Class of 2022

Hometown: Nashville, TN 
Undergraduate: Carson-Newman University and University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine
Medical School: East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine
Stats: Married to Alberta and we have one daughter, Bella
Hobbies: Flying, Snorkeling, Scuba, Kayaking and Sci-Fi Films
What I did before medical school: I was a paramedic, Army flight medic, physician assistant and Army flight surgeon
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I chose UT Jackson for the wealth of training opportunities here that I knew would prepare me well for my career ahead. While visiting, the attendings, fellow residents, and staff made me feel like family immediately.

Hometown: Farmerville, LA
Undergraduate: University of Louisiana at Monroe
Medical School: Louisiana State University Health and Science Center Shreveport
Stats: I have a girlfriend that is an RN at Vanderbilt, and although I have a huge love for dogs, I do not have any pets of my own.
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Cooking, and Golf
What I did before medical school: I lived in Farmerville, Louisiana were I worked as an Emergency Room Tech at our local hospital and held various manual labor jobs.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I chose this program because of the unparalleled education and continued training I would receive at an unopposed program as reflected by tremendous performance on board exams. In addition to the education, the camaraderie witnessed between the residents, faculty, and staff was remarkable. I was looking for a program that would challenge me, encourage me, and prepare me for my future as a Family Medicine Physician all while training in an enjoyable atmosphere. I can confidently say that I found everything I was looking for and more in Jackson, Tennessee.

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN
Undergraduate: Indiana State University
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Stats: Married to my wonderful wife, Payton. We have a French bulldog, Nox. I also have a marimo moss ball, Takyasu, which has somehow survived all of my moving throughout medical school.
Hobbies: Hiking and hammocking, cooking, exercising, photography, keeping up with my wife’s dog.
What I did before medical school: I went to medical school directly after undergrad, where I majored in Biology and Language Studies and minored in Civic Leadership.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: After my interview, it was clear to me that everyone within the program works hard in order to cultivate an atmosphere that is welcoming and conducive to training knowledgeable, empathetic physicians. It also was very important to me that I received my training at an unopposed program: I wanted to have the exposure to procedures, critical care, and inpatient medicine in addition to OB and outpatient clinic in order to be a well-rounded physician and prepared for whatever I decide to do when I grow up. Throughout medical school I’ve had a growing interest in emergency and sports medicine, so I find the Emergency Medicine Fellowship a particularly exciting potential opportunity.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Emory University, Atlanta
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
Stats: Married to my beautiful wife, Brittany, and we have a daughter on the way
Hobbies: Cooking, Racquetball, Video Games
What I did before medical school: We got married early and moved to Atlanta. She worked while I was getting my undergraduate degree.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: Tennessee is our home, and we love it. I chose UT-Jackson because family medicine in an unopposed program provides a uniquely rich, well-rounded learning environment. I rotated through as a third year student, and loved the culture and people. So, I came back as a fourth year student interested in emergency medicine, and was impressed with the busiest ER in Tennessee and those who make it happen. This program offers the career options I want, and I look forward to using the skills and experience gained from this program to give back to my community.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Tennessee State University, Nashville
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: Former D-1 athlete (football), Married to the G.O.A.T., Follower of Christ, Optimistic, Adventurous, Competitive
Hobbies: Basketball,Football, Snowboarding, Pickleball, Golf, Tennis, ...all things sports (watching or playing), board/group games, watching Netflix (Stranger Things/Parenthood) with my wife, enjoy reading - favorites (fiction) Dune by Frank Herbert and (non-fiction) Love Does by Bob Goff
What I did before medical school: I lived in Nashville. I worked at at FedEx while i was finishing school. I lived with four guys and every weekend we would travel to a new city and hangout. I also used to help my best friend with a program called Game On. It was a place where young kids, on Saturday nights, would come play ball, eat some food, and talk about the gospel. I got accepted to medical school the Friday before classes started, so I actually started a job, got the acceptance call, and quit the same day.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: My wife and I are from TN, but other than location, the staff and the people in the program really made it an easy choice. They were the most welcoming and down-to-earth people during the audition/application season. Even with their busy schedules they seemed to be one of the happiest and closest groups I got to meet. The residents and the attendings I was with provided a challenging but awesome learning environment. The hospital gets a lot of volume and the residents have a lot of responsibility which meant to me more opportunity to learn and a challenge I get to step up to. I do not want to leave residency feeling unprepared and I knew then that wouldn't happen if I came here. After two years of rotations I had the most fun and learned the most on this one. I got up every single day excited to come in and I have no doubts that will continue for the next three years. How could I pass up the opportunity to come to one of the best programs in the country?

Hometown: Murray, KY
Undergraduate: Murray State University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Stats: Married to my high-school sweetheart, Brooklyn. We have 4 dogs, a cat, green-cheek conure, flock of hens, and 2 horses (luckily my wife is a vet tech)
Hobbies: Anything involving the outdoors - fishing, hunting, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, camping
What I did before medical school: I lived in Murray, KY and worked as a Tech/Orderly in the Emergency Room, an EMT on the Ambulance Service, and was on the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I was looking for a program that would provide me with ample procedural opportunities and prepare me to practice within the full scope of family medicine. All the residents and staff were extremely welcoming and it felt like one big family when touring the clinic and hospital. After attending my initial interview and 2nd look weekend, it was obvious the program at UT-Jackson is second to none. I plan to practice within the great state of Tennessee upon completing my training, so moving back to a TN program was desirable. The Emergency Medicine Fellowship is also a great bonus. I am proud to call UT-Jackson my home for residency and I am confident I made the right decision.

Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate: Union University - Jackson, TN
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine - Memphis, TN
Stats: I have a partner named Tim.
Hobbies: Attending concerts, bowling, cooking, ping pong, traveling, video games
What I did before medical school: I worked full time as an ER scribe.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I spent time at UT-Jackson through their summer research program for first year medical students and later on as a fourth year rotation. The faculty and residents were very welcoming. I was easily able to find valuable mentors and role models. I want to practice full-spectrum family medicine, and this program has everything family medicine has to offer!

Hometown: Chelsea, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Stats: Single with two adorable Maltese puppies
Hobbies: Dance, Baking, SCUBA diving, playing with my puppies, and reading mystery novels
What I did before medical school: I was on the Blazerette dance team at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. I performed each week with the marching band. I also taught ballroom dance classes.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I learned about this amazing program at the Family Medicine National Conference. I had to learn more about the area and the medical team. During my interview I felt like I had found a home away from home. The residents treated each other like family and the faculty was wonderful. I am very excited about this new adventure!!!

Hometown: Buford, GA 
Undergraduate: University of West Georgia
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine- Georgia Campus
Stats: Married to my wonderful wife Laura Paige. We have 2 cats: Premi and Blue Boo. National Faculty Member to the NBOME for OMT
Hobbies: Taekwondo- 3rd dan black belt, Jr. Olympic Gold Medalist, attended 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, history buff, Sigma Chi, Tim Tebow Foundation, watching shows on haunted houses.
What I did before medical school: Taekwondo instructor, worked in health services at my undergraduate, and worked in the restaurant industry.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I am a transfer resident from Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield, WV. My residency closed and after much personal prayer, I was offered the opportunity to complete my residency training at UT-Jackson. I am passionate about OMT and will have the opportunity to incorporate it into the patient experience here. I am also passionate about completing an Emergency Medicine fellowship following my residency training, which is available at UT-Jackson.

Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Undergraduate: Appalachian State University, Boone NC
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Stats: Single
Hobbies: Reading, yoga, and anything that involves being on the water
What I did before medical school: I worked as a nanny while completing pre-requisite courses for medical school
Why I chose UT-Jackson: Initially what attracted me to the program at UT-Jackson was the strong women's health curriculum. However, during my interview day I felt like the program was all-around the best fit for me and that feeling stuck with me throughout the interview season. I knew I wanted to train at a program that would prepare me for any situation I might encounter after residency, and I felt the training I would receive at UT-Jackson would be paramount to other experiences. Not only are the people amazing but the educational opportunities are incredibly unique. I knew this residency program would truly challenge me and help me achieve my aspirations as a physician.

Hometown: Red Bay, Alabama
Undergraduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Auburn
Stats: Single
Hobbies: Alabama football, golfing, traveling, hiking, anything outdoors
What I did before medical school: Directly following undergrad at The University of Alabama, I went to VCOM-Auburn.
Why I chose UT-Jackson: During my fourth year of medical school, I did an elective rotation at UT-Jackson. Going into the rotation, I had never been to Jackson and did not know much about the program, but knew that I wanted a program that was unopposed, had high patient volumes and pathologies, and would fully prepare me for my medical career after residency. UT-Jackson provided all of these things, as well as a friendly environment where I felt at home.

Hometown: New York City
Undergraduate: Columbia College, New York City
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine- Dominica, West Indies
Stats: Single
Hobbies: reading fiction, yoga, traveling, maintaining my ever increasing collection of indoor plants, cycling, writing
What I did before medical school: I moved to London and received a masters degree in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research, and later worked in New York in basic science research while also tutoring high school students on the side. I also spent time volunteering at and working on the board of an orphanage for abandoned and at risk girls in Calcutta, India (where I was born).
Why I chose UT-Jackson: I did the first part of my residency in a rural family medicine program in Arkansas, and transferred here after a year. I was drawn to the program's ability to train residents academically and procedurally in both depth and breadth. The access to a busy inpatient hospital service, the strong obstetrics component, and commitment to solid outpatient medicine that often serves an underserved population simultaneously was just the combination I was looking for. During my interview, I met some of the faculty, staff and residents and was so inspired and moved by the genuine camaraderie and support between everyone. I was also excited to move back to a bigger city, with not quite as many below freezing days in the winter!