2025-2026 Transitional Year Biographies
Sarah Blackstock, M.D.
- Hometown: Gadsden, AL
- Undergraduate: Auburn University
- Medical School: University of South Alabama
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Central Florida
- Thoughts about our program: I picked this program because it’s close to home and I have always heard such great things from past residents. I’d choose it again a hundred times over—the people here are so supportive and make me enjoy coming to work every day!
Shaina Bolden, M.D.
- Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
- Undergraduate: Georga Institute of Technology
- Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: University of Louisville
- Thoughts about our program: As a medical student at UAB, I heard many great things about the TY year at Baptist Health from previous residents. It was my number 1 choice due to location, and I am enjoying my time here so far.
Casey Buller, M.D.
- Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
- Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma
- Medical School: University of Oklahoma
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Terminal Program: Wake Forest University
- Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health for their outstanding commitment to quality patient care. After interviewing with the program, I knew that I would be getting a high-quality learning experience that would stick with me beyond my transitional year. The faculty, support staff, and patients you'll interact with made me at home in an environment that is set up to help you succeed.
Meredith Burns, M.D.
- Hometown: Athens, AL
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Thoughts about our program: I chose the Baptist Health program because of the wonderful people and the variety of elective options! I had heard nothing but great things about the program from previous TY residents, and I loved having the opportunity to rotate through so many different electives and gain diverse medical knowledge throughout my intern year. Getting to stay in Birmingham and not moving was a bonus!
Eric Cline, M.D.
- Hometown: Mustang, OK
- Undergraduate: University of Central Oklahoma
- Medical School: University of Oklahomae
- Chosen Specialty: TBD
- Terminal Program: TBD
- Thoughts about our program: I am pursuing a career in dermatopathology, and I was particularly drawn to Baptist Health because it uniquely offers a one-month dermatopathology elective—a unique opportunity for a transitional year program to include. Having one of my closest friends from medical school at UAB Internal Medicine has also made moving to Alabama a smoother transition. From my interview day onward, I was struck by the warmth of the program’s culture, and throughout the year, I have felt genuinely supported by the faculty as I work toward my professional goals. I would absolutely choose this program again and highly recommend ranking Baptist Health at the top of your list!
Madison Cone, M.D.
- Hometown:Knoxville, TN
- Undergraduate: University of Georgia
- Medical School: Wake Forest University
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Thoughts about our program: Why Baptist? From my first interaction with the program, it was clear that the faculty genuinely cares about resident success and well-being. The program fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment, offers a wide variety of electives, has a wonderful reputation, and is in a fun, vibrant city---what more could you want! I am confident I will grow both personally and professionally this year and build a strong foundation that will serve me well in all my future career endeavors.
Bret-Ashleigh Gray, D.O.
- Hometown: Trussville, AL
- Undergraduate: Samford University
- Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: TBD
- Thoughts about our program: I started shadowing at Baptist Health in college and absolutely loved it so I decided to do my 3rd/4th years of medical school here and now TY. The faculty are truly what make this program so special, they are so supportive and truly care about you and your success. I would choose over 100x again!!
Sam Hayworth, M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Undergraduate: Auburn University
- Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to the Baptist Health TY program because of its diverse patient population and pathology, strong resident camaraderie, and opportunities for autonomy, research, and elective experiences—including radiation oncology—all while allowing me to remain in Birmingham as I continue my training at UAB."
Kyle Kleiman, D.O.
- Hometown: Escanaba, MI
- Undergraduate: University of Michigan
- Graduate School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolina Campus
- Medical School: University of Mississippi
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Thoughts about our program: I chose BH for my intern year for several reasons. The first is clinical education: this program strikes a great balance between strong learning experiences on medicine wards and ample electives to let you follow your academic interests. The people have been great, I feel well supported by faculty and co-residents alike. Finally, I chose BBH due to its location in Birmingham. In addition to being the location of my advanced program, Birmingham stuck out as a great place to raise a family due to its many green spaces and child friendly activities, reasonable cost of living, and friendly neighbors.
