Class of 2026
Anna Abbott, DO
Bio
Hometown: Nashville TN
Undergraduate: Berry College, Rome GA
Med School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg VA
Stats: I am a Nashville native and my family still lives in Tennessee. My fiancé Stephen and I are excited to be moving home. We have three dogs Nissa, Josie and AJ.
Hobbies: I enjoy being outside especially hiking and paddle boarding. I’ve recently started refinishing furniture and am excited to start some new projects.
What I did before Med school: I got my masters in biomedical sciences and completed my thesis in breast cancer research.
Why UT Jackson: I chose Jackson because it is an unopposed program. As residents we have the opportunity to be exposed to many aspects of medicine making us well rounded future family physicians. I am particularly interested in women’s health and UT Jackson has an excellent program and training for women’s health. The residents and faculty are all amazing, friendly, hardworking and treat each other as family. I could not think of a better place to train than UT Jackson.
Undergraduate: Berry College, Rome GA
Med School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg VA
Stats: I am a Nashville native and my family still lives in Tennessee. My fiancé Stephen and I are excited to be moving home. We have three dogs Nissa, Josie and AJ.
Hobbies: I enjoy being outside especially hiking and paddle boarding. I’ve recently started refinishing furniture and am excited to start some new projects.
What I did before Med school: I got my masters in biomedical sciences and completed my thesis in breast cancer research.
Why UT Jackson: I chose Jackson because it is an unopposed program. As residents we have the opportunity to be exposed to many aspects of medicine making us well rounded future family physicians. I am particularly interested in women’s health and UT Jackson has an excellent program and training for women’s health. The residents and faculty are all amazing, friendly, hardworking and treat each other as family. I could not think of a better place to train than UT Jackson.
Jahn O. Acevedo Ortiz, MD
Bio
Hometown: Bayamón, PR
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Stats:I am married to my High School sweetheart Andrea Marín. We have a 2y/o toddler named Cosmos, yes he is our little Universe, and two dogs named Milan and Magno.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and trying to teach something new to Cosmos every day. Also I love to play basketball, online chess, read about Astronomy or Cosmology and watch Real Madrid win. Hala Madrid!
What I did before medical school: I was enjoying my undergraduate years and I was the student manager for the UPR Rio Piedras. Arriba los Gallos!
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was looking for an unopposed program with plenty of exposure to hands on experience and which felt as a family environment. When I had my interview with UT-Jackson I knew I had found exactly what I was looking for. As soon as the interview was over I told my wife "How do you feel about moving to Tennessee?". UT-Jackson is a big program which offers everything a Resident needs to become the best Physician one could be.
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Stats:I am married to my High School sweetheart Andrea Marín. We have a 2y/o toddler named Cosmos, yes he is our little Universe, and two dogs named Milan and Magno.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and trying to teach something new to Cosmos every day. Also I love to play basketball, online chess, read about Astronomy or Cosmology and watch Real Madrid win. Hala Madrid!
What I did before medical school: I was enjoying my undergraduate years and I was the student manager for the UPR Rio Piedras. Arriba los Gallos!
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was looking for an unopposed program with plenty of exposure to hands on experience and which felt as a family environment. When I had my interview with UT-Jackson I knew I had found exactly what I was looking for. As soon as the interview was over I told my wife "How do you feel about moving to Tennessee?". UT-Jackson is a big program which offers everything a Resident needs to become the best Physician one could be.
Anwuli Anazia, MD
Bio
Hometown: Delta, Nigeria
Undergraduate: Jackson State University. Jackson, MS
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados
Stats: I am a proud member of a large extended family, so family is very important to me.
Hobbies: I am always down for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and going to the park. Love visiting historical sites such as museums.
What I did before medical school: I volunteered at a Gastroenterology center in Tylertown, MS
Why I chose UT-Jackson: The program's advanced obstetric curriculum was a unique feature that I appreciated during my interview. Following that, the healthy learning environment as well as the family orientated relationship among themselves inspired my decision.
Undergraduate: Jackson State University. Jackson, MS
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados
Stats: I am a proud member of a large extended family, so family is very important to me.
Hobbies: I am always down for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and going to the park. Love visiting historical sites such as museums.
What I did before medical school: I volunteered at a Gastroenterology center in Tylertown, MS
Why I chose UT-Jackson: The program's advanced obstetric curriculum was a unique feature that I appreciated during my interview. Following that, the healthy learning environment as well as the family orientated relationship among themselves inspired my decision.
Joshua Beck, DO
Bio
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama at Birmingmham
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Stats: We will be celebrating our 7 year marriage anniversary with my wife, Caitlin, in August 2023. We have a Beagle named Milo.
Hobbies: I’m an avid reader and gamer. I’ve also been known to watch TV dramas(Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Wednesday)
What I did before medical school: I worked as a scribe in the ER for the St. Vincent’s Health System in Birmingham, Alabama.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: Before the interview, UT-Jackson appealed to me because it was an unopposed family medicine residency with an emergency medicine fellowship. During the interview, they sealed the deal with a professional but friendly and down to earth atmosphere during the interview. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. When we were looking back and considering my rank list, my wife commented that I was genuinely beaming after the interview, and no other program had quite such a positive effect on me. I am looking forward to learning and growing as a physician and a person alongside my fellow residents!
Undergraduate: University of Alabama at Birmingmham
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Stats: We will be celebrating our 7 year marriage anniversary with my wife, Caitlin, in August 2023. We have a Beagle named Milo.
Hobbies: I’m an avid reader and gamer. I’ve also been known to watch TV dramas(Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Wednesday)
What I did before medical school: I worked as a scribe in the ER for the St. Vincent’s Health System in Birmingham, Alabama.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: Before the interview, UT-Jackson appealed to me because it was an unopposed family medicine residency with an emergency medicine fellowship. During the interview, they sealed the deal with a professional but friendly and down to earth atmosphere during the interview. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. When we were looking back and considering my rank list, my wife commented that I was genuinely beaming after the interview, and no other program had quite such a positive effect on me. I am looking forward to learning and growing as a physician and a person alongside my fellow residents!
Ryan Franz, MD
Bio
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Undergraduate: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Stats: Engaged, wedding in October of 2023!
Hobbies: Playing soccer, Call of Duty. If it’s sunny and warm, you’ll see me enjoying time outside. With my parents originally from Missouri, I root on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs! My fiancé is a UT alum and has opened my eyes to Vol football and baseball.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a soccer coach in Kasson and Rochester, MN. I also spent time volunteering as a EMT for the city of Eyota, MN.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: Having the ability to train at an unopposed program was a huge incentive for me, as it will let me fully explore every possibility of FM and train to be a great physician. On interview day, it was obvious to see how the residents viewed and loved their program, which made me want to experience the same and work with them in the future.
Undergraduate: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Stats: Engaged, wedding in October of 2023!
Hobbies: Playing soccer, Call of Duty. If it’s sunny and warm, you’ll see me enjoying time outside. With my parents originally from Missouri, I root on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs! My fiancé is a UT alum and has opened my eyes to Vol football and baseball.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a soccer coach in Kasson and Rochester, MN. I also spent time volunteering as a EMT for the city of Eyota, MN.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: Having the ability to train at an unopposed program was a huge incentive for me, as it will let me fully explore every possibility of FM and train to be a great physician. On interview day, it was obvious to see how the residents viewed and loved their program, which made me want to experience the same and work with them in the future.
Tarrah Frederick, DO
Bio
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Stats: I am a borderline crazy cat lady with two cute kitties, Oliver and Josie.
Hobbies: I have way too many plants, which include a few thriving (not dying, I promise) orchids. I also really enjoy playing the cajon in my spare time.
What I did before medical school: I played the snare drum for the Ole Miss Band and had a wonderful time there.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: The very first quality that I saw at UT Jackson was the family atmosphere between residents and faculty. Since having a strong community was high on the list of things I wanted to find in a residency, UT Jackson immediately stood out, Also, I really wanted to train at an unopposed program so that I could get as much experience as possible, and UT Jackson offer just that.
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn
Stats: I am a borderline crazy cat lady with two cute kitties, Oliver and Josie.
Hobbies: I have way too many plants, which include a few thriving (not dying, I promise) orchids. I also really enjoy playing the cajon in my spare time.
What I did before medical school: I played the snare drum for the Ole Miss Band and had a wonderful time there.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: The very first quality that I saw at UT Jackson was the family atmosphere between residents and faculty. Since having a strong community was high on the list of things I wanted to find in a residency, UT Jackson immediately stood out, Also, I really wanted to train at an unopposed program so that I could get as much experience as possible, and UT Jackson offer just that.
Colin Goad, DO
Bio
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: I am a first-generation college graduate and physician. I am married to Kaylie, my lovely wife of 2 years. We have a newborn son named Cason and two goldendoodles, Ember and Milo.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, going to the dog park, watching movies, and rooting for the Titans and Predators.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a scribe in the emergency department.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I chose UT-Jackson for several reasons. It is an unopposed program at a large hospital with a rural surrounding area. During my two away rotations here, I saw firsthand the diverse pathology and sheer volume of patients the residents are exposed to. There are many opportunities for a wide array of procedures and patient encounters. The staff and residents are kind and inviting, creating a feeling of inclusion. I truly believe I will become the best physician I can be at UT-Jackson.
Undergraduate: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: I am a first-generation college graduate and physician. I am married to Kaylie, my lovely wife of 2 years. We have a newborn son named Cason and two goldendoodles, Ember and Milo.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, going to the dog park, watching movies, and rooting for the Titans and Predators.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a scribe in the emergency department.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I chose UT-Jackson for several reasons. It is an unopposed program at a large hospital with a rural surrounding area. During my two away rotations here, I saw firsthand the diverse pathology and sheer volume of patients the residents are exposed to. There are many opportunities for a wide array of procedures and patient encounters. The staff and residents are kind and inviting, creating a feeling of inclusion. I truly believe I will become the best physician I can be at UT-Jackson.
Alexandra Korshun, DO
Bio
Hometown: Cleveland, TN
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee at Chatanooga, TN
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Auburn, AL
Stats: I have an orange tabby cat that I adopted from shelter when I was a third-year medical student
Hobbies: Fine arts- music, drawing, painting. Making simple and healthy foods. Learning about finance
What I did before medical school: I had one gap year and I worked as a scribe in the emergency room.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was looking for an unopposed program with robust inpatient curriculum, strong ER opportunities, and diverse medical pathology. I did a rotation there as a 4th year student and was impressed with the comradery and learning opportunities.
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee at Chatanooga, TN
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Auburn, AL
Stats: I have an orange tabby cat that I adopted from shelter when I was a third-year medical student
Hobbies: Fine arts- music, drawing, painting. Making simple and healthy foods. Learning about finance
What I did before medical school: I had one gap year and I worked as a scribe in the emergency room.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was looking for an unopposed program with robust inpatient curriculum, strong ER opportunities, and diverse medical pathology. I did a rotation there as a 4th year student and was impressed with the comradery and learning opportunities.
Allison C. McNeil, MD
Bio
Hometown: Savannah, TN
Undergraduate: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Medical School: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Stats: I am married to Nick. We have a goldendoodle named Sawyer and two cats, Tommy and
Niko.
Hobbies: I love going to the gym, cooking, and spending time outdoors with family.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a medical assistant at Jackson Heart in Jackson, MS.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was first drawn to UT-Jackson due to the full scope training with advanced obstetrics
in an unopposed program. I did an away rotation my fourth year of medical school and
absolutely loved the program and the city of Jackson. The faculty and residents are
truly like a big family. I know that I will get the very best training at UT-Jackson!
