Third-Year Residents
Michael Agostino, DO
I am originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, and grew up in Franklin, Tennessee. I was raised by a traditional Italian/Irish Catholic family with my parents, older sister and four younger brothers. I went to undergrad at Tennessee Tech University to study engineering and math before transitioning to medicine. SCUBA, rock climbing, skydiving — you name it, I love a good adventure. I also like to relax with family and friends, beach time, and I never say no to a good comedy.
Undergraduate: Tennessee Tech University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University
Varshini Balasubramanian, MD
I am a small-town girl from southern India who took a leap across continents to the United States for my master’s degree in New York, where I met my husband. As a first-generation doctor, I was inspired to pursue pediatrics after working with an outstanding attending in medical school. After the pace of New York, moving to Tennessee for residency felt like an escape into nature. We absolutely love it here. I enjoy growing my own vegetable garden, traveling and trying to keep up with my adrenaline-junkie husband in my downtime.
Masters: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Medical School: Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research, India
Sai Chunduru, MD
I am a proud Indian by birth and completed my medical schooling at Osmania Medical College. I enjoy laughing and playing with children, so how could I not pick pediatrics? If I am not spending time with little ones, you can more than likely find me shopping, sipping lattes at coffee shops, lifting weights, experimenting with new recipes or spending time with friends and family. The people at ETSU Pediatrics are amazing, and I am so excited for this new journey in Johnson City.
Undergraduate: Sri Chaitanya Junior College, India
Medical School: Osmania Medical College, India
Kayla Heineken, MD (Chief Resident)
I grew up in a small town south of Knoxville called Greenback, which had about 1,200 residents. I have always loved the charm and togetherness of living in a rural community, and I look forward to practicing in one in the future. I had the pleasure of being at ETSU for both my undergraduate degree in child psychology and my MD/MPH degree at Quillen. I absolutely love the family feel of ETSU and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. I have two cats and far too many houseplants at home, and you can usually find me reading or at the closest antique shop. I’m looking forward to a wonderful three years and feel lucky to be here in Johnson City.
Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University
Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine
Blake Hill, DO
I am from Pelahatchie, Mississippi, a very small town in central Mississippi. I attended Mississippi State University for undergraduate studies and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. I am very excited about living in the mountains of Tennessee. I am married with three children and a dog, and we have already started exploring the beautiful hiking trails and parks nearby. I enjoy playing basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball.
Undergraduate: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Medical School: William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS
John Ragsdale, DO (Chief Resident)
I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I also attended the University of Tennessee for undergraduate studies. Before making my way to Johnson City for residency, I attended Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. When I am not in the hospital, I love spending time with my wife and son. When I am in the hospital, feel free to ask me about Legos, scary movies, Survivor or mountaineering.
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Medical School: LMU Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN
Alisa Vasileva, MD
Joseph Wilson, MD
I am from Thomasville, North Carolina, and attended medical school in Des Moines, Iowa. I enjoy video games, board games and other nerdy activities. The mountains feel like home, and you can find me enjoying the outdoors in every season. Fall is my favorite time of year because I love football, and Halloween is my birthday.
Undergraduate: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Medical School: Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA
Second-Year Residents
Claire Crawford, MD
I earned my bachelor’s degree in health science from the University of South Dakota and completed a post-baccalaureate program at East Tennessee State University before graduating from Quillen College of Medicine. I’m married and a proud parent of three children, and our home is always full of energy thanks to our many animals. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, creating art, spending time outdoors and caring for our pets.
Undergraduate: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)
Krista Ford, DO
As a child, I lived in Milledgeville, Georgia, and Mason, Ohio, frequently traveling between the two because of my dad’s job. Because of this, I do not have a Southern accent despite being born in the South. My husband, Timothy 'Aaron' Ford, DO, is my co-resident and best friend. We hoped to match into a residency program that offered a great education, strong support and the opportunity to form personal relationships with attendings. We found all of these things at ETSU and in an exceptional place to live like Johnson City. We could not be happier to be here and hope to stay local after graduation.
Undergraduate: Augusta University, Augusta, GA
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Timothy "Aaron" Ford, DO
I’m from Jonesborough, and between my upbringing, undergraduate studies and medical school training, I have always called the mountains of East Tennessee home. I met my wonderful wife during medical school, where we were anatomy lab partners, and I’m thankful that we are both able to complete our pediatrics residency here at ETSU. We both love animals, and when we are not at work, you will most likely find us with our pets, hiking or off on an adventure together.
Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Elizabeth Lyons, MD
I’m from a small town in central Kentucky called Danville. I attended Western Kentucky University for my undergraduate education and the University of Louisville School of Medicine for medical school. During medical school, I was part of the Trover Rural Track and look forward to serving rural communities in the future. I love watching baseball, especially with my dad, cheering on the Detroit Lions during football season and baking any chance I get. I’m excited for the next three years in Johnson City, surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and cheering on the Bucs.
Undergraduate: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
Selene Pokharel, MD
Born in Canada, raised between Singapore and Qatar, and trained in medicine in Nepal, I’ve had quite the global adventure. These days, I call Johnson City home and adore its mountains and friendly faces. I’m passionate about traveling and a big foodie who will try almost anything once. I love turning my kitchen into a mini test lab for baking and cooking experiments. My happy place is good food, great company and time with my wonderful husband.
