Family Medicine Chattanooga Residents

Liat Bainvoll, MD
PGY-1 Resident
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I attended undergraduate at UCLA, where I met my husband , Jake, and went across town to USC for medical school. I am passionate about promoting healthy habits in my patients and plan to practice outpatient primary care. OUtside of work, I love hosting dinner parties, binging TV, traveling and playing with my mini poodle, Hershey.

Elizabeth Harper, MD
PGY-1 Resident
Baylor College of Medicine

I come to Chattanooga by way of Houston, Texas, where I attended Baylor College of Medicine. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, live music, art, and dog sitting for my co-residents. My professional interests include neurodevelopmental medicine and women's health. I've found this program to be a supportive and comprehensive learning environment set in a vibrant community with beautiful nature.

Tim McBride, MD
PGY-1 Resident
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport

I grew up on a ranch in central Louisiana, raising animals and exploring the bayou with my five siblings. My father is a family physician and my mother was a nurse who homeschooled all six of us. I stayed close to home as I completed my undergrad degree at Louisiana Tech University, and went on to medical school at Louisiana State University SOM in Shreveport. I see the Family Medicine doc as a "jack of all trades", and I want to be the doctor that can diagnose and treat the majority of diseases or injuries in most people.When I'm not working or studying, I love rock climbing (indoor and outdoor), and Ultimate Frisbee.

Luke Otstot, MD
PGY-1 Resident
Medical College of Georgia

I was born in Tamp, FL, but lived throughout the southeast prior to starting undergraduate school. I attended University of Georgia, where I graduated with honors with a degree in both Microbiology and Biology. I gained my medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia with Augusta, and joined the UTFM Chattanooga residency in 2023. As a resident, I enjoy practicing in the full scope of Family Medicine from Obstetrics and Newborns to Geriatrics. When I'm not working, I can be found with my wife and daughter at the education museum, aquarium and zoo. I also enjoy reading and cooking during my personal time.

Rosh Rao, MD
PGY-1 Resident
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

I was born in Arizona, but I grew up and did all my schooling in Memphis, TN, so I consider it home. I have always played sports (basketball, soccer, table tennis, ultimate frisbee. etc.), enjoy fitness, and love a variety of physical activities, like hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and exploring different terrains. I played violin for 8 years, enjoying some of that time as part of an orchestra. Traveling to different cities and countries has always been a passion of mine, and I plan to journey to many more. I developed a love for gardening during the pandemic, and it has become an exciting and peaceful experience for me. I always take the chance to visit my family back home, and take my dog to trails and lakes. I chose family medicine because I love interacting with people of all kinds, while both learning from and teaching them. I am thankful to be part of this program because of the support, compassion, and expertise it possesses, and I am interested in pursuing a musculoskeletal, dermatological, and procedural focus.

Daniel Sweet
PGY-1 Resident
University of Louisville School of Medicine

I grew up in my father's Family Medicine practice in Louisville, KY, and I've always felt at home in the outpatient clinic. I completed my Bachelor's of Science in Biology-Cellular Physiology, and continued on to medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. I was impressed with the city of Chattanooga, and the FM residency program. One of the aspects of the program that drew me in was the dedication to producing full spectrum Family Physicians, while allowing residents every opportunity to tailor their experience towards their areas of interest. When I have free time, I enjoy exploring the city or just relaxing with my wife.

Rudy Timm, DO
PGY-1 Resident
Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

I grew up in Natchez, Mississippi before finishing high school in Little Rock, Arkansas  and completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas. I went to medical school at Kansas City University. I am entering residency with a significant interest in maternal and child health while motivated to become a competent physician in full-scope family medicine. I hope to practice in a resource-poor setting one day. During my free time in residency, I enjoy exploring the beautiful outdoors surrounding Chattanooga , staying in contact with family (shout out to my five sisters), and creating a community for myself here in Chatt. 

Lydia Cook, MD
PGY-2 Resident
Indiana University School of Medicine

I am from Bloomington, Indiana, and I went to Sewanee for undergraduate and Indiana University for medical school. I enjoy rock climbing and hiking, and I was drawn to Chattanooga in part because of the many opportunities for outdoor activities. I am proud to be working with a program that values and supports its residents and is so invested in our well-being. I have particular interest in adult outpatient medicine and outreach to underserved communities. I am excited to be joining such a wonderful community and to have the opportunity to explore beautiful Chattanooga and the surrounding area!

Robin Denny, MD
PGY-2 Resident
Loma Linda University School of Medicine

I am from Texas and Maryland. I attended Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. I enjoy nature, national and historical parks, aquariums, visiting family and friends, etc. I am most interested in Lifestyle Medicine, Tropical Medicine and Rural Medicine.

Christian Givens, MD
PGY-2 Resident
St. George's University School of Medicine

Hello! My name is Christian Givens and I am originally from Hendersonville, TN. I went to undergrad at ETSU where I majored in Physics. I went to medical school at St. George's University and did clinical rotations in Brooklyn, NY and Miami, FL. I have a wife and two poodles and we love being outdoors hiking and kayaking when we have time off. I also love making trips out west for snowboarding in the winter.

Onika Kelly, MD
PGY-2 Resident
Morehouse School of Medicine

I am a Georgia native. I went to Kennesaw State University for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in Psychology, and minored in Chemistry. I stayed in Georgia and went to medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine. I have a huge passion for preventative health, and I want to have an impact on my patients by promoting health education. When I'm not working, I enjoy exploring different activities in the Chattanooga area.

Dylan O'Neal, MD
PGY-2 Resident
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

I am from Turtletown, TN. I've spent most of my life in the mountains where I have my family, including my wife and daughter. I went to college and medical school at UT. Where I live now is only a short drive from my childhood home. I came to Chattanooga for the ability to give back to my local community for the good mix of adult and pediatric medicine with the adult and children's hospitals being literally attached to each other. One of the most important things to me is that everyone in the program is a friend, from the residents to the attendings. My favorite activity is watching my daughter grow up. My spare time is usually for painting models, drawing, or playing tabletop games.

Daniel Raley, MD
PGY-2 Resident
East Tennessee University, Quillen College of Medicine

I grew up in Franklin, TN before completing my undergrad at ETSU in Johnson City, TN where I met my wife, Cheyenne. Together, we are raising our son, Sam, and our chocolate lab, Ace. They both bring their charming and crazy personalities and make sure there is never a dull moment at our house! I went to medical school at ETSU, but decided to come to Chattanooga because of the camaraderie I felt between the residents and faculty. I was also drawn to the emphasis on Lifestyle Medicine and exposure to Sports Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active by going hiking and weight lifting. Some of my other hobbies include playing board games, jiu-jitsu, and Dungeons and Dragons.

Aaron Van Alstine, MD
PGY-2 Resident
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

I am from Memphis, Tennessee, but my heart belongs to the mountains. After graduating medical school at UTHSC, I packed my bags for lovely Chattanooga to join the Family Medicine residency here. I enjoy the "jack of all trades" nature of Family Medicine, and I have a particular fondness for working with my patients who can speak other languages. I anticipate working in an outpatient setting in the future. On my days off, you can probably catch me kayaking, expanding my mineral collection, or sitting at the piano plunking out tunes that are almost recognizable as music.

Alex Jones, MD
PGY-3 Chief Resident
University of Colorado School of Medicine

I am from Denver, Colorado, and graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. I love spending time with my wife, sports, gaming, and anything that involves competition. I'm most interested in Sports Medicine and business.

Matt Rotondo, MD
PGY-3 Chief Resident
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

I grew up in Knoxville, TN. I attended Duke University and was able to witness the basketball team win a national title! I chose this program because of its well-rounded training combined with the flexibility to hone in on other disciplines within Family Medicine. I love the city of Chattanooga; it has so many outdoor activities to experience. From hiking to creek crossing and river drifting, I usually spend my free time outside in the wilderness or at the dog park with my husky, Kimber.

William Noggle, MD
PGY-3 Resident
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

I'm a native of Knoxville, TN. I went to Sewanee where I played soccer and majored in German and Environmental Studies. I'm a native of Knoxville, TN. I went to Sewanee where I played soccer and majored in German and Environmental Studies. I attended UTHSC in Memphis, and I chose Family Medicine due to the breadth of training, and I'm planning on going into outpatient medicine and having a procedure-heavy practice. My interests outside of work include spending time with my wife and 3 kids, cooking, trail running, playing soccer, gardening, mountain biking, and triathlons. I love Chattanooga and plan to stay in the area!

Ryan Thornton, MD
PGY-3 Resident
Loma Linda University School of Medicine

I was born in Oregon and have lived all across the west coast, eventually settling in Southern California for a few years for medical school. I was drawn to the program here in Chattanooga because of the caring and supportive faculty and residents. I particularly enjoy adventuring outdoors, playing games with friends, and traveling.