Alumni
Calem Al-Shaikhly, DO
Undergraduate: University of Louisiana at Monroe
Medical School: William Carey University - College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Geriatric, preventative, procedural and integrative medicine
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Hobbies: Any weekend adventure with the wife and pups, woodworking, antiquing and automotive work
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional because it was clear to me that SRHS offers an outstanding education in a well-functioning, time-proven residency while acting virtually unopposed. SRHS has resources that allow me to excel in my interests. Perhaps, the most convincing factor in me choosing SRHS is that the residents, staff and attendings are open and easy to communicate with, up to date on medical literature and treat their patients like I would want my family to be treated.
Patrick Bearden, DO
Undergraduate: Appalachian State University
Medical School: VCOM - Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: Under-served care, sports medicine
Hometown: Ruthfordton, NC
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, video games, football and the gym
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional for my residency training because I know they would provide me with a well-rounded education. I also knew they would allow me to pursue my interests in Pediatrics, Sports-Medicine and Underserved care.
Travis Cobb, DO
Undergraduate: University of Missouri
Medical School: VCOM – Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: Geriatrics
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, playing tennis, walking my dog and going to college football games
Why Spartanburg Regional? SRHS provides an unopposed residency program with a long history of training outstanding family medicine physicians.
Elizabeth Davies, MD
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: University of Alabama, School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health, obstetrics, primary care and point-of-care ultrasound
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Hobbies: Painting, drawing, hiking, traveling, spending time with friends and family
Why Spartanburg Regional? SRHS offers a wonderful sense of community and family, which was so evident during my interview! The unopposed nature of the program offers an excellent opportunity to become a very well-rounded and skilled physician. I am so excited to train at such as amazing program!
Alisha Davis, DO
Undergraduate: Tusculum College
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: OMT, rural health, women’s health
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Hobbies: Zumba, cooking/baking, walks with my dog and husband, watching movies/Netflix with friends and family, creative date nights and church
Why Spartanburg Regional? Choosing Spartanburg was more about feeling the sense of family and closeness rather than checking off boxes concerning educational experiences and didactics. However, Spartanburg does fulfill those as well! The right “fit” isn’t a term used to describe every program, it really is a special and unique to you fit, and Spartanburg felt like the “right fit” to me!
Nicolas Dawson, MD
Undergraduate: Wofford College
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston
Professional Interests: Pediatrics, dermatology, underserved populations in medicine
Hometown: Spartanburg, SC
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, crocheting, video editing, refurbishing used video game consoles
Why Spartanburg Regional? As a native to the Spartanburg area, I have had many interactions with the faculty and staff in the Center for Family Medicine. I was always well taken care of and my experiences with these doctor visits are a main reason that I decided to pursue family medicine as my specialty. I chose Spartanburg Regional for residency because I knew that I would get a great education and learn the skills to become a compassionate and competent physician at an institution that respects and understands the importance of family medicine.
Janna Featherstone, DO
Undergraduate: Pfeiffer University
Medical School: VCOM – Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: Geriatrics, pediatrics, osteopathic manipulations, procedures and rural medicine
Hometown: Albemarle, NC
Hobbies: Trail running, yoga, hiking, outdoor photography, drawing, cooking and baking
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose the SRHS Family Medicine Residency Program because I know that it is exceptional. It provides a well-balanced curriculum to train well-rounded family medicine physicians. I am so excited for the vast opportunities provided at SRHS such as training in procedures, geriatrics, pediatrics, and rural health. I also am very much looking forward to working alongside my sister, a current SRHS resident, at this exceptional program in the charming city of Spartanburg.
Kaleigh Featherstone, DO
Undergraduate: Pfeiffer University
Medical School: VCOM - Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: Women’s health, pediatrics, osteopathic medicine and rural health
Hometown: Albemarle, NC
Hobbies: I love spending time with family and friends, painting, knitting, cooking, baking, hiking, traveling and tennis.
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional for my residency training because I knew they would provide a strong, well-rounded and unopposed education to better me as a physician. I was lucky enough to experience their excellent training and compassionate attendings firsthand on my core rotations as a medical student. There are also strong training opportunities with OMT, women’s health, pediatrics and rural health which are all interests of min. I am so happy to train and serve the Carolinas where I call home!
