2022-2023 Transitional Year Biographies
Cooper, Benjamin M.D.
- Hometown: Shreveport, LA
- Undergraduate:LSU – Baton Rouge
- Medical School:LSU - Shreveport
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: Brookwood Baptist Health
- What drew you to our program? I was drawn to Brookwood Baptist’s transitional year and radiology programs because of their focus on efficient, community-based practice. We gain experience in multiple departments across 2 hospital sites - a broad base of knowledge to build upon for any specialty. I am enjoying working alongside medicine interns as well as other transitional year interns heading to specialty fields.
Deshane, Alok M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Undergraduate: University of Alabama Birmingham
- Graduate: Case Western University
- Medical School:Case Western University
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Institution: Memorial Sloan Kettering
- What drew you to our program?Part of what drew me to the Brookwood Baptist Health Transitional Year program, aside from it being in my hometown, were the endorsements I had heard from friends who had been a part of the program. They said that the program, and those in it were close-knit and prioritized education, and the training helped you to truly grow as a clinician. Additionally, another draw of the program was the sheer depth of elective opportunities that were available to us, which allows for an experience truly tailored to our interests and career goals.
Griggs, Connor M.D.
- Hometown: Omaha, NE
- Undergraduate: Creighton University
- Graduate: University of Nebraska
- Medical School:University of Nebraska
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: Brookwood Baptist Health
- What drew you to our program? I chose this program because it provides a broad clinical exposure for its residents before they go on to their chosen specialties. The atmosphere here is collegial and focused on improvement with a healthy respect for work/life balance. All members of the team are incredibly friendly and it is a very supportive environment.
Gupta, Anurag M.D.
- Hometown: Katy, TX
Undergraduate: Case Western University
Medical School:University of Texas Southwestern
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Institution: Yale University
What drew you to our program?The atmosphere here is hard to beat - a warm, supportive, intimate environment with a strong and tangible emphasis on work-life balance, while still providing solid foundational training. Plus, free food!
Harris, Mia M.D.
- Hometown: Theodore, AL
- Undergraduate: Howard University
- Medical School: University of Alabama Birmingham
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Institution: University of Alabama Birmingham
- What drew you to our program? I chose the TY program at BBH because of its reputation for faculty who genuinely care about residents. Faculty and attending’s truly encourage questions and prioritize teaching and this allows for great patient care. Everyone is very approachable and willing to help you have the best experience possible while at BBH.
Hoyle, John M.D.
- Hometown:Memphis, TN
- Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
- Graduate: University of Alabama Birmingham
- Medical School: University of Alabama
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Institution: University of Alabamah
- What drew you to our program? I was very excited to match here for my TY year because every resident and attending that I talked to at my advanced program spoke very highly about the experience here. The attending’s are fantastic, approachable, and helpful. I have been able to learn without being completely overwhelmed. There is a great variety of elective opportunities that will be beneficial regardless of what your ultimate specialty will be. If I were to choose again, I would absolutely want to be here for my intern experience.
James, Warren M.D.
- Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
- Undergraduate: Furman University
- Medical School:University of South Carolina
- What drew you to our program? I chose BBH because it was evident from my interview day that this program fosters an environment where residents can thrive while receiving excellent medical training. BBH values its residents more than any program where I interviewed. The residents are truly happy and support each other like family. The faculty and staff are supportive, approachable, and genuinely caring of not only the education of residents but also their well-being. Lastly, the variety of core clinical rotations and broad range of elective opportunities provides its interns with well-rounded training and prepares them for advanced specialty training.
Kirkland, Mason M.D.
- Hometown:Montgomery, AL
- Undergraduate: Troy University
- Medical School:University of Alabama
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: Brookwood Baptist Health
- What drew you to our program?BBH provides a solid educational experience along with a broad array of elective opportunities and a great work-life balance. As I spoke with past residents as well as attending’s throughout the region, I was pleased to hear of its reputation as one that is highly regarded by those both in and outside of the program. I was fortunate enough to meet many of the current residents ahead of interview season, and this served to solidify BBH as my top choice.
Lee, Kevin M.D.
- Hometown: San Antonio, TX
- Undergraduate:Trinity University
- Medical School: University of Texas Houston
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Institution: University of Texas Houston
- What drew you to our program?I was drawn to BBH by the people. The interns from the prior year raved about their experiences in the program. They were absolutely right! At the BBH Transitional Year program, you will experience a family-like culture, gain a robust education at two great hospitals, and the opportunity to select from a variety of unique electives based on your career interests (such as dermatopathology for me). Choosing the BBH TY program has been one of the best decisions in my life!