Medical School: Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Emily Pompeo, DO
I’m originally from Fort Myers, Florida, but my husband, Regan, and I have lived in western North Carolina for the past few years while I completed medical school. We love to travel, hike and spend time outdoors, especially in the mountains. I’m so excited to be in pediatric residency and am grateful to be part of such a supportive team.
Undergraduate: Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL
Medical School: Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington,
NC
Daniel Ridlen, MD
I grew up in East Tennessee and love the area. I attended Emory & Henry College and East Tennessee State University for my undergraduate education. I completed medical school at Quillen College of Medicine here in Johnson City. I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.
Undergraduate: Emory & Henry College & East Tennessee State University
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)
Rhythm Uprety, DO
I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, where I completed my schooling and A-levels. I then explored a new culture and environment in Bangladesh, where I attended medical school and lived for 6.5 years. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with children, as I truly enjoy interacting with them and being part of their care. My hobbies include cycling, swimming, reading novels and meditating.
Undergraduate: Chelsea International Academy, Kathmandu, Nepal
Medical School: Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh
First-Year Residents
Ashar Abdullah, M.D.
I was born and raised in Pakistan, where I spent my formative years and attended medical school. I enjoy traveling, checking places off my bucket list and capturing memories through photography. In my free time, I like to draw and paint. I have always admired how children give us a sense of purpose and perspective. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside professionals dedicated to caring for young patients.
Medical School: Quaid-e-Azam Medical College
Sydney Bates, D.O.
I am from Wise, Virginia, and earned my bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise before attending Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. After spending two years in Johnson City during my clinical rotations, I consider the area my second home and am excited to continue my residency training here. Both of my parents attended ETSU for their undergraduate studies, and now that I am part of the pediatric residency program, we proudly consider ourselves a family of Buccaneers! Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being a cat mom and fueling life with lattes.
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cydney Boldt, D.O.
I am originally from Toledo, Ohio, and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Saint Francis. I then attended Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine before coming to Johnson City for residency. Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking, spending time with my husband and son, taking our dog for walks and playing pickleball or sand volleyball. As a family, we love cheering on the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Wild!
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Caitlyn Cordell, D.O.
I was born and raised in Middletown, Delaware, with my parents and older brother. I attended Rowan University in New Jersey, where I studied biochemistry, but I’ve always felt most at home in the Appalachian region, as my grandparents are from a farm in rural West Virginia. I attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee.
My interest in medicine began during my teenage years, when a close friend was battling cancer. During my third year of medical school, I discovered a true passion for pediatrics. I chose ETSU for my training because of the consistently positive and welcoming environment I experienced here. The people, strong sense of community and excellent facilities made it an easy decision. I am over the moon to call Johnson City home!
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors — whether hiking, golfing or watching the sunset — as well as staying active through sports and the gym. I am a dog lover and am eager to get a fur baby soon. I also love exploring new restaurants and look forward to finding the best Thai food in Johnson City.
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bo Cotten, M.D.
I am originally from Germantown, Tennessee, and attended the University of Mississippi for my undergraduate education before coming to ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine. As a member of the inaugural Tri-TRAILS Pediatrics program, I had the opportunity to work closely with the ETSU pediatrics team throughout medical school. I chose to stay at ETSU for residency because of the supportive environment, outstanding pediatric training and strong commitment to serving the children and families of Appalachia. Throughout medical school, I enjoyed being involved in various community service and outreach projects across the region. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cheering on Ole Miss athletics, exploring local history, traveling and spending time outdoors in the mountains of East Tennessee.
Medical School: East Tennessee State University
Chadwick Gage, M.D.
I earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and history from East Tennessee State University. While completing my medical degree at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine, I also earned a master’s degree in business administration and a certificate in medical Spanish.
Pediatrics runs in my blood. Both of my parents earned their medical degrees and completed their pediatric residency training at ETSU, and their dedication to caring for children inspired me to follow the same path.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife, fishing, hiking, golfing and being outdoors in general.
Medical School: East Tennessee State University
Basundhara Mete, M.D.
I was born and raised in Chandigarh, a tree-lined city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. When I was applying for residency, ETSU and Johnson City felt like a place I could call home. I knew pediatrics was the right path for me during my second year of medical school, and joining the ETSU family felt like a dream come true, both professionally and personally.
As an introvert on every personality test, if you ever need to borrow an ear, I’d gladly lend you both! Outside of work, you can find me curled up under a blanket with a cup of coffee and a book or under a sun-dappled canopy, coaxing my imagination into verses as enduring as the trees.
Medical School: Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
Ashley Sweet, D.O.
I’m from Maynardville, Tennessee. I attended the University of Mississippi, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in chemistry, neuroscience and psychology. I then earned my master’s degree in public health with a focus on health policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.
I have always wanted to be a pediatrician, and I am excited to continue serving families in my East Tennessee home. Outside of medicine, you can usually find me on the farm with my husband, son, three dogs, two goats and a horse. I enjoy outdoor activities, music, reading and watching reality TV or sitcoms. If I’m not in Tennessee, I’m probably somewhere by the ocean — my true happy place.
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine