University of tennessee knoxville general surgery residency

PGY- 5 Residents

Lindsay Devereux, MD

I grew up all over the United States as my dad was in the Air Force, so I don't really have a home.  I chose ETSU because of its focus on broad-based general surgery and the amazing residents.  I hope to practice in a rural setting wither here in the U.S. or overseas.  In my free time. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Lawrence, cooking, watching football, and running.

Undergraduate School:  Bryan College; Medical School:  UTHSC COM. 

Amanda Grigoli, MD

I chose ETSU because of its emphasize on rural, broad-based surgery while also providing opportunities to pursue a fellowship if I decide to specialize.  Additionally, I knew I would enjoy living in East Tennessee because of all the outdoor activities available.

Undergraduate School:  University of Delaware; Medical School:  Thomas Jefferson Medical School.

Justin Hughes, MD

I chose ETSU because of the great general surgery training offered while still being able to avoid the negatives that come with living in a large city.  All the residents that I met during the interviewing process were welcoming and described a program that I wanted to become a part of.  ETSU is known to train competent general surgeons who graduate ready to practice.  In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking.  Johnson City is a great area for all these activities.

Undergraduate School: The University of Alabama; Medical School University of South Alabama.

Iryna Popiv, DO

I was born in Ukraine, however, I spent most of my life in New Jersey.  I enjoy going to the beach and outdoor activities such as hiking.  I chose ETSU for the comradery between residents and the broad-based experience of surgical training.  I am excited to explore the area.

Undergraduate School:  University of Connecticut; Medical School:  Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey

Jessica Wright, MD

ETSU stood out to me as a place where the residents truly are a family, and everyone works together so we can all succeed.  I knew that was the environment that I needed to become the surgeon I want to be.  Being able to hike to Roan Mountain didn't hurt after my interview either!  I love hiking and playing piano in my free time, and I am excited to explore the rest of Johnson City.

Undergraduate School: University of Alabama at Birmingham; Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

PGY- 4 Residents

Natalie Dixon, MD

I was born and raised in a small town in Georgia, where I spent weekends going to the lake and being outdoors with my family.  I chose ETSU because I loved the comradery between the residents and how they supported each other.  The program has a long history of training great general surgeons, and I want to confidently enter practice after residency and be ready to work independently.  I spend my free time training at the gym, hiking, skiing, and hanging out with my dog,  Buck.

Undergraduate School - University of Georgia, Athens, GA; Medical School - Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA.

Allison Foster, MD

I was born and raised in Greenville, SC where I returned for medical school after graduating from Clemson University.  ETSU initially caught my eye because of the welcoming residents and attending's that were invested in seeing residents succeed.  After learning more about the high volume and quality of surgical training that consistently matched residents into fellowships, it was an easy decision this was the place for me.  My free time is spent with my husband, son, two dogs hiking trails, camping, and spending time out on the water.

Undergraduate School: Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina; Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina.

Cameron Gill, MD 

I chose ETSU in large part due to the emphasis they place on broad-based, general training.  I was born and raised in a small town, and I would like to return there one day to practice.  I had no doubt that ETSU would provide the case volume and exposure to general surgery that I would be able to comfortably and confidently practice on my own upon matriculation.  The genuine, conversational interviews with Dr. Browder and other faculty were something I had yet to experience on the interview trail. My passions outside of the hospital include duck hunting, fishing, training my Labrador retriever (Briar), and playing guitar.  I love being outdoors, and in the few weeks before starting residency, I have been fishing for trout on the Watauga River, small-mouthed fished every lake within 30 minutes, kayaked and hiked several trails within a couple of miles from my house.  I have no doubt that ETSU is the right choice!  I am excited about the area opportunities that a career with ETSU surgery has to offer!

Undergraduate School: Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina; Medical School: The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.

Katherine Kazen, MD

I chose ETSU because of the program's emphasis on broad-based general surgery as well as the congenial environment I experienced on the interview day and the opportunity to pursue global health during residency.  Most of my family is far away in Boerne, Texas, but my cat Kawhi Leonard, Jr. and I are very excited to call Johnson City our new home!

Undergraduate School: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.

Alissa Schuh, MD

I was raised in Wisconsin with my two brothers but moved to Alabama for medical school and have loved living in the south.  I enjoy traveling and playing sports in my free time.  I also enjoy outdoor activities and am excited to explore all that the Tri-Cities area has to offer.  I knew that ETSU was the right fit for my surgery residency because of the friendly atmosphere, focus on broad-based general surgery, and the opportunities to serve patients at home and abroad.

