new city. Moreover, it was overly apparent the warm, family-oriented atmosphere of the program. The emphasis on fostering a supportive and collaborative training environment resonated deeply with my values, assuring a nurturing space for professional growth and camaraderie among peers. Lastly, the added perk of free food is a delightful bonus, demonstrating the program’s commitment to the well-being of its residents and further solidifying my belief that this is the ideal place for me to begin my medical career.
Jason Patel, M.D.
- Hometown: Montgomery, AL
- Undergraduate: University of Alabama Birmingham
- Medical School:University of Alabama Birmingham
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Institution: University of Tennessee - Memphis
- What drew you to our program?I've lived in Birmingham for almost a decade and have loved living here. Also, I've heard only good things from all my friends and colleagues who have done their TY year at this program. The faculty are outstanding doctors, excellent educators, and most of all great human beings that have been extremely warm and welcoming. Being at a program that allows for ample learning opportunity while also maintaining a low-stress friendly environment is what I believe to be paramount for my development as a resident into a successful physician. After being here for a month, I can't imagine being anywhere else for my TY year.
Kishan Pithadia, M.D.
- Hometown:Columbus, GA
Undergraduate:Georgia Institute of Technology
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta
Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Institution: University of Texas - Southwestern
What drew you to our program?During the interview process, I was looking for a TY program that would give me an experience balanced between learning the fundamentals of inpatient medicine and exploring other specialties that I will be interacting with during my career as a radiation oncologist. BBH provided that in a supportive environment. It's also not far from home!
Lauryn Reid, M.D.
- Hometown: Pensacola, FL
Undergraduate: University of West Florida
Medical School: Florida State University
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Institution: University of Tennessee – Memphis
What drew you to our program?I chose Brookwood Baptist Health for the program’s commitment to excellence in residency training. I also appreciate that the program allows us to serve a diverse patient population including those in rural and underserved areas. After training at BBH, I will have a comprehensive medicine foundation that will allow me to provide outstanding care to my future dermatology patients.
Andrew Rennie, M.D.
- Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Florida State University
Chosen Specialty: Interventional Radiology (Integrated)
Institution: University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital
What drew you to our program? The collegial feel of the program was one of the things that impressed me about Brookwood. During my interview, all of the support staff, residents, and interviewers were warm and welcoming. This program also placed an emphasis on wellness and work-life balance which is something I was looking for. As someone that is not from Alabama, I was impressed when I visited the Birmingham area and believe it hits above its weight class in terms of things to do and restaurants. Lastly, on a resident income free food at the hospital is a large perk!
Alan Riley, M.D.
- Hometown: Marianna, FL
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Florida State University
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
What drew you to our program? I was drawn to the BBH transitional year because multiple individuals at my advanced program are alumni and spoke highly of the program. With time spent rotating at two hospitals that serve markedly different populations, the clinical experience is diverse and educational. There is an impressive catalog of electives, so residents can tailor the experience to fit their needs. Also, the faculty and staff are very supportive and understand the importance of work/life balance during residency.
Siddharth Srikakolapu, M.D.
- Hometown:Madison, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama Birmingham
Medical School: University of Alabama Birmingham
Chosen Specialty:Dermatology
Institution: Medical University of South Carolina
What drew you to our program?Brookwood Baptist offers outstanding training and an excellent community of residents and faculty. It's great to be able to spend two months in dermatology/dermatopathology while working in such a great city. I knew several former residents who trained here, and it's easy to understand why everyone loves BBH.
Kayla Steed, M.D., PhD
- Hometown: Charleston, SC
Undergraduate:University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama Birmingham
Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
What drew you to our program? I liked the TY program at BBH because everyone genuinely seemed happy! Having been here for a little over a month now, I realize it’s true! There is a good work/life balance, and I don’t feel like attending’s are trying to work me to death. The attending’s that work with residents are interested in teaching, which is important to me.
Jazmyne Tabb, M.D.
- Hometown:Plainfield, IL
- Undergraduate:University of Alabama
- Medical School: University of South Alabama
- Chosen Specialty:Radiation Oncology
- Institution: University of California – San Diego
- What drew you to our program?I was drawn to Brookwood's Transitional Year because of the program's reputation for providing residents with broad clinical exposure while maintaining good work-life balance. I was also drawn to the program because of the large number of elective opportunities, allowing me to tailor the year to my specific interests.
Kyle Ulversoy, M.D.
- Hometown:Peachtree City, GA
- Undergraduate:Mercer University
- Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- What drew you to our program?My wife and I knew we wanted to live in Birmingham for the proximity to family, availability of outdoor activities and moderate-size city feel, and I got the feeling during my interview that the previous resident really enjoyed their time at BBH, so it seemed like the obvious choice to prepare for radiology. Having started, I can attest to receiving quality training in a broad range of pathologies while my co-residents, attending’s and staff make the experience enjoyable – and the benefits of working at BBH pay for themselves. I also love that the schedule is designed to prevent burnout so that you receive a balance of training and free time to explore recreational activities. I am excited to take on the rest of the year knowing that I will be well prepared for radiology while maintaining my current hobbies and social life.
Gabby Wilhelm, M.D.
- Hometown:Huntsville, AL
- Undergraduate:Auburn University
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- What drew you to our program?I really liked the friendly atmosphere of the program during my interview. The attendings and program leadership really put a lot of effort into resident education, and the small intern class size means you get a lot of one-on-one instruction. Additionally, rotating at both Princeton and Grandview gives you exposure to a variety of patient populations and pathology.
Joseph Willis, M.D., MBA
- Hometown:Philadelphia, MS
- Undergraduate:University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- What drew you to our program?When I asked radiology residents for Transitional Year program recommendations, Brookwood Baptist Health was consistently at the top of the list. Having just finished my first month of staff medicine, I can honestly say that I could not be happier with my experience so far. From perks like free food and parking to knowledgeable an easy-going attending’s and upper-level residents, I am so thankful that I get to train at Brookwood!