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PGY-1

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Keegan Kruckeberg, MD

Bio
Hometown: Sullivan, IL
Undergraduate: Eastern Illinois University
Medical School: Southern Illinois University
Interesting Tidbits: I was president of my FFA chapter in high school and competed in soil judging. EIU’s famous alumni includes Tony Romo, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jimmy John. This is the fist time I have lived outside of Illinois! 
What do I enjoy doing in my free time: I grew up next to a lake, so I love to fish (especially largemouth bass). I enjoy running and have run 2 half marathons and plan to run a full marathon. I spend a lot of time training my GSD/Cattle Dog mix. 
What do I like about our residency: I enjoyed my interview with the program and felt truly welcomed by the faculty and residents. I also think the unopposed curriculum of St. Francis will set me up for success. 
Career aspirations: I am keeping an open mind throughout residency. 

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Vaidehi Patel, MD

Bio
Hometown: Lexington, TN
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interesting Tidbits: I started a food blog in medical school that I update often with new and healthy recipes. 
What do I enjoy doing in my free time: I like to try out new recipes – cooking or baking. I also like to garden and am proudly a plant “mom”. Painting and crafts are other things I enjoy, too.  
What do I like about our residency: I like how our residency is unopposed which gives us a lot of opportunities to explore different parts of Medicine. I also am a fan of the community-centered healthcare practice in our residency.  
Career aspirations: I’d like to eventually practice medicine on a global scale and help as many people as possible with my own nonprofit one day!  

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Mitchell Paulson, DO

Bio
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Undergraduate: University of Missouri, Columbia
Medical School: AT Still University, KCOM
Interesting Tidbits: My elementary school friends and I speak in our own language that we use to this day. I also have three different food rating scales I use for meals I eat. 
What do I enjoy doing in my free time: I enjoy all sports, especially soccer, and usually have some sort of sporting event on TV or am staying active in some way. I also prioritize spending time with my wife and our new puppy, Phil, hanging out with my friends, and attending church regularly. Playing board games and grilling out are also things I love to do. 
What do I like about our residency: I connected with the residency at the AAFP conference and during the interview and thoroughly enjoyed my time with the residents and meeting every staff member. I love how broad and in-depth the curriculum is. 
Career aspirations: I aspire to be a well-rounded family physician who can move to any community and offer up my expertise on any area the community might need. 

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Sarah Powell, MD

Bio
Hometown: Houma, LA
Undergraduate: Louisianna State University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Interesting Tidbits: Yes, I’ve seen wild alligators. I also ride in a Mardi Gras parade in my hometown, and my favorite “throw” is ramen noodles.
What do I enjoy doing in my free time: I enjoy cooking for my family and spending time with them. I also enjoy art and cross-stitching. 
What do I like about our residency: I chose to come to St. Francis because of their focus on Obstetrics, allowing for the opportunity for full-spectrum practice.
Career aspirations: I am currently interested in pursuing a Family Medicine/Obstetrics fellowship before seeking a faculty position at a residency program and balancing teaching with private practice.

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Haley Severin, DO

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Vandan Thakkar, DO

Bio
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
Undergraduate: University of Maryland – Baltimore County
Medical School: Campbell University
Interesting Tidbits: I have lived in 3 countries and am a cricket fanatic.
What do I enjoy doing in my free time: I enjoy working out and spending time with my beautiful fiancé!
What do I like about our residency: I enjoy the “family” feeling UTHSC residency brings.
Career aspirations: After residency, I’d like to work in Sports Medicine or Emergency Medicine.

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Candace Wilson, MD

Bio
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate: Freed Hardeman University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Interesting Tidbits: I really enjoy crocheting and baking.  
What do I enjoy doing in my free time: I enjoy spending time with friends and family and taking my dog to the dog park.
What do I like about our residency: I wanted the opportunity to back to my hometown community, and everyone in the program, from attendings to residents, are all so warm and welcoming.
Career aspirations: I plan to continue working in the Memphis area and providing care for patients in my hometown. 
Aug 28, 2024