Jonathan File, DO
Undergraduate: Illinois Wesleyan University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk School of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Emergency medicine and sports medicine
Hometown: Champaign-Urbana IL
Hobbies: Basketball, hiking, backpacking, traveling, classic car renovations
Why Spartanburg Regional? I fell in love with the people in the Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Program. I felt welcomed by everyone I met and feel that I will be the best doctor possible coming out with the strong inpatient focus. It is so important for me to be happy at my job and I know that I will be here.
Kristina Freund, DO
Undergraduate: University of Missouri
Medical School: VCOM – Carolinas
Professional Interests: Sports medicine
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hobbies: Softball, tennis, biking, and reading
Why Spartanburg Regional? SRHS offers broad training to prepare future family medicine residents for virtually any practice they desire, and the faculty are heavily involved in academics and committed to resident education.
Adam Fulcher, DO
Undergraduate: East Carolina University
Medical School: A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Preventative medicine, sports medicine
Hometown: Troutman, NC
Hobbies: Mountain biking, hiking music, art and computers
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System for residency due to their historical success since 1972, supportive faculty and residency class, Sports Medicine track, and location in beautiful South Carolina.
Greg Fuller, DO
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Health behavior change, addiction recovery
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, climbing trees and skipping rocks
Why Spartanburg Regional? I really like how approachable all the residents and faculty are at Spartanburg Regional. Family medicine is a top priority here and they do a great job preparing their residents for whatever type of career path they end up focusing on. I also wanted a program that could help me keep up my osteopathic manipulation skills. My wife grew up fairly close by, so that was a nice bonus since we already knew we’d like the area. We’re glad we matched here!
David Heinemann, MD
Undergraduate: Charleston Southern University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Professional Interests: Primary care and hospital medicine
Hometown: Ladson, SC
Hobbies: Guitar, traveling, Netflix and baking
Why Spartanburg Regional? I was interested in Spartanburg because of the strong outpatient and inpatient experiences. However, I ultimately chose Spartanburg because of how welcoming everyone was.
BaoLam Ho, DO
Undergraduate: Georgia Gwinnett College
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus
Professional Interests: Preventative medicine, procedures
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
Hobbies: Reading, music, movies, riddles, puzzles, eating out and video games
Why Spartanburg Regional? The first thing that draws me toward Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Family Medicine Residency is the geographic location. I have lived almost half my life here in the southeast region. The atmosphere in Spartanburg feels just like home to me. I would very much prefer to continue my training here in the same region. Other factors emerged as I went on an interview and got to know more about the program. The team camaraderie, wonderful facilities, and numerous opportunities to learn are what attracted me the most. Everybody is very friendly and kind. The atmosphere surrounding the program is warm and cheerful. The residents I interacted with are all hardworking and happy to be here. All the faculty I met were very understanding and willing to teach. I am very happy that I got accepted into the SRHS Family Medicine Residency Program.
Michelle Jones-Moon, DO
Undergraduate: Presbyterian College
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: I am interested in promoting medicine, as well as managing cardiovascular disease
Hometown: Taylors, SC
Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and all my fur children, as well as horseback riding. I enjoy training dogs for therapy and seeing the joy this brings to others. I also enjoy spending time with the children’s programs at church.
Why Spartanburg Regional? Being from the nearby area, I knew I wanted to stay local to complete my training, while building relationships for a future practice here. I chose Spartanburg Regional for the amazing training that the residents receive. Being a part of one of the only two residency programs offered, I feel as a Family Medicine Resident I will be able to be fully engaged in the care of patients of all ages. I wanted a program where I could train to become a true, full-spectrum family physician and Spartanburg Regional provided the best opportunity. I am excited and look forward to completing my training with the Spartanburg community!
Brandi Gallaher Kennedy, MD
Undergraduate: Oklahoma State University
Medical School: University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health, underserved and global health
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Hobbies: Running, hiking yoga, scrapbooking, cooking and traveling new places
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose SRHS because they train excellent full-spectrum family medicine physicians. They have many opportunities for stellar training in procedures, women’s health, and inpatient medicine (to name a few). I also loved the community feel of the hospital, and tight knit family feel among the residents and faculty. Overall, I feel like this program offers ample opportunity for learning while also creating a supportive work environment.
Page Kiser, DO
Undergraduate: Converse College
Medical School: VCOM - Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: Geriatrics and dermatology
Hometown: Bessemer City, NC
Hobbies: Cooking, spending time with family and home projects
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional because of the welcoming and enthusiastic nature of the residents and faculty. The program being unopposed in a large community hospital will ensure that I become a competent family physician. Also, the region is in a prime location to enjoy travel to nearby beaches and mountains.
Herman Lo, MD
Undergraduate: Western University
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Musculoskeletal medicine, integrative medicine
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Hobbies: Cooking and sports
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional for a few reasons. Firstly, the program has a 40 plus year record of providing excellent graduate medical training. The location is amazing with Charlotte, Atlanta, and the coast only a few hours away. Last, but certainly not the least, everyone I met during my visit made me feel so comfortable, I felt right at home and I knew it was where I wanted to spend the next three years training to become a physician.
Meghan Mace, DO
Undergraduate: Arkansas State University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health and sports medicine
Hometown: Franklin, TN
Hobbies: Playing and watching sports (especially soccer), building furniture, camping, hiking, skiing and a good meal with friends and family
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional for several reasons. On paper it was a great location, a perfectly sized program, relatively unopposed with possible fellowship opportunities. These are all good, but it was the intangibles that made me choose Spartanburg Regional. The friendly attendings, a program director that takes a special interest in each of her residents and the family feel made Spartanburg Regional stand out for all the right reasons.
Gloria “Storm” McWhorter, MD
Undergraduate: Huntingdon College
Medical School: University of Alabama - Birmingham
Professional Interests: Women’s health
Hometown: Prattville, AL
Hobbies: Watching and playing sports, cooking and baking, and playing card and board games
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg because I could feel a sense of community along the residents and attendings. I love that this residency program is training physicians to be leaders in this community.
Jessica Mercado-Ortiz, DO
Undergraduate: University of Delaware
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Complete primary medical and procedural care, women’s health/obstetrics
Hometown: Bear, DE
Hobbies: Anything outdoors, painting with Bob Ross, retail therapy
Why Spartanburg Regional? The first thing I noticed was the people. I felt like I was truly a part of the Spartanburg family from day one of my audition. Moreover, I must highlight the emphasis on COMPLETE care given by family medicine doctors in this program. A patient can come in with any need and it will always be addressed with a hands-on evidence-based and osteopathic approach. I know I’m getting the best training I could as for and I’m so excited to be an official member of the SRHS team!
Chinomnso Onyekaba, MD
Undergraduate: Georgia Southern University
Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health, hospitalist medicine, adolescent medicine and academics
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Hobbies: Cooking, event planning, word games, wildlife documentaries and cosmetology
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System because it is close to my support system, has an unopposed feel and provides Women’s Health training. The programs residents, faculty and staff are approachable, helpful and hard working. Overall, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System provides a learning-friendly environment, all the necessary tools to become a “traditional Family Physician” and the ability to focus on unique interests within Family Medicine.
Ryan Orland, MD
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Medical School: University of South Carolina, School of Medicine - Columbia
Professional Interests: Primary Care, Wilderness Medicine, and Point of Care Ultrasound
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Hobbies: Kayaking, running, hiking and video games
Why Spartanburg Regional? Spartanburg Regional felt right because everyone in the program was friendly and genuine. The program is strong and has a well-balanced curriculum to prepare residents to be great family physicians.
Kathryn Peterson-Thompson, DO
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health, treatment of under-served populations, international medicine and public health
Hometown: Cedar City, Utah
Hobbies: Travel, reading, going on bike rides with my dog Kami, hanging out with Josh, playing with my nieces and nephews
Why Spartanburg Regional? Spartanburg was easily my first choice for residency. I was looking for a residency program that offered comprehensive medical training for a large, diverse population. Most of all, I wanted a program that was dedicated to serving the underserved and that provided a healthy environment for its residents. Spartanburg blew me away with all it had to offer. It is also close to family, which was the icing on the cake!
Anisaa Romano, DO
Undergraduate: New York University
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York
Professional Interests: Preventative medicine, doctor/patient relationships, sports medicine and global medicine
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Hobbies: Fitness, baking, eraser collecting and dancing
Why Spartanburg Regional? I felt that the residents, faculty and staff were very warm and welcoming.
Lawrence Sawicki, DO
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: VCOM - Carolinas Campus
Professional Interests: Palliative care and wound care
Hometown: Ormond Beach, FL
Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, family and brewing
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose the Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Program because of its fit, the programs feel, and unopposed opportunities to train.
Taylor Sears, MD
Undergraduate: Appalachian State University
Medical School: Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Professional Interests: Rural/broad scope family medicine
Hometown: Hillsborough, NC
Hobbies: Hiking, playing sports and cooking
Why Spartanburg Regional? I really liked the atmosphere fostered by the faculty and residents. There are great learning opportunities in a community program that still regularly has medical students. Spartanburg is a good-sized town, in a great location, that is only a short drive away from the mountains.
Michelle Sliva, MD, MS
Undergraduate: Lewis University
Medical School: Saba University
Professional Interests: Sports medicine and obstetrics/gynecology
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Hobbies: Swimming, cycling, playing frisbee with my dogs, traveling and scuba diving
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg for the wonderful and welcoming people I met during my interview both in the community and the hospital, as well as the Sports Medicine and OB/GYN opportunities the program provides.
Shannon Smith, DO
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose SRHS because I felt I would receive an excellent, well-rounded education in a supportive and family-like environment. I am also excited for all the unique opportunities that an unopposed program with an OB fellowship has to offer in my area of interest!
James Spearman, MD
Undergraduate: Coastal Carolina University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Professional Interests: Informatics and hospital medicine
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Hobbies: Family, sailing and running
Why Spartanburg Regional? SRHS far exceeded my expectations for training by providing an excellent learning environment with direct access to numerous experts across the disciplines of medicine. This, coupled with a friendly “family” of patients from all walks of life, made it clear this was the ideal place for me to train.
Maliha Taufiq, DO
Undergraduate: Agnes Scott College
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus
Professional Interests: Osteopathic manipulative treatment, women’s health and sports medicine
Hometown: Duluth, GA
Hobbies: Horseback riding, hiking, reading, baking and crocheting
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System because the residency program provides exemplary training at a large teaching facility allowing me to explore all avenues of family medicine, which I believe to be essential for a family medicine provider.
Madeline Topitzes, MD
Undergraduate: Michigan Technological University
Medical School: Saint Louis University of Medicine
Professional Interests: Women’s health, medically under-served communities, geriatrics
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, kayaking, board games, cooking/baking, spending time with my husband and our rescue dogs
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional because of the excellent training provided by the unopposed learning environment and the ability to pursue my interest in women’s health. Everyone at the program was incredibly friendly and welcoming and the faculty are supportive and dedicated to helping residents succeed in their training.
Quoc Minh Tran, DO
Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Primary care, preventative medicine, non-profit, international humanitarian efforts
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Hobbies: Family time with my son, non-profit, volunteerism, anime, professional sports, classic car reality shows, building Gunpla and car kits
Why Spartanburg Regional? SRHS was ranked high on my list because of the family atmosphere among the faculties, residents, students and staff during my interview day. I was overly impressed by Dr. Patricia Bouknight’s willingness to support resident’s projects in improving healthcare services in the Spartanburg community.
Lauren Tucker Tuccillo, MD
Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia
Professional Interests: Sports medicine and emergency medicine
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hobbies: Hiking, discovering new craft beers, travel, walking my dogs, attending sporting events
Why Spartanburg Regional? I chose Spartanburg Regional for residency because of the unopposed learning environment and opportunities to serve the community. Everyone was pleasant and welcoming, and I knew this would be a great place to thrive as a physician!
Brittany N. Woodard, DO
Undergraduate: Spring Hill College
Medical School: William Carey University – College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interests: Family medicine with emphasis on women’s health
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, board games, puzzles with husband, loving on my two pups at home, movies
Why Spartanburg Regional? What drew me to Spartanburg, at first, was proximity to family. When I interviewed here, the faculty, the staff and residents were open and welcoming. I could see myself working with the community that is the SRHS. I’m also interested in women’s health and obstetrics. Spartanburg was one of the very few programs that I believe would prepare me well for the obstetrics track, as well as make me a well-rounded family medicine physician. Another big draw of the program is the program functions as an unopposed program, even though there are surgical and transitional residents. Outside of the professional development, I love the community. The downtown area is bursting with local flavor and events. Spartanburg is close to Charlotte, Asheville, Greenville and Atlanta if you are into the city life. If you love to be outside, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, bike and spend a day on the water. Honestly, I am so excited to be a part of this residency and this community.
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