Transitional Year Biographies
Mike Anderson, M.D.
- Hometown: Rhinelander, WI
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Oklahoma at Oklahoma City
- Hobbies: Pickleball, comedy shows, and any board game (Catan enthusiast)!
- Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health TY program was an easy decision. It really just came down to an unmatched culture. Everyone is so approachable and it feels like family!
Jordan Beam, M.D.
- Hometown: Hoover, AL
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama at Birminghame
- Hobbies: Sing/play guitar (play gigs around Bham), jewelry making, YMCA workout classes
- Thoughts about our program: Many of the residents I worked with during medical school completed their TY at Baptist and spoke very highly of the program, the wide variety of clinical experiences, and the strong foundation it provides for residency. I was excited by the opportunity to build a solid inpatient medicine foundation while also getting early exposure to dermatology, dermatopathology, and a variety of outstanding electives. I've enjoyed getting to know my co-residents, who have made this such a fun and supportive place to train. I've also been incredibly grateful for the mentorship and teaching from the upper-level residents and faculty. As a Birmingham native, I am grateful to be staying in the area and serving the community that raised me.
Michayla Brown, M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Radiation Oncology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Jade Bryant, M.D.
- Hometown: Bessemer, AL
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine – Ft. Pierce
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Hobbies: Shopping, paint by number, Pilates
Thoughts about our program: It feels great being able to treat the population that raised me. Treating patients here is like treating family. Attendings and faculty are very uplifting and really want us to become the best residents possible!
Emily Clifton, M.D.
- Hometown: Metter, GA
- Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: Loyola University - Chicago
- Hobbies: I love going on long walks with my pup, Sally, at Jemison Park and Vulcan Trail. Going for Thursday night dinner and margs with my co-residents. Pilates and HITT workout classes!
- Thoughts about our program: My favorite part of Baptist Health is the people. Everyone is incredibly supportive, encouraging, and genuinely wants to see each other succeed. The positive and uplifting environment makes such a difference, and I am truly learning so much every day!
Joshua Cummins, M.D.
- Hometown:Hartselle, AL
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: Medical University of South Carolina
- Hobbies: Working out, hiking, movies
- Thoughts about our program: I chose the Baptist Health Transitional Year program because it gave me the opportunity to continue my training in Birmingham, a city that has meant so much to me throughout medical school. I was especially drawn to the chance to train at both Princeton and Grandview, gaining experience in two different clinical environments while building a strong foundation for residency. My brother completed his intern year here, and hearing about his experience, as well as the positive experiences of several friends who trained alongside him, made me confident that this was a supportive program with a great learning environment. I'm excited to be part of a team that values both excellent clinical training and a welcoming community.
Gelare Ghajar-Rahimi, M.D., PhD
- Hometown: Vienna, VA
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Virginia
- Hobbies: Hiking, Gardening, Traveling
- Thoughts about our program: I chose the Baptist Health Transitional Year because of its supportive environment and flexible curriculum. I had heard nothing but positive things about it from friends who had done the program ahead of me, and after meeting the program leadership at the interview, I knew it was the right fit for me!
Jacob Hedberg, M.D.
- Hometown: Noblesville, IN
- Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Hobbies: Rock climbing and bouldering
- Thoughts about our program: I was first drawn to the transitional year at Baptist Health for the wide range of elective options. After interviewing here, it became clear that this would be a supportive environment for me to develop my physician skills. Also, having lived in the Midwest my whole life, I was very excited for the opportunity to experience a new part of the country. I have definitely been enjoying my experience with the program and with Birmingham so far!
Richie Heng, M.D.
- Hometown: Huntsville, AL
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: University of California - Irvine
- Hobbies: Weightlifting, tennis, pickleball
- Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because of its diverse patient population, wide variety of electives, and the welcoming people I met throughout the interview process. Being close to friends and family was also important to me, and I felt the program would provide a supportive, well-rounded intern year!
Saad Ibrahim, M.D.
- Hometown: Anniston, AL
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Terminal Program: Indiana University
- Hobbies: Basketball, running, watching sports
- Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because it provides a strong clinical foundation while offering the flexibility to tailor my training toward my future career in diagnostic radiology. The combination of broad pathology, supportive faculty, meaningful resident autonomy, and diverse elective opportunities made it an ideal environment to develop my clinical skills and confidence during intern year.