Alex Lee, M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Undergraduate: Howard University
- Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Thoughts about our program: I had heard great things about the Baptist Health Transitional Year program from former colleagues that matched there, and I am very familiar with Princeton Baptist Health as my father has been employed there for over three decades. I love Birmingham and I chose this program so that I could continue to positively impact on the care of those in the communities I grew up in/around.
Kalina Machado, M.D.
- Hometown:Brazil
Undergraduate: Emory University
Medical School: Emory University
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Terminal Program: Emory University
Thoughts about our program: Why Baptist Health: I was recommended to look into the TY program by a friend who had nothing but great things to say. Once I attended the interview I knew exactly why. This program is filled with incredible staff, attendings, and co-interns. We train in several hospitals and get the chance to rotate in sub-specialties. Plus, Birmingham has the best food and a somewhat slower lifestyle than I'm used to, which is just what I wanted for my start to residency.
Hannah Meyer, M.D.
- Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Undergraduate: University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
Medical School: Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Terminal Program: Louisiana State University – New Orleans
Thoughts about our program: I had heard nothing but great things from former TYs, and during my interview I could really sense the camaraderie and support between everyone here! Moreover, the elective choices really set this program apart for me - the ability to do both dermatology and dermatopathology this year makes me feel like I'll be more prepared to start my terminal program!
Hamad Muhammad, M.D.
- Hometown: Madison, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama - Birmingham
Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Terminal Program: University of Texas - Southwestern
Thoughts about our program: I have had many peers in the years above me complete their transitional year at Baptist Health, and each of them highlighted the emphasis of resident development and learning, particularly as a TY resident. I also have lived in the city of Birmingham for the past 8 years and have loved the sense of community throughout the city.
Francisco Neal, M.D., PhD.
- Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate: Austin College
Medical School: University of Texas – San Antonio
Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Terminal Program: Emory University
Thoughts about our program: I was primarily drawn to the TY program for its collegial atmosphere, opportunities for varied electives (including my own specialty of interest), and variety of patients across two different hospital systems. I could tell from the interview that the residents and faculty valued a good balance of well-being and training. It also helps that Birmingham is relatively close to my terminal program."
Andrew Schroeder, M.D., Ph.D.
- Hometown: Evansville, IN
Undergraduate: University of West Florida
Graduate: University of Alabama - Birmingham
Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Thoughts about our program: I went to medical school at UAB and heard great things about the Baptist Health transitional year program from friends ahead of me who did their training there. After looking more into the curriculum and meeting the program leadership during the interview, I knew this would be a great place for me!
Leah Smith, M.D.
- Hometown: Killen, AL
Undergraduate: Texas A&M
Medical School: University of Virginia
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
Thoughts about our program: I chose this transitional year in Birmingham because it allows me to be close to family, and everyone was so welcoming during my interview. My sister also completed the program five years ago and loved it, which made the decision even easier.
Ian Tsekouras, M.D.
- Hometown: Montgomery, AL /li>
- Undergraduate: Baylor University
- Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Terminal Program: University of Florida
- Thoughts about our program: I chose the BH TY program because of the diverse electives and strong didactics. Plus, Birmingham is such a fun city to live in!
Jordan Tzabari, M.D.
- Hometown: Dresher, PA
- Undergraduate: University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
- Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: Thomas Jefferson University
- Thoughts about our program: I chose BH because I saw how much the faculty and upper levels cared about teaching and creating a supportive environment. Being here now, I am glad that TYs are so integrated into the internal medicine program and feel like I am learning so much every day.
Loren Ugheoke, M.D.
- Hometown: Huntsville, AL
- Undergraduate: University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
- Medical School: Morehouse
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: Louisiana State University – New Orleans
- Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because of the diverse patient population that both hospitals serve. I also love that I am not too far from family and friends.
Ben Wright, M.D.
- Hometown: Tampa, FL
- Undergraduate: Florida State University
- Medical School: University of South Florida - Tampa
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama School of Medicine
- Thoughts about our program: I chose the Baptist Health TY program for many reasons, including the variety of electives, the city of Birmingham, and excellent benefits including free food and Step 3 reimbursement. On interview day, I had great conversations with faculty and heard the residents speak highly of program leadership, faculty and learning opportunities.