Lenzie, Andrew M.D.
- Hometown: Hoover, AL
- Undergraduate: Auburn University
- Medical School:University of Alabama
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: University of Alabama
- What drew you to our program?BBH checked every box for me. The faculty really care about our education and well-being, and every alumni that I met from the program spoke so highly of their experience. There are plenty of great electives to choose from, it is close to home, and there is free food
Moradi, Luke M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama
Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Institution: University of Alabama
What drew you to our program? I chose Brookwood for my residency program because it was close to home. I liked the idea of working in two hospitals in different areas of Birmingham and taking care of two different patient populations. I had also heard that everyone enjoyed their experience at Brookwood.
Preda-Naumescu, Ana M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL; Bucharest Romania
Undergraduate: University of Alabama
Graduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Institution: Yale University
What drew you to our program?I have lived in Birmingham for most of my life and completed my undergraduate medical education just down the street at The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. Before I had read about the BBH program, I heard about it from a medical school friend who had recently matched here. She had emphasized the wonderful faculty, exceptional teaching, and resident autonomy that she felt made the program really special. It was an added bonus that the BBH program was in my hometown, especially as I knew that I wanted to move away for my advanced program in dermatology. After doing my own research, I felt drawn to the warm atmosphere and culture of inclusivity the program offered. Now, as an intern, I am able to say from first-hand experience that I made the right choice. The program is challenging and rewarding. There is an emphasis on both academic teaching and resident wellness, which makes the work-life balance at BBH unbeatable. Faculty is accessible, kind, and encouraging. I feel challenged and supported every day, regardless of the rotation. I have not met, nor worked with, any attending or resident that does not care to hear my ideas, thoughts, or plans for patient care from day one (even if I am very wrong). I think that speaks to the nature of the program. I have found it possible to maintain my hobbies, friendships, and relationships outside of my responsibilities at work which has made my Intern year one for the books. If that’s not enough, Birmingham is a great, growing city. I have lived here for over 15 years and have seen the city change immeasurably. We have a nationally acclaimed food scene, plenty of breweries, and year round outdoor activities. There is something for everyone here.
Raman, Fabio M.D. PhD.
- Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AL
Undergraduate: University of Texas - Austin
Graduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Institution: University of Alabama
What drew you to our program? TThere are so many reasons why I chose the BBH TY program. The people here, everyone from program leadership to hospital staff, are so kind and are genuinely committed to resident growth, learning, and well-being. This program also provides excellent training for its residents, and exposes us to a wide variety of specialties and practice settings. Lastly, I volunteered in the Princeton Baptist Emergency Department before medical school, and it’s a privilege to be able to serve at the same hospital that I started my medical journey at.
Reddy, Sivani M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Graduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: University of Alabama
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
What drew you to our program? This program has a great reputation and a supportive environment. I have many friends and colleagues who have talked about the strong foundation in medicine that they’ve developed while training here as well as the excellent work/life balance. Due to family reasons, I also knew that I wanted to stay in Birmingham for one more year.
Reimann, Daniella M.D.
- Hometown:Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: Villanova University
Medical School: Tulane University
Chosen Specialty:Dermatology
Institution: Brown University
What drew you to our program?I chose to come to BBY because I wanted to experience TY year in Birmingham where I went to high school but haven’t been back to in years! I had an amazing interview with the previous residents and they seemed to have great camaraderie and work/life balance. I knew I chose the right place when I started having hula-hoop competitions with my attending on my dermatology rotation, got to help out at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham on my sports medicine rotation, and saw the snack room at Princeton.
Rosenthal, Jeff M.D.
- Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA
Undergraduate:Washington University St. Louis
Medical School: Emory University
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Institution: University of California Los Angeles
What drew you to our program? : I was drawn to the BBH TY program for the location, clinical elective opportunities, and people. The administration, faculty and staff are friendly, approachable, and passionate about medical education.
Song, Esther D.O.
- Hometown:Huntsville, AL
- Undergraduate:University of Alabama
- Graduate: University of Alabama
- Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn
- Chosen Specialty:Diagnostic Radiology
- Institution: Brookwood Baptist Health
- What drew you to our program?I chose BBH for residency ultimately because of the people. I had the opportunity to rotate through BBH as a medical student and I was impressed by the inviting atmosphere created by the faculty and staff. It is a program that emphasizes quality and compassionate patient care along with the education of its residents and students.