Chase Mahler, M.D.
- Hometown:Mobile, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Terminal Program: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hobbies: Cooking, working out, watching sports
Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because of how welcoming and genuine everyone was. From program leadership to the residents everyone really seemed to be happy, here, and that has remained true since I’ve been here.
Priyanka Mitta, M.D.
- Hometown: Mobile, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Terminal Program: University of Virginia
Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, lifting, tennis, pickleball
Thoughts about our program: I really appreciate the supportive culture and wide variety of electives. I have loved living in Birmingham during medical school and am excited to stay for another year!
Elena Plakotaris, M.D.
- Hometown: Metairie, LA
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Terminal Program: Louisiana State University – New Orleans
Hobbies: Pilates, skincare, shopping, baking, trying new restaurants with my co-residents
Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health is such a welcoming environment with a great atmosphere for learning alongside amazing physicians and patients.
Camilla Puglia, M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Terminal Program: Medical University of South Carolina
Hobbies: Cycling, thrifting clothes
Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health provides an optimal environment to grow as a Transitional Year resident. The staff here is highly trained and will ensure you learn how to care for patients properly at the bedside and in many outpatient settings. In addition to setting a solid framework in medicine, this program offers a diverse set of electives to explore your particular interests. For example, I am able to spend time preparing for radiology residency in my radiology and ultrasound electives! Overall, I feel like I am not only preparing for the next steps of my training, but also gaining support and collegiality from my peers, older residents, and administrative staff here at Baptist.
Sidhvi Reddy, M.D.
- Hometown: Vestavia Hills, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
Terminal Program: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, cooking, and traveling
Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health due to the wonderful culture and people! Everyone is so kind and caring, which contributes immensely to the learning environment. I knew I wanted to stay in Birmingham, and Baptist Health had everything I wanted in a Transitional Year.
Alexandra Savage, M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
Terminal Program: University of South Florida Morsani
Hobbies: Pilates, travel, sample sale shopping
Thoughts about our program: Baptist Health provides a collaborative training environment and diverse elective rotations!
John Soldner, M.D., PharmD
- Hometown: San Diego, CA
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Diagnostic Radiology
- Hobbies: Guitar playing, DIY home improvement projects
- Thoughts about our program: I had consistently heard good things about Baptist Health both in terms of training quality and resident cohesion and morale from former residents who had moved on to their follow-on programs, and this was independently confirmed by external forum sources indicating the residency programs here have earned a positive reputation among the wider physician community. In addition, I have been a Birmingham resident for several years, now, and a program that is highly rated and offers valuable training and is in the Birmingham area are the key factors that drew me to the program.
Gail Teagle, M.D.
- Hometown: Valencia, CA
- Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Undecided
- Hobbies: Golfing; watching college sports; road trips and beach days with my family, friends, and dogs
- Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because of the wonderful people and variety of elective options. I heard great things about the program from previous TY residents, and I loved having the opportunity and flexibility to rotate with so many different specialties. The faculty, staff, patients, and residents are so friendly and welcoming. The people at Baptist Health genuinely care about your success and well-being. I have also loved living in Birmingham and feel at home here!
DanTasia Welch, M.D.
- Hometown: Port Saint Joe, FLL
- Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine - Orlando
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Hobbies: Weightlifting, Watching Movies/TV, Dancing, Concerts, Foodie
- Thoughts about our program: I chose Baptist Health because of its commitment to resident education, physician wellness, and serving the Birmingham community. The program offers exceptional training in general medicine while providing a wide range of elective opportunities, including a unique dermatopathology rotation. From my first interaction with the faculty and residents, I felt welcomed and supported, and I knew Baptist Health would be an environment where I could continue to grow as a physician while making a meaningful impact on the patients and community we serve. Being within driving distance of my home in North Florida is an added bonus!.
Charlotte Woods, M.D.
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
- Chosen Specialty: Dermatology
- Terminal Program: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Hobbies: Reading, house plants, cooking with my husband, concerts, pugs!
- Thoughts about our program: Wonderful and supportive group, cultivating environment for great training!