Chattanooga Pediatrics Residents

Joshua Bland, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Tanner Cabbage, DO
PGY-1
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jenna Dedeker, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: Loma Linda University

Hello! I was born and raised here in Chattanooga. I attended a small college just outside of Chattanooga, where I met my husband. We both went out to Southern California for graduate school, but the south was always calling me back. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to train here where I am close to family and in a program I love. During my spare time I like to hike with my husband and dogs, camp, watch football and spend time with my family.

Katie DeMars, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: East Tennessee State University

Hey guys! I was born and raised in Chattanooga. I went to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for undergrad, after spending a year at UT-Knoxville. Following a gap year, I went up to the mountains of Johnson City, TN for med school at East Tennessee State University. I love my hometown and knew I wanted to explore our program. I did an inpatient away rotation here and I loved it! Our attendings and residents are very close knit. I felt like a part of the family early on, and knew I wanted to call Erlanger home. Chattanooga is an awesome city and has something for everyone. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, spending time with my family and significant other, and grabbing a craft beer with friends.

Merla Hubler, MD, PhD
PGY-1
Medical School: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

I was born in Germany and grew up in central Illinois. I did my undergrad at the University of Illinois, then moved down to Tennessee for grad school. I completed the medical scientist training program at Vanderbilt University. I am now so happy to be a part of the UT Chattanooga Pediatrics Program! Since starting in the program, it has felt like home. Not only do all the residents support each other, but we have uniquely close relationships with the attendings. I have also fallen in love with Chattanooga for many reasons - the outdoor activities, cool breweries and restaurants, and the comfortable size of the city. Chattanooga and this program are hidden gems. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else!

Daniel Mathis, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: East Tennessee State University

I was born and raised in Mt. Juliet, TN. I went to Union University in west Tennessee to complete my undergraduate degree in biochemistry, where I also put a ring on my high school sweetheart's finger. We then traveled up I-40 to the other side of the state for medical school at East Tennessee State University. Chattanooga was a fun place I would visit growing up, but I really fell in love with the city and the people when I did a rotation here as a medical student. Within the program, I sensed a sincere desire to invest in me as an individual and as part of a close-knit family. I feel very blessed to be here for my training! When outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and Siberian Husky, taking in the outdoors, checking out new food and coffee scenes, being involved in a local church community, and following my favorite sports teams (Go Vols!).

Nikita Patil, DO
PGY-1
Medical School: William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone! My name is Nikita Patil. I'm originally from Los Angeles, CA, and I've been in Houston, TX for the last couple years. I went to Marist College in upstate New York to get my bachelors in Biomedical Sciences. I then moved down to Hattiesburg, MS for medical school. I've been all over! During my 4th year of medical school, I did an away rotation in the Children's Emergency Department here and I immediately knew that this was the program and town for me. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive and friendly group of people. I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, and thankfully there's a ton to do around here. I also enjoy baking, reading, and can't wait to try all the restaurants Chattanooga has to offer! I'm so excited to train here, alongside all the amazing faculty and residents.  

David Sheron, II, MD
PGY-1
Medical School: American University of the Carribean

Jared Amos, MD
PGY-2
Medical School:  Loma Linda University

Hi, all, my name is Jared Amos.  I'm originally from New Hampshire, but moved to Kettering Ohio to pursue a degree in Human Biology.  I then went to Loma Linda Universy in Loma Linda, California for medical school. I consider Chattanooga to be my second home, because it's where I met and married my wife. I am greatly honored that I had the opportunity to move my family back here and pursue a residency in pediatrics at UTCOM. I look forward to learning to be the best pediatrician I can be.

Jeremiah Arnold, DO
PGY-2
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi all! Jeremiah here. Here’s a little bit about me. I was born in Memphis, moved to Mississippi, back to Tennessee, then left for Georgia. I went to culinary school near Atlanta, got my undergraduate degree at Georgia State, then moseyed my way to Suwanee, GA for medical school. Interesting fact, I ended up changing to a plant-based diet the first semester of medical school (insert protein deficiency comment here). Rest assured, I’m doing alright. I have a cat, not so ironically named Cheddar, a fiancé, and recently purchased a home! I did a rotation here during my 4th year of medical school and loved it! Everyone genuinely wants to help and teaching is through inspiration, not intimidation. The city is warm and inviting, the views are awe-inspiring, and the food is scrumdiddlyumptious! If you see me around say, “Hi!”

Elizabeth "Beth" Seagroves Brooke, MD
PGY-2
Medical School:  University of Louisville School of Medicine (KY)

Caroline Hawes, MD
PGY-2
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Marlie Patel, DO
PGY-2
Medical School:Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine 

I‘m from East Lansing, MI and attended Michigan State University (go green!) for undergrad. At MSU I met my fiancé, Nick Campbell, who is currently an IM resident here at Erlanger! We went to Campbell University for medical school down in North Carolina. We loved southern weather so much, we decided to stay for residency! We love to be outside- hiking, running, kayaking and can’t wait to spend more time in Chattanooga!

Sarah Rodriguez-Sawao, DO
PGY-2
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

E. Jacob White, MD
PGY-2
Medical School: University of Virginia

My name is Jacob, and I am thrilled to be training here at UTCOM! I grew up not to far from Chattanooga in the rural town of Hammondville, Alabama. From there, I went on to study Biophysics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, then Medicine at the University of Virginia. I love the rich natural beauty of the Tennessee Valley, and am happy to return to serve the communities in and around Chattanooga!  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, eating great food, gardening, exercising, listening to podcasts, and occasionally reading or playing music.

Perrin Windham, MD
PGY-2
Medical School: University of South Alabama 

I am originally from Daphne, AL near Mobile and spent the first 18 years of my life there. I went to the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL for undergrad where I majored in Biology with minors in Spanish and Chemistry and quickly found it was my home away from home. After graduating, I was fortunate to be able to head back home to Mobile for medical school at the University of South Alabama. When faced with the possibility of moving from home again for residency, I was excited for a new adventure but hoped I could be as lucky to find a place where I felt at home like I did in Montevallo. After I interviewed at UTC and spent some time in Chattanooga, I realized this would be the best place for me and even though it was 6 hours from Daphne, I felt like this could be my new home. I'm so excited to be in Chattanooga and look forward to learning and growing as a physician!

Margaret "Meg" Armour-Jones, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: St. George's University, Grenada 

I was born and raised in Sewanee, TN, about an hour away from Chattanooga. I spent my first 2 years of college there as well, and I participated in the EMS program during my time there. I became an EMT and worked both on the ambulance and in the ER at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis where I did my second half of college at University of Memphis. This set me on the track to go to medical school! I went to St. George’s University in Grenada for medical school. While there I spent any spare time SCUBA diving and hiking, and even got Rescue SCUBA certified. I was so happy to return to Chattanooga for my residency, as I’m so close to home! Here I have become an avid member of the local Crossfit community, and I try to spend as much time as I can at the gym or at the local dog parks with my Great Dane!

Alexandra Biller, DO
PGY-3
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York 

I am orginally from and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. I attended college at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where I majored in Biology and Psychology and minored in Spanish. After finishing my degrees I spent a year working as a patient care technician at the Medical University of South Carolina; it was there that I realized I belonged in the crazy but fun world of Pediatrics. I moved to New York in order to be part of the inagural class of a new medical school and enjoyed the change of pace and scenery, but I realized my heart was back in the Southeast. I first came to UT Chattanooga and the Children's Hospital at Erlanger as a visiting 4th year medical student and immediately fell in love with the city, the people, and most of all the residency program. After four short weeks, the residents already felt like a part of my family! As soon as I left I knew this program had a special place in my heart, and I was thrilled when I found out I had matched here for residency. This program has so much to offer with incredible faculty and mentors, amazing co-residents who truly become your closest friends and family, and learning opportunities around every corner. I love Chattanooga and all of the things it has to offer: hiking, outdoor activities, restaurants, events, music, art, and beautiful river and mountain views around every corner. I feel so lucky to be here and cannot imagine being anywhere else! 

Sarah Jane Camper, DO
PGY-3
Medical School: LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lindsey Gordon, DO
PGY-3
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born and raised in Dayton, OH. I completed my undergraduate degree in biology and psychology at The University of Kentucky. I then moved to WV for medical school at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. I was fortunate enough to do a rotation in Chattanooga during my fourth year and knew instantly it would make for an excellent training program with friendly faculty. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my fellow co-residents, and trying out the abundance of restaurants in the city! 

Srirupa Hari Gopal, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: Kilpauk Medical College, India 

Hello, I am Rupa! I was born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India. I went to Medical School in India and moved to the US after marrying my best friend, who I have known for almost 20 years now!!! We lived in Nashville and loved visiting Chattanooga. I remember coming to Ruby falls as one of my first weekend getaways and absolutely loved the city for the picturesque views and outdoorsy activities.  I enjoy spending time with my husband, travelling, baking, binge-watching series and of course, long naps!!I am also trained in Indian classical music and use singing as a way to calm myself down. Our program is a wonderful place to train at. The faculty and residents are very supportive and this is a beautiful family to be a part of.

Stephanie Mueller, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: St. George's University, Grenada

Hi there! I am originally from a small farm town in Southern Illinois and had the opportunity to move down South for my undergraduate degree at Southeastern Louisiana University, where I was a volleyball student-athlete. After traveling 10 hours away from my humble beginnings, I decided to head even further south for my medical school career at St. George’s University, on the beautiful island of Grenada. After undergrad, my heart belonged to the South. With that said, I also needed mountains, bodies of water, and a plethora of outdoor activities- Chattanooga was a perfect match. I was additionally thrilled to come to UTCOM Chattanooga for Peds residency because of the opportunities unique to a smaller program- attendings love to teach and show a genuine interest in us as individuals and my co-residents are my family!

Kathryn Oelsner, MD
PGY-3
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. I went to Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where I met my husband (who is currently a General Surgery resident at Erlanger). We got married 2 weeks before starting medical school at the Medical Universtiy of South Carolina in Charleston, SC and went through the experience together. We had our son, William, there in Charleston. We discvoered Chattanooga first during medical school and fell in love with the city. It's not only a beautiful place to live, it's a great place to raise a family and you will never get bored with all the activities available ( from hiking, paddle-boarding to restaurants and the aquarium downtown). In our spare time, we like to hike, explore the parks and walks downtown, race around the house with my son's toy firetruck, or grab a cup of coffee at Milk and Honey. 

Michael Palmieri, MD
PGY-3
Cooper Medical School: Rowan University, NJ