Daughtry, Brock D.O.

Hometown: Perry, Georgia

Undergrad:  Auburn University

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Thoracic/Vascular Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Baron's games, breweries with co-residents, hunting

Thoughts about our program: Overall we have a great program with excellent operative experience, strong clinical instruction, and strong relationships between resident classes, leadership faculty, and attendings. I would absolutely make the same decision if I had to do it over again and I would strongly recommend our program to anyone.

Fain, Trevor M.D.

Hometown: Wildwood, MO

Undergrad:  University of Alabama

Med School: University of Louisville School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Movies, golfing, hiking, and trying new restaurants

Thoughts about our program: The two most important things in choosing a program were finding one that would train me to be a competent general surgeon, and one where I got along with my co-residents. After 3+ years here, I can absolutely say I came to the right place. We get in the OR early and often and receive great training that will prepare you to practice as a general surgeon after 5 years, or help you prepare for the fellowship of your choice. The culture here is also extremely positive and supportive. You’re going to work extremely hard no matter which program you go to, but at this program you won’t feel like you’re going through it alone.

Harris, Kathleen M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Colorectal Surgery/ General Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Running, gymnastics, hiking, just being outside and active, reading, watching UNC basketball

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to the program initially because of the high operative numbers, the mindset of operating early and often, and the strength of residents graduating from the program. What kept me here after interviewing and rotating, was the people. Since that time, my co-residents have become some of my closest friends and support group. Our attendings are supportive and approachable. I have been pleased with my case numbers and the strength of our robotics training. My experience and autonomy has increased appropriately each year, both in the OR and in patient care decision making. Overall, I feel well-prepared to apply for fellowship or to begin a career in general surgery.

Holt, Kenneth M.D.

Hometown: McCalla, AL

Undergrad:  University of Alabama at Birmingham

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Vascular Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Reading, exercising, hiking, fishing, going to concerts, eating at any of the great restaurants in Birmingham

Thoughts about our program: I really enjoyed working with the residents while I did a rotation during my 4th year of medical school. I was looking for a program where the residents were a tight-knit group and where I could get a well-rounded general surgery experience. This is the perfect place for both. Now that I have been here for several years, my interests have shifted towards pursuing fellowship training and I could not be happier with the training I have received so far.

Nelson, Sara D.O.

Hometown: Dothan, AL

Undergrad:  Troy University

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Career interest or chosen specialty: Running, soccer, playing with the dogs, hiking, trying new restaurants, traveling, Alabama football - Roll Tide!

Hobbies in residency: Running, soccer, playing with the dogs, hiking, trying new restaurants, traveling, Alabama football - Roll Tide!

Thoughts about our program: The camaraderie in the program is undeniable. Great support from attendings and co-residents. Opportunities at two different hospitals allows for a wide variety and a large volume of cases. BBH provides exceptional training in robotic surgery and instills confidence in operative ability coming out of residency without having to pursue a fellowship.

Reece, Claren Harper, M.D.

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergrad: Florida State University
Med School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Career interest or chosen specialty: Breast Oncology/General Surgery
Hobbies in residency: Being a mom of twins! Crafting/Painting, Bargain Shopping, Sleeping, Harry Potter on repeat
Thoughts about our program: Overall I've been very happy with the training I've received at Baptist. As an intern, I performed cases in the OR start-to-finish, I placed 100+ CVLs and arterial lines, and I spent a month (on surg onc) where I scrubbed in the OR every single day of the rotation. During my PGY-2 year, I spent two months functioning as a chief resident on one of our many general surgery services, without senior residents to compete for those cases. As a PGY-3, I logged about 350 "Surgeon Junior" cases and was able to consistently develop skills at the robot console. At the end of my PGY-3 year, I needed to take time off from residency to have my twins (while managing type 1 diabetes), and our program leadership and my co-residents were supportive to help make this happen. Now as a PGY-4, I am back in the OR every day and learning how to balance being a surgeon and a mom. Our attendings are approachable and generally down-to-earth, I enjoy spending time with my co-residents in and out of work, and my husband and I love Birmingham. Also, we have great snacks..

Coleman, Madi M.D.

Hometown: Acworth, GA

Undergrad:  University of Georgia

Med School: Medical College of Georgia

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided

Hobbies in residency: Rock climbing, playing music, making art, exploring the outdoors, cooking/ baking, hanging with friends around Birmingham, and cheering on the Dawgs!

Thoughts about our program: The bottom line with any respectable surgery residency is that it will be hard - the hours are long, the work is challenging, and it will push you to the limits of what you think you are capable of. The beauty of a program like ours is that it undoubtedly does all of these things, but it does so in a supportive environment where we genuinely care for the success and well-being of each other and our patients. Stepping into Birmingham, I knew absolutely nobody and I never could have anticipated that this group of people would become my family, my mentors, and the people who make me laugh every day. All of this is only made better by our rigorous operative experience (as a third year I am consistently performing the majority of major cases), the early autonomy we are granted in direct patient care, and the wide breadth of surgical experience we are exposed to. This program challenges me to be the best doctor, surgeon, and human being I can be, and for that I am very grateful.

Garriga, Galen M.D.

Hometown: Mobile, AL

Undergrad:  University of South Alabama

Med School: University of South Alabama Medical School

Career interest or chosen specialty: Colorectal or Minimally Invasive Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Disc golf, hiking, running, soccer, fish aquariums. Raised Southern Baptist. Spending time with my significant other Megan. Ball is life, at least according to our dog Ollie.

Thoughts about our program: I am very thankful and blessed to be in the Brookwood Baptist Health Surgery Residency Program. I was initially very interested in the program given its high volume robotic surgery, as that is what I would like to do in my career. Since being here, I have made life-long friends and have become part of a growing family. Residency is hard no matter where you go. However, being in a program where your co-residents, attendings, and administrative staff treat you like their family makes the struggles of residency much easier to bare. That is a trait that this program guarantees, and I would absolutely choose this program again and again.

McNair, Chris D.O.

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Undergrad:  University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided, maybe bariatric surgery

Hobbies in residency: Playing guitar, collecting fountain pens, spending time with my wife and our two children

Thoughts about our program: I rotated here during my fourth year of medical school and it really felt like a great fit for what I was looking for in a residency program. We operate early and get exposure to a vast amount of surgical pathology. Our attendings are excellent teachers. All of the residents here are cohesive and look after one another.

Switzer, Jacob M.D.

Hometown: Fairhope, AL

Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Golf, playing guitar and recording music.

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to Baptist surgery residency for a number of reasons. The early operative experience, case volume, and robotic training are several strengths of the program that set it apart from other surgical residencies. The camaraderie and friendship among residents is also a quality of the program which is unmatched elsewhere. I feel blessed to train at such a great program and could not imagine being anywhere else.

Thomas, Evan D.O.

Hometown: Auburn, Alabama

Undergrad:  University of Mississippi

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: Plastic Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Spending time with friends and family, cooking, being outdoors, fishing, hunting, golfing.

Thoughts about our program: This program is a hidden gem. It provides incredible surgical experience with endless fellowship opportunities. Residents that finish from our program are practice-ready. I can’t say enough positive things about my fellow residents, attendings, and the culture we have in our program..

Bland, Sydney, M.D.

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Undergrad:  Clemson University

Med School: University of South Caroline School of Medicine Greenville

Career interest or chosen specialty: Considering Plastic Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Working out, skiing, cooking, and reading

Thoughts about our program: I knew I wanted to stay in the south close to SC for residency, and I was interested in a high-volume community surgery program. I was able to check both of those boxes by choosing our program. When interview day came around, I remember having genuine conversations with attendings and residents alike, and I was able to appreciate how supportive the residency family truly was. I knew the support system would be important since I was going to be states away from my support system at home.

Clements, Austin, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad:  University of Alabama

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine -Auburn Campus

Career interest or chosen specialty: Vascular, MIS/Robotics

Hobbies in residency: Traveling, Golf, Exploring new cuisine, Pickleball

Thoughts about our program: Baptist is a unique and special program to train as a general surgery resident. Although a community program, Baptist is situated between cutting edge surgical technology, academia, and classic general surgery training. As an intern, I performed cases skin-to-skin that may be reserved for upper-level or chief residents at other programs. The early responsibility and operative experience has accelerated my general surgery training beyond the expected work of a resident at my level. Given my intern year experience, as a PGY-2 I am able to hone my skills as an open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon without the burden of a technological learning curve. Aside from the OR, our program guards our residents as an absolutely essential piece of our organization. Our attendings are not only our leaders, but they are also our friends and mentors. With direct access to our attendings on a daily basis, I am a better surgery resident and future surgeon because of their willingness to teach and mentor. Lastly, our resident family is just that, a family. Through various highs and lows of my own or my colleagues, we have prioritized and supported one another. Overall, Baptist has proven to be the best fit for me and my wife Jess as I pursue my goal to become an excellent surgeon.

