Class of 2027

Hometown: Smyrna , TN
Undergraduate: Elon University. Elon , NC
Medical School: LMU-DCOM
Hobbies: Working out, hiking, skiing, connecting with friends
What I did before medical school: A year of graduate school.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I love the large hospital in combination with family medicine being the only program on campus. I plan to practice independently post-residency and need to be confident in any situation. When researching and interviewing, I connected with the inviting culture and people here. We are quick to smile and joke but expect your best. 

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate: University of California - Los Angeles
Medical School: UTHSC
Stats: Captain, TN Army National Guard
Hobbies: Reading, bowling, DIY projects
What I did before medical school: MSc, Physiological Science Research - Diabetes
Why I chose UT-Jackson: The UT-Jackson residency program offers a welcoming and supportive environment, fostering both professional and personal growth for its residents. It is a program that goes beyond simply training physicians; the faculty and staff genuinely prioritize the well-being and development of each resident, treating them as individuals and supporting them throughout their journey. With their commitment to providing a comprehensive and rigorous medical education, UT-Jackson ensures that its residents receive exceptional training while also emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and personal growth. This unique combination of education and compassionate mentorship makes the program a standout choice for those looking to thrive both as healthcare providers and as people.

Hometown: Albemarle, NC
Undergraduate: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Stats: I am the youngest of 8 children, and I have a cat named Charlie.
Hobbies: I love music – classical violin, piano, singing. I also enjoy movies, crocheting, diamond painting, jigsaw puzzles, bowling, escape rooms, spin class, game night, and being active in my church.
What I did before medical school: I worked in a rural primary care clinic in Rocky Mount, NC, as a MedServe Fellow.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: UT-Jackson was the first program to contact me during SOAP. After meeting the team and learning about how strong the curriculum was, it was quickly the program to beat. During a stressful time, this is the place that felt right – genuinely supportive people, stellar education, and an unopposed program – it was a no-brainer for me. I truly believe UT-Jackson will make me the best physician I could possibly be.

Hometown: Cayey, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Puerto Rico
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Stats: I am currently single and a proud dog mom.
Hobbies: I enjoy mostly outdoors activities, particularly going to the beach, to the park, traveling and exploring different places. I also love to cook, paint, read and go to the gym. Lastly, but no less important, I love to spend quality time with family and friends.
What I did before medical school: While I was doing my bachelor degree General Sciences and to cover my own expenses during that time I worked in a retail store.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: During the Match process, UT-Jackson stood out to me for being a well rounded program, by being an unopposed and community based program. I was captivated by the strong Women's Health component and their plans of opening an OB/GYN Fellowship, which has been a big interest of mine since the beginning. During interviews I got a better understanding of the program and the welcoming environment; residents and staff members were so caring and genuine that I knew I wanted to be part of it. I was able to picture myself living in Tennessee and thriving in a program that would not only give me the necessary tools to achieve my goals, but also the most needed support through residency. I believe this program has all the qualities to help me succeed as a resident and become a knowledgeable, outstanding physician and the best version of myself.

Hometown: Gadsden, TN
Undergraduate: MTSU
Medical School: CMU-SOM
Stats: I am a west TN local and so happy to be home! I grew up in the Gadsden and Humboldt areas, graduated high school in Jackson, and worked on our family tree farm in Trenton. My husband is also starting as a resident physician this year too! We have one feisty feline named Henselae. 
Hobbies: long-distance running, MMA, tang soo do, weightlifting, horseback riding, gaming, reading, traveling, and language-learning
What I did before medical school: I worked as an ESL teacher in Normandy, France. Before that, I worked with a Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery Team at MTSU excavating skeletal remains at crime scenes here in Tennessee.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was actually born here in the Jackson General Hospital, so this already feels like home! I shadowed multiple physicians in Jackson when I was in college and they are simply phenomenal physicians and were incredibly inspiring! My late grandfather, Dr. Tom was also a Family Medicine physician and he absolutely loved being a physician here. Everyone at UT-Jackson immediately made me feel welcomed and were so well-rounded, optimistic, and confident that it was easy to see that this was the program for me!

Hometown: Canton, MI
Undergraduate: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Stats: I was born in Romania and immigrated to the United States with my family when I was 5 years old. I am the youngest of three siblings. I am married to my wonderful husband. 
Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, gardening, shopping and watching movies. 
What I did before medical school: I worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy while earning my undergraduate degree and then as a surgical scheduling coordinator at Michigan Spine & Brain Surgeons.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I never thought I would end up in Jackson Tennessee for my residency training; however, when I visited the area for my in-person interview and met the dedicated team behind the UT-Jackson program, I knew I had found something special. My decision to choose UT-Jackson was driven by its stellar reputation as an unopposed program that offers comprehensive training in family medicine. I firmly believe that UT-Jackson will best equip me with a robust foundation of skills to excel as a family physician. Yet, what truly makes UT-Jackson exceptional is the authentic sense of camaraderie and the family-like atmosphere it fosters. 

Hometown: Greenville, SC
Undergraduate: Furman University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Stats: I'm currently looking forward to spending time in the beautiful Tennessean outdoors during my training!
Hobbies: I enjoy outdoor activities like going to the beach, swimming, hiking, and running.
What I did before medical school: I worked for a German biotech company in Rochester, New York.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: UT Jackson has an excellent reputation as an unopposed and heavily procedural program that prepares graduates for any style of practice they wish to pursue. Having an interest in rural practice, I knew that UT Jackson would provide me with the rigorous didactics and rotation experiences I would need to thrive as a family practitioner in this environment. They have a strong family culture, and the faculty are clearly committed towards ensuring our success as physicians. For me, the choice was obvious.

Hometown: Milan, TN
Undergraduate: University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Stats: My girlfriend, Jenna, and I will be celebrating our 7-year anniversary in June.  We have two miniature dachshunds, Babette and Fluff.
Hobbies: I enjoy weightlifting and doing lots of outdoor activities such as fishing, disc golf, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
What I did before medical school: I worked as an EKG technician at Jackson General Hospital. 
Why I chose UT-Jackson: My decision to choose this residency program was greatly influenced by my positive experiences during multiple medical school rotations at UT Jackson. Being close to my hometown and family further solidified my choice. The warmth and camaraderie among the faculty, residents, and their families during a summer research project during my M1 year and clinical rotations at UT Jackson left a lasting impression on me. I could envision myself being a part of this close-knit community for years to come. Additionally, the program's unopposed nature and impressive history made it an easy and exciting decision for me.

Hometown: Jackson, TN
Undergraduate: Union University, Jackson, TN
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Stats: My wife, Megan, and I will be celebrating our two-year wedding anniversary in May 2024. We are so happy to celebrate the birth of our daughter Lilah in March 2024. 
Hobbies: My wife and I love to spend time outdoors with our daughter and three dogs. We enjoy going to the dog park and going on walks. I also enjoy gardening, tennis, raising chickens, and fishing. 
What I did before medical school: I came to medical school straight from Union. At Union, I enjoyed working in different departments within the Office of Student Life, as well as working as a CNA at the local hospital. 
Why I chose UT-Jackson: There were three main aspects that I sought during the interview process from a residency program. I wanted to train at a program where Family Medicine was respected. In Jackson, there is a rich network of alumni physicians that promote the program both at the hospital and in the community. Further, the ER physicians are all Family Medicine trained. Secondly, I wanted a program that provided a comprehensive educational experience in all aspects of Family Medicine. On my rotations here, I can verify that this program trains a family physician well in all aspects of medicine. Finally, I wanted to train at a program where I could serve underserved communities. Madison County sits at the junction of multiple counties in West Tennessee with shortages in primary care, mental health care, and obstetrical care. Also, there is a large Spanish speaking population. With these three aspects, Jackson was the ideal place for me to train.

Hometown: Paris, TN
Undergrad: The University of TN, Knoxville 
Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: My husband and I are from Paris, TN and we are very excited to be moving closer to home! We have two dogs, George Tucker and Severus Snape. 
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time in nature appreciating God’s beautiful creation. I love to spend time with my family, walking my dogs, running, and reading a good book. 
What I did before medical school: During undergrad, I was very involved in the local ministry. I served as Chaplain in a Christian Sorority and got to lead young women closer to Christ. I also went on a Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic. 
Why I chose UT Jackson: As my husband and I planned for our future, we desired to move closer to our hometown to be near family. When I first visited UT Jackson, I knew it was the perfect fit for us. The community, relationships, and support between residents and faculty was immediately evident. I wanted a residency where I could grow both as a physician and as a person, and I knew I found it here. I can’t wait to see what the next three years have in store for us. 