Taylor L. Potts, DO
Bio
Hometown: Waukee, IA
Undergraduate: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Medical School: A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: Getting married June 10, 2023 in South Dakota and moving to Tennessee the next day. Have a 4-year-old golden retriever named Josey - IG: @joseytheboydog
Hobbies: Spending quality time with my family and dog. Being active in my church and other Christian ministries. Cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Denver Broncos football teams while losing at fantasy football. Reading a good book. Playing Nintendo switch.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a nursing assistant starting in my senior year of high school then scribed for two ophthalmologists at the University of Iowa. I also traveled to Hawaii, Arizona, California, and Colorado.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I had a unique introduction to the program through the SOAP. Right away I felt a comfort and connection in this being a foreign process to both me and the program. Despite the limited interactions, I knew there was something different about this program. I am blessed to have chosen UT-Jackson. The people here continually surpass expectation and I cannot wait to start residency here.
Undergraduate: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Medical School: A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: Getting married June 10, 2023 in South Dakota and moving to Tennessee the next day. Have a 4-year-old golden retriever named Josey - IG: @joseytheboydog
Hobbies: Spending quality time with my family and dog. Being active in my church and other Christian ministries. Cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Denver Broncos football teams while losing at fantasy football. Reading a good book. Playing Nintendo switch.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a nursing assistant starting in my senior year of high school then scribed for two ophthalmologists at the University of Iowa. I also traveled to Hawaii, Arizona, California, and Colorado.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I had a unique introduction to the program through the SOAP. Right away I felt a comfort and connection in this being a foreign process to both me and the program. Despite the limited interactions, I knew there was something different about this program. I am blessed to have chosen UT-Jackson. The people here continually surpass expectation and I cannot wait to start residency here.
Krittika Thakuria, DO
Bio
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX
Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale AZ
Stats: Most of my immediate family still lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I have a little sister who I am very close with. I have a 2-year-old silver lab named River who I hike, bike, and jog with!
Hobbies: I love going to art shows and am a big reader! I’ve recently started to get more active, especially after adopting my dog, and am very excited to explore all the outdoor activities Tennessee has to offer!
What I did before medical school: I worked as a medical assistant and lead billing specialist for a podiatry clinic in Frisco, TX.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I chose UT-Jackson because it is an unopposed program with extensive opportunities to train as a well-rounded family physician and because of the program’s warm and friendly culture. I am still undecided as to whether I will pursue outpatient primary care versus hospital medicine, but I am confident that UT Jackson will not only equip me with the skills and training to excel in whatever path I choose, but also nurture my passion for family medicine!
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX
Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale AZ
Stats: Most of my immediate family still lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I have a little sister who I am very close with. I have a 2-year-old silver lab named River who I hike, bike, and jog with!
Hobbies: I love going to art shows and am a big reader! I’ve recently started to get more active, especially after adopting my dog, and am very excited to explore all the outdoor activities Tennessee has to offer!
What I did before medical school: I worked as a medical assistant and lead billing specialist for a podiatry clinic in Frisco, TX.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I chose UT-Jackson because it is an unopposed program with extensive opportunities to train as a well-rounded family physician and because of the program’s warm and friendly culture. I am still undecided as to whether I will pursue outpatient primary care versus hospital medicine, but I am confident that UT Jackson will not only equip me with the skills and training to excel in whatever path I choose, but also nurture my passion for family medicine!
Derek Wakefield, DO
Bio
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: I am the second oldest amongst my two brothers and two sisters.
Hobbies: I enjoy weightlifting, hiking, snow-skiing, soccer, Brazilian jiujitsu, music, board/video games, and playing with my dogs.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a nursing assistant at UTMC between college and medical school, and that was where I fell in love with patient care and knew I wanted to become a physician.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: After visiting the clinic, I found that the learning environment was wonderful. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was evident that there was a fantastic and supportive culture here. Moreover, the residents were very competent, and I ultimately wanted a program that produced physicians similar to what I seek to become.
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: I am the second oldest amongst my two brothers and two sisters.
Hobbies: I enjoy weightlifting, hiking, snow-skiing, soccer, Brazilian jiujitsu, music, board/video games, and playing with my dogs.
What I did before medical school: I worked as a nursing assistant at UTMC between college and medical school, and that was where I fell in love with patient care and knew I wanted to become a physician.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: After visiting the clinic, I found that the learning environment was wonderful. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was evident that there was a fantastic and supportive culture here. Moreover, the residents were very competent, and I ultimately wanted a program that produced physicians similar to what I seek to become.