Touros, Kiara, D.O.

Hometown: Vero Beach, FL

Undergrad:Florida State University

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General/Undecided

Hobbies in residency: Travel, Reading, Sleeping, Checking out local restaurants, Baking

Thoughts about our program: I chose this program due to the heavy operative experience and camaraderie among residents. We have heavy robotic experience and are well-prepared for transitioning to practice and fellowships.

White, Ashlyn, D.O.

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Undergrad: University of South Carolina

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medcine at Carolinas

Career interest or chosen specialty: Colorectal Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Beach volleyball, mountain climbing, running.

Thoughts about our program: I was drawn to this program because of the strong robotic curriculum, faculty investment, and supportive atmosphere. Also, Birmingham itself has lots to offer!

Xu, Jeffrey, D.O.

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Undergrad: University of California, San Diego

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Hobbies in residency: Spending time with my wife and kids, foodie, video games

Thoughts about our program: I was first drawn to this program because of two things: how family-friendly the residents, attendings, and administrators are, and how well-prepared the graduates are for general surgery practice. As an intern, I completed many skin-to-skin cases including cholecystectomies and appendectomies within the first week of residency. The amount of hands-on experience, along with autonomy, allowed me to understand the practice of surgery rather than just having general knowledge. As a PGY-2, I've rotated at UAB for pediatrics, trauma/burn ICU, and transplant, which broadened my surgical experiences.

Howard, Hannah, M.D.

Hometown: Lowndesboro, AL

Undergrad: Huntingdon College

Med School: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: I enjoy reading, indoor cycling, and baking. Also, my husband and I recently bought a new home so lately my free time is spent working on it.

Career interest or chosen specialty: MIS/ Foregut

Thoughts about our program: BBH stood out to me for several reasons. First, it was obvious that the residents truly got along with each other and supported their co-residents. I was looking for a program that emphasized operative experience early and often, and it was evident that BBH residents were operating from the beginning of intern year. I also liked that research and surgical education were prioritized. Finally, it was important to me that my future program be high-volume and create independent surgeons ready for practice at the end of residency, which is one of the biggest strengths of this program. We are also well-supported if we choose to pursue fellowship following residency. I feel fortunate to have matched here and to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of people..

Lawson, Damon, M.D.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Undergrad: University of Tennessee

Med School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Soccer, skateboarding, playing with my dogs, trying new coffee shops, and watching Tennessee football.

Career interest or chosen specialty: Trauma or general surgery

Thoughts about our program: When looking for a training program, I emphasized programs that would have me in the OR early and often. BBH hits that mark, as I have scrubbed into cases nearly every day of residency as an intern. Attendings here are very supportive and they foster resident learning through early autonomy with patient care and intraoperative training.

Mason, Jack, M.D.

Hometown: New Albany, MS

Undergrad: University of Mississippi

Med School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Spending time with family, watching Ole Miss sports, golf, video games

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood Baptist Health because of their early operative experience, case volume, and similarities to my career goals. Also, Birmingham is a great city.

Thomas, Sam, M.D.

Hometown: Talladega, AL

Undergrad: Auburn University

Med School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Cooking, baking, video games, clay shooting, spending time with family and friends

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/ Undecided

Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood Baptist Health for my surgical residency because it instills strong surgical skills including ample exposure to robotic surgery. It is also a close-knit program that is truly a big happy family!

Vobbilisetty, Vijay, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad: University of Michigan

Med School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Hiking, running, pickleball, tennis

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery/ Undecided

Thoughts about our program: Early operative experience. Good exposure to robotic surgery. Great cohort of residents.

Calise, Ashley, D.O.

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Undergrad: University of Tennessee

Med School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Reading, being outside, running, painting

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided/General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: I chose Brookwood because, since my very first interaction at my interview, it just felt like home. You could tell there was a genuine spirit of camaraderie and faculty wanted to see residents succeed. I came for a second look and all my feelings and initial impressions were validated. At the end of the day, most surgery residencies offer the same things and it's the people you work with who make or break a program. The people here are out of this world! A nice bonus is the early operative experience and autonomy. I genuinely cannot imagine being anywhere else for my surgery training!

Covil, Ethan, M.D.

Hometown: Easley, SC

Undergrad: Wofford College

Med School: University of South Caroline School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Running, hiking, hunting, being active within my local church

Career interest or chosen specialty: MIS/General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: When my wife and I were evaluating programs, we had a checklist of: 1) would the program provide excellent training and help me become the best version of myself 2) would the program invest in me as a person 3) would the program nurture and support my wife for who she is, rather than just being another surgery spouse. We could not be happier with BBH! There is a standard of excellence at this program that is embodied by our attendings, who deeply care about our education and training. We operate early and often- my first month of intern year I logged over 50+ OR cases! The residents truly are supportive of one another and friendly- a group of us go to church together and my wife hosts Bachelor watch parties every week!

Reese, Tyler, D.O.

Hometown: Panama City, FL

Undergrad: Georgia Southern University

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Hobbies in residency: Working out, golfing, fishing, cooking

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: This program really has a tight knit group of residents. From the top down, they not only care about you becoming a good, competent, and safe surgeon but also they care about you as a person. The hands on experience, early OR time, and heavy emphasis on robotic surgery are a few of the big reasons I chose BBH for surgery residency! I feel like I will be well prepared at the end of my 5 years here to go out and practice on my own.

Stroud, Brooks, M.D.

Hometown: Macon, GA

Undergrad: University of Georgia

Med School: Mercer University School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Golf, spending time with my wife, yard work, exercising

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided

Thoughts about our program: I chose BBH because of the solid fellowship matches, preparedness to operate straight out of residency, robotic experience, and the early operative opportunities. Now that I am here and have met everyone I realize how lucky I am to be part of a program with so many good people and teachers. Chief residents and faculty are absolutely willing to teach and I have seen that this program is not toxic in any way. Residents get more hands on intraoperative experience and autonomy at a much earlier stage than larger academic programs which was a large focus for me when choosing programs because I was tired of watching surgery and ready to get hands on and operate. Birmingham is a surprisingly young city with a great food scene, breweries, and plenty of things to do. My wife and I couples matched here and we are very happy with the program and the city. It doesn’t hurt that there is a great golf scene either!

Touliatos, Gabe, D.O.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Undergrad: Auburn University

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Hobbies in residency: Basketball, fishing, hiking

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: Being from Birmingham and rotating with the program in medical school, I like the community the program provides, the amount of OR exposure we get with high volume community surgeons, and I love the city of Birmingham as a whole. All the upper level residents and the attendings are invested in making me a better surgeon in the OR as well as on the floor with the way they view the patient as a whole person and not just a problem that needs solving.

Edmund, Daniel, M.D.

Hometown: Metairie, LA

Undergrad: Louisiana State University

Med School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Sports, outdoor activities, traveling to visit ballparks

Career interest or chosen specialty: Diagnostic Radiology at University of Virginia

Thoughts about our program: In my search for a preliminary program, I desired to have a program that I would receive hands-on experience and a family atmosphere. Brookwood Baptist Health really was just what I was looking for in a program. I have enjoyed my time here so far and enjoy the experience I am receiving with my co-residents. Birmingham is also a fantastic city to live in with a variety of different activities to enjoy. There is plenty of great food, outdoor activities, and events that this city provides for your free time.

Essman, Alex, D.O.

Hometown: Gardendale, AL

Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Hobbies in residency: Golf, guitar, racing

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: I liked the friendships I made rotating here as a student. I really enjoy working with people who have a sense of humor but work hard. I grew up in Birmingham so I’m glad to be close to home.

Huddleston, Brandon, M.D.

Hometown: Little Rock, MS

Undergrad: Mississippi College

Med School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Tennis, pickleball

Career interest or chosen specialty: Interventional Radiology at UAB

Thoughts about our program: BBH is the perfect surgical preliminary year for me not only because of the large amount of hands on training you receive as an intern, but also because of the people that make up the program. Everyone from leadership to my co residents have helped me grow as a person and as a doctor. As a prelim resident not pursuing a career in surgery, I have still been given amazing opportunity to learn inside and outside of the operating room.

Morton, Blake, D.O.

Hometown: Madison, MS

Undergrad: Mississippi State University

Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn

Hobbies in residency: Golfing, fishing, hunting, working out, watching college football

Career interest or chosen specialty: Undecided

Thoughts about our program: Great group of residents who work well together and one of the best cities to live in with plenty of things to do for all different types of hobbies.

Newsome, Kohen, M.D.

Hometown: Washington, GA

Undergrad: University of Georgia

Med School: Mercer University School of Medicine

Hobbies in residency: Exercising, live music, sports, outdoors

Career interest or chosen specialty: General Surgery

Thoughts about our program: Birmingham is a pretty city with areas of excitement but also quieter areas. Everyone involved in the residency program has been welcoming. Thus far we have gotten tons of experience and opportunities.