Hometown: Tarpon Springs, Florida
Undergraduate: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean, St. Maarten 
Stats: First generation physician and proud member of a large Greek family. I have two older brothers and a younger sister. Aunt to my two adorable nephews! 
Hobbies: I love spending time in the sun, exploring different cultures and cuisines, enjoying time with friends and family, and watching old Hollywood films.  
What I did before medical school: I worked as a medical scribe in various work settings including the emergency department, family medicine outpatient clinic, and specialist outpatient clinics. I also volunteered at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida where I interacted and cared for patients and their families. 
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I felt very comfortable with the faculty and residents during my interview. I could envision myself working here with this welcoming, supportive group of people and felt I could call this place home. Not to mention, the residency program is unopposed, very well established, and has strengths in emergency medicine and obstetrics/gynecology, which are some of my interests. After my interview, I could not stop thinking about UT-Jackson because it had everything I was looking for in a residency program. I am grateful I have  this incredible opportunity to train here because I feel UT-Jackson will help me become the best, well-rounded family physician I can be. 

Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Undergraduate: Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University
Stats: I am the youngest of three siblings. Most of my family is still in Arkansas so I like to visit when I can. 
Hobbies: Outdoors I enjoy hiking, running, kayaking, camping, gardening, and playing sports (tennis, soccer, and racquetball). Indoors I love playing board games, watching movies, or reading. 
What I did before medical school: I had a gap year prior to matriculating into medical school where I held 4 jobs. I worked as the graduate assistant for the alumni office of my undergraduate university while starting my masters in Psychology. I also worked at the Barnes and Noble on campus. Healthcare wise I worked as an ED Tech and Switchboard Operator at Saint Mary’s Regional Health System in Russellville, AR. 
Why I chose UT-Jackson: After doing an audition rotation I fell in love with the program. The sheer volume of patients with varying acuity and being an unopposed family medicine program was impressive in and of itself. In addition to that the faculty were the most knowledgeable and easiest to talk to out of every program I had looked at. The residents I got to interact with had nothing but good things to say about the place they worked and the program they were a part of.

Hometown: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Undergraduate: Brock University, St. Catharines, ON
Medical School: XUSOM
Stats: Canada --> Chicago --> Jackson. Enamored with the opportunity to train in the best specialty with my best friend in the best program.
Hobbies: Cooking, lifting, gaming, tutoring, reading sci-fi novels, technology, and film/TV analysis. 
What I did before medical school: I was a personal trainer and massage therapist. 
Why I chose UT-Jackson: In the age of virtual interviews, it's something special when a program takes the time to interview its candidates in person. When it's also an unopposed program with access to prestigious fellowships, faculty who genuinely care about their residents, and glowing recommendations from current residents - coming here was an obvious choice. I cannot wait to plant roots in Jackson and make it my forever home. 

Hometown: Kannapolis, NC
Undergraduate: High Point University, High Point, NC
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: I am a follower of Messiah, a husband, and a father. I am grateful to be a first-generation college graduate and physician.
Hobbies: You can find me spending time with my family, homesteading, hunting, overlanding, or deep in theological study.
What I did before medical school: I served my community as an EMT throughout undergrad, obtained my master’s degree in biomedical science at Liberty University, then worked as a high school teacher and athletic trainer.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: As an unopposed program that puts an emphasis on comprehensive family medicine, Jackson provides all the opportunities needed to practice full-spectrum family medicine including breadth and depth in procedural medicine. The leadership is entirely supportive of osteopathic manipulative medicine and fosters an environment enabling development of my skills. During my two away rotations at Jackson, I experienced the incredible volume of patients, diversity of pathology, and acuity the residents are entrusted with daily. Additionally, these residents are truly competent, and I am confident the team here will push me to be my best as a physician.