Undergraduate School: University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, Madison, Wisconsin; Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama.

 PGY- 3 Residents

Victoria Clancy, MD

I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and I have 2 younger brothers.  I chose ETSU because of the beautiful area and the program's dedication to its community.  In my free time, I love to cook, travel, and spend time with my friends and family.

Undergraduate School: Binghamton University, New York; Medical School: University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York. 

Sarah Eikenberry, MD

I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  I have 4 older siblings and 6 nieces and nephews.  We grew up doing chores, playing card games with grandpa, and all learned to drive manual.  I am the first in my family to pursue medicine.  Excited to leave the Midwest winters behind and be able to enjoy the amazing hiking in the area.  

Undergraduate School: University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.

Ricardo Lopez-Hanson, MD 

I was born in Puerto Rico, but grew up in Georgia.  My wife and I love the outdoors, so we couldn't be in a better place than Johnson City.  We love that ETSU has an excellent history of training competent, well-rounded general surgeons.  I love anything outdoors, but my favorite two activities are rock climbing and fishing.

Undergraduate School: Berry College, Mt. Berry, Georgia; Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia. 

Elizabeth Mannino, MD

I grew up and attended undergrad outside of Philadelphia.  I went to medical school in Norfolk, Virginia and am now excited to call Johnson City my home during residency.  I was drawn to the supportive learning environment and high operative volume at ETSU.  I really enjoyed my interactions with residents and faculty on interview day.  In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my two cats.

Undergraduate School: Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania; Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Catlin Orschel, MD

I was born and raised in Elk Rapids, Michigan, where we spent our summers on the lake and our winters in the tundra.  I moved to Louisiana to play soccer in college.  I chose ETSU for residency because a combined a beautiful geographic setting with the aspects I was seeking in a program: approachable faculty, global health opportunities, supportive colleagues, and a history of producing strong, well-rounded surgeons.  In my free time, I like to hike/explore the area with my dogs Remi and Hudson, cook/bake, travel, and go wine tasting.

Undergraduate: Centenary College of Louisiana; Graduate School: Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Medical School Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Stephen Owen, MD

I am so excited to be a part of ETSU.  I grew up in Charlottesville, VA, went to Clemson for my undergraduate and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine for medical school.  May parents live in Charlottesville and my two older brothers live in Norfolk and Charlottesville, VA.  One of our favorite family activities is playing tennis.  My wife Quinn, lives in Roanoke, VA and is a medical student at VirginiaTech Carilion School of Medicine.  I'm excited about matching at ETSU for three reasons.  1)  The residents: they are very welcoming, smart and impressive in the OR.  
2)  The Vascular Surgery experience :  I am very interested in Vascular Surgery and this program has a strong vascular exposure and great mentorship.  3)  The population: East Tennessee is home to a diverse and rural population with interesting pathology, which might not be seen in other parts of the state.  In my spare time, I like to exercise, explore breweries, and hang out with my awesome wife, Quinn.

Undergraduate School: Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina; Medical School: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. 

 PGY- 2 Residents

Gerardo Davalos, MD

After graduating from medical school in Ecuador I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a general surgeon in the USA.  I worked at Duke University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss for almost 2 years, publishing multiple peer review articles and book chapter.  I then worked for a year as a preliminary general surgeon resident at University of Hawaii.  

Undergraduate School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador;  Medical School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

Cecilia Kim, MD

I was born and raised in Maryland, where I attended college and medical school.  I chose ETSU for my general surgery residency because it provides not only academic and research opportunities but also great exposure to operative cases.  The ETSU family fosters great camradery among residents, graduates and well-rounded general surgeons.  In my free time, I love to explore the outdoors, go hiking, and do yoga classes.

Undergraduate School: University of Maryland, College Park; Medical School: University of Maryland, School of Medicine. Baltimore, MD

Mary McBride, MD

I was born and raised in Seymour, TN, which is in between Knoxville and Gatlinburg.  I majored in chemical engineering at UTK with the intention of going to medical school.  I chose ETSU because this program will make me a confident general surgeon or prepare me for fellowship, whichever I choose.  Also, I love that we are all family here!  I spend my free time working out, trying out Johnson City hikes and restaurants, and hanging out with friends and my cat Steve.

Undergraduate School: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN; Medical School: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, TN.

Michael Sears, MD

I was born and raised in Brunswick, GA.  When I began looking for a residency program, I prioritized early operative experience, high volume and emphasis on broad-based general surgery training, all things, I believe will set me up for success to practice in a rural or possibly suburban setting.  I found all of this and more at ETSU.  Some of my hobbies include flounder gigging, running, cycling, competative shooting sports, growing peppers and hiking.  In my time outside the hospital, I'm going to enjoy exploring the mountains, rivers and lakes of East Tennessee.  I'm excited to call Johnson City home for the next five years.

Undergraduate School: College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick, GA; Medical School: Mercer School of Medicine, Savannah/Columbus, GA.

Michael Zaskey, MD

ETSU is a great blend of rigorous training, a helpful collegial atmosphere and an environment for personal and professional growth.  I enjoy hikes, trying new craft breweries, and discovering local restaurants; all with my beautiful wife, Kai.

Undergraduate School: Brown University, Providence, RI; Medical School: Brown University, Providence, RI.

Luke Anders, MD

ETSU deftly equips its surgery residents to be competent general surgeons or competitive specialists, all while being nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains that recharge my mind and body during time off.  I'm proud to call Johnson City my home!

Undergraduate School: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia; Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.  

Tariq Ayubi, MD

I'm coming from Northern Virginia, from a blue collar family, and am one of the first few in my family to go to college and medical school.  I chose ETSU becasue I wanted to learn how to become a general surgeon with a broad-based focus.  This program sees a wide-range of advanced pathology, whose residents feel safe and comfortable taking care of and operating on early in their residency.  In my free time I love exploring the downtown area, 3D printing, and building aquariums.

Undergraduate School:  Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; Medical School:  Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

Ashley Barbour, MD

I was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and traveled through the country working as a professional musical theater dancer before I went to medical school.  I chose ETSU because of it's long history of training general surgeons who are prepared for both private and practice and fellowship.  In my free time, I love hiking, visiting my sister in New York City, and working out.

Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Graduate: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC; Medical School:  Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greeneville, North Carolina.

Alyssa Brown, MD                

I grew up in Wilmington, MA but spent the last four years calling New Orleans, LA home.  The ETSU general surgery program was a good fit for me due to the wide-range of surgical experiences with high operative volume and the opportunity to pursue global surgery interests.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my fiance and working towards our goal of visiting all the National Parks in the United States.  I also enjoy baking, spending time at the beach and figure skating.  I am looking forward to exploring the mountains around ETSU and having more time for activities such as hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and ziplining.

Undergratuate School: St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY: Graduate School: Northeastern University, Boston, MA; Medical School: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.

Coty Cooper, MD          

I was born just outside of Johnson City in Elizabethton, TN.  I've continued to stay in the area and do my undergraduate, medical school, and now General Surgery Residency here at ETSU.  The early operative experiences, collegial residents, and program leadership that are receptive to feedback are some of the many reasons I chose to stay here.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two children, Suzie and Hozier.  There are many outdoor adventures to explore in this beautiful area full of mountains and lakes.

Undergraduate School: ETSU; Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine.

Charlotte Hawkins, MD          

I grew up in Richmond, VA and went to Coastal Carolina University where I majored in Marine Science.  I chose ETSU for the early operative experience, broad-based training, and supportive learning environment.  I am very interested in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and was drawn to ETSU as this program allows me to gain excellent experience in both of these fields.   In my free time I enjoy scuba diving, yoga, and exploring the great outdoors. 

Undergraduate School:  Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina; Medical School:  University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina.

Neil Horsley, MD

My career in healthcare began as a Certified Nurse's Assistant during my undergraduate studies.  This experience provided me the honor and privilege of directly serving patients; as their CNA, I was often the staff member whom they say the most on a daily basis. Now, as a physician, I cherish the physician-patient relationship and I am dedicated to embracing humanism in medicine. During interviews, it was evident that the faculty and staff of ETSU's general surgery residency program share this goal and are dedicated to training surgeons who are not only competent and highly skilled technicians, but superb clinicians. When not at the hospital, I may be found hiking Roan Mountain, sipping yerba mate, or playing a game of chess.

Undergraduate School:  University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Graduate School: University of Kentucky; Medical School:  University of Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, Kentucky.

Wyatt Whicker, MD

I was born in Memphis, TN, and spent most of my summers on our family cattle farm in Kentucky.  I moved to Johnson City for Medical School and met my wife here.  I chose ETSU because operative experience, unique patient population, and supportive culture within the program.  During my free time my wife and I enjoy hiking with our dogs, ballroom dancing, and playing board games. 

Undergraduate: University of Mississippi, University, MS; Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN.