Current Residents

 

PGY- 5 Residents

Victoria Clancy, MD

I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and I have 2 younger brothers.  I chose ETSU because of the beautiful area and the program's dedication to its community.  In my free time, I love to cook, travel, and spend time with my friends and family.

Undergraduate School: Binghamton University, New York; Medical School: University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York. 

Sarah Emerine, MD

I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  I have 4 older siblings and 6 nieces and nephews.  We grew up doing chores, playing card games with grandpa, and all learned to drive manual.  I am the first in my family to pursue medicine.  I'm excited to leave the Midwest winters behind and be able to enjoy the amazing hiking in the area.  

Undergraduate School: University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.

Ricardo Lopez-Hanson, MD 

I was born in Puerto Rico, but grew up in Georgia.  My wife and I love the outdoors, so we couldn't be in a better place than Johnson City.  We love that ETSU has an excellent history of training competent, well-rounded general surgeons.  I love anything outdoors, but my favorite two activities are rock climbing and fishing.

Undergraduate School: Berry College, Mt. Berry, Georgia; Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia. 

Elizabeth Mannino, MD

I grew up outside of Philadelphia.  I am now excited to call Johnson City my home during residency. I was drawn to the supportive learning environment and high operative volume at ETSU.  I really enjoyed my interactions with residents and faculty on interview day.  In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my two cats.

Undergraduate School: Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania; Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Catlin Orschel, MD

I was born and raised in Elk Rapids, Michigan, where we spent our summers on the lake and our winters in the tundra.  I moved to Louisiana to play soccer in college.  I chose ETSU for residency because a combined a beautiful geographic setting with the aspects I was seeking in a program: approachable faculty, global health opportunities, supportive colleagues, and a history of producing strong, well-rounded surgeons.  In my free time, I like to hike/explore the area with my dogs Remi and Hudson, cook/bake, travel, and go wine tasting.

Undergraduate: Centenary College of Louisiana; Graduate School: Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Medical School Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Stephen Owen, MD

I am so excited to be a part of ETSU.  I grew up in Charlottesville, VA.  My parents live in Charlottesville and my two older brothers live in Norfolk and Charlottesville, VA.  One of our favorite family activities is playing tennis.  My wife Quinn, lives in Roanoke, VA and is a medical student at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.  I'm excited about matching at ETSU for three reasons.  1)  The residents: they are very welcoming, smart and impressive in the OR.  
2)  The Vascular Surgery experience :  I am very interested in Vascular Surgery and this program has a strong vascular exposure and great mentorship.  3)  The population: East Tennessee is home to a diverse and rural population with interesting pathology, which might not be seen in other parts of the state.  In my spare time, I like to exercise, explore breweries, and hang out with my awesome wife.

Undergraduate School: Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina; Medical School: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. 

 

PGY- 4 Residents

Gerardo Davalos, MD

After graduating from medical school in Ecuador I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a general surgeon in the United States.  I worked at Duke University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss for almost 2 years, publishing multiple peer review articles and a book chapter.  I then worked for a year as a preliminary general surgeon resident at University of Hawaii.  

Undergraduate School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador;  Medical School: Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

Cecilia Kim, MD

I was born and raised in Maryland, where I attended college and medical school.  I chose ETSU for my general surgery residency because it provides not only academic and research opportunities but also great exposure to operative cases.  The ETSU family fosters great camaradery among residents, graduates and well-rounded general surgeons.  In my free time, I love to explore the outdoors, go hiking, and do yoga classes.

Undergraduate School: University of Maryland, College Park; Medical School: University of Maryland, School of Medicine. Baltimore, MD.

Mary McBride, MD

I was born and raised in Seymour, TN, which is in between Knoxville and Gatlinburg.  I majored in chemical engineering at UTK with the intention of going to medical school.  I chose ETSU because this program will make me a confident general surgeon or prepare me for fellowship, whichever I choose.  Also, I love that we are all family here!  I spend my free time working out, trying out Johnson City hikes and restaurants, and hanging out with friends and my cat Steve.

Undergraduate School: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN; Medical School: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, TN.

Michael Sears, MD

I was born and raised in Brunswick, GA.  When I began looking for a residency program, I prioritized early operative experience, high volume and emphasis on broad-based general surgery training, all things, I believe will set me up for success to practice in a rural or possibly suburban setting.  I found all of this and more at ETSU.  Some of my hobbies include flounder gigging, running, cycling, competative shooting sports, growing peppers and hiking.  In my time outside the hospital, I'm going to enjoy exploring the mountains, rivers and lakes of East Tennessee.  I'm excited to call Johnson City home for the next five years.

Undergraduate School: College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick, GA; Medical School: Mercer School of Medicine, Savannah/Columbus, GA.

Michael Zaskey, MD

ETSU is a great blend of rigorous training, a helpful collegial atmosphere and an environment for personal and professional growth.  I enjoy hikes, trying new craft breweries, and discovering local restaurants; all with my beautiful wife, Kai.

Undergraduate School: Brown University, Providence, RI; Medical School: Brown University, Providence, RI.

 

PGY- 3 Residents

Tariq Ayubi, MD

I'm coming from Northern Virginia, from a blue collar family, and am one of the first few in my family to go to college and medical school.  I chose ETSU because I wanted to learn how to become a general surgeon with a broad-based focus.  This program sees a wide-range of advanced pathology, whose residents feel safe and comfortable taking care of and operating on early in their residency.  In my free time I love exploring the downtown area, 3D printing, and building aquariums.

Undergraduate School:  Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; Medical School:  Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

Alyssa Brown, MD

I grew up in Wilmington, MA but spent the last four years calling New Orleans, LA home.  The ETSU general surgery program was a good fit for me due to the wide-range of surgical experiences with high operative volume and the opportunity to pursue global surgery interests.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my fiance and working towards our goal of visiting all the National Parks in the United States.  I also enjoy baking, spending time at the beach and figure skating.  I am looking forward to exploring the mountains around ETSU and having more time for activities such as hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and ziplining.

Undergraduate School: St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY: Graduate School: Northeastern University, Boston, MA; Medical School: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.

Coty Cooper, MD

I was born just outside of Johnson City in Elizabethton, TN.  I've continued to stay in the area and do my undergraduate, medical school, and now General Surgery Residency here at ETSU.  The early operative experiences, collegial residents, and program leadership that are receptive to feedback are some of the many reasons I chose to stay here.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two children, Suzie and Hozier.  There are many outdoor adventures to explore in this beautiful area full of mountains and lakes.

Undergraduate School: ETSU; Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN.

Charlotte Hawkins, MD

I grew up in Richmond, VA and went to Coastal Carolina University where I majored in Marine Science.  I chose ETSU for the early operative experience, broad-based training, and supportive learning environment.  I am very interested in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and was drawn to ETSU as this program allows me to gain excellent experience in both of these fields.  In my free time I enjoy scuba diving, yoga, and exploring the great outdoors. 

Undergraduate School:  Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina; Medical School:  University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina.

Neil Horsley, MD

My career in healthcare began as a Certified Nurse's Assistant during my undergraduate studies.  This experience provided me the honor and privilege of directly serving patients; as their CNA, I was often the staff member whom they say the most on a daily basis. Now, as a physician, I cherish the physician-patient relationship and I am dedicated to embracing humanism in medicine. During interviews, it was evident that the faculty and staff of ETSU's general surgery residency program share this goal and are dedicated to training surgeons who are not only competent and highly skilled technicians, but superb clinicians. When not at the hospital, I may be found hiking Roan Mountain, sipping yerba mate, or playing a game of chess.

Undergraduate School:  University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Graduate School: University of Kentucky; Medical School: University of Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, Kentucky.

Wyatt Whicker, MD

I was born in Memphis, TN, and spent most of my summers on our family cattle farm in Kentucky.  I moved to Johnson City for Medical School and met my wife here.  I chose ETSU because operative experience, unique patient population, and supportive culture within the program.  During my free time my wife and I enjoy hiking with our dogs, ballroom dancing, and playing board games. 

Undergraduate: University of Mississippi, University, MS; Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN.

 

PGY- 2 Residents

Luke Anders, MD

ETSU definitely equips its surgery residents to be competent general surgeons or competitive specialists, all while being nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains that recharge my mind and body during time off.  I'm proud to call Johnson City my home!

Undergraduate School: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia; Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.

Brandon Fazalare, MD

I grew up in Shinnston, WV where I spent most of my time outdoors.  I majored in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University and later attended Marshall University for Medical School.  I chose ETSU for the high-volume, broad-based training in all aspects of surgery, including exposure to numerous sub-specialties.  This program provides the experience required to dive into practice directly out of residency and the pedigree to pursue a fellowship, if desired.  The residents and faculty promote a true family-like atmosphere and make it enjoyable to come to work every day.  In my free time I can be found on the water, chasing fish with a fly rod or duck hunting.

Undergraduate School:  West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Medical School:  Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Laura Mann, DO

I am orginally from Virginia and moved to South Carolina for medical school.  I chose ETSU because everyone is so kind, welcoming, and fun.  Additionally, they are very skilled physicians who are involved in their communities.  My husband and I are excited to explore our new home in Johnson City!  We love to be outdoors, travel, dance, sing showtunes and play with our two rescue pups.

Undergraduate School: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA;  Medical School: VCOM Carolinas, Spartanburg, SC.

Abigail Owens, DO

I was born and raised in Bristol, TN and am so happy to be back in the Tri-Cities!  I majored in Nutrition at the University of Tennessee and went to medical school at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine.  I chose ETSU as my surgery residency because of the early operative experience and wonderful people I met in the interview process.  In my free time, I enjoy traveling, going to the lake, and cycling.

Undergraduate School:  University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN; Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medcine, Harnett County, NC.

Michael Powell, MD

I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio where I met my wife Havvah.  We have a desire to participate in expanding access to excellent surgical care throughout sub-Saharan Africa.  Our goals made ETSU a perfect fit.  ETSU is heavily invested in developing versatile surgeons focused on expanding access to excellent surgical care both here in TN and abroad.  At ETSU the culture of the program, comradery among the residents, and the mentorship from the faculty work in harmony to produce surgeons with a passion for people and the skills to help them.  In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my 4 kids, playing speed chess, woodworking and running.

Undergraduate School:  Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA; Graduate School: Jerusalem University College, Jerusalem, Israel, University of AK at Little Rock, Little Rock, AK; Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AK.

Richard Powell, DO

I chose ETSU because of the emphasis on broad-based general surgery as well as the surgical sub-specialties. The program truly wants you to be the best version of yourself you can be as well as a remarkable surgeon.  In my free time, I can be found hunting, fishing, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.  My wife, Shayla is a physical therapist.  We have two dogs named Daisy & Willow who enjoy fetch much more than I do.

Undergraduate School:  University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL; Graduate School: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL; Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL.

 

PGY- 1 Residents

Aws Ahmed, DO

I grew up in Bagdad, Iraq.  I came to the United States in 2014 and continued to pursue my dream of becoming a surgeon.  I have grown to love and call tri-cities my home. My wife is currently at ETSU working on a PhD in Nuroscience.  We enjoy trying new places to eat, exploring the outdoors, and camping.

Undergraduate School:  University of Texas at El Paso; Research: University of Georgia, Athens, GA; Medical School:  Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN. 

Jamal Brazan, MD

I grew up in Maryville, TN.  I chose ETSU because it is a program where mentorship, camaraderie, and a spirit of inquiry are valued, fostering an environment where I can thrive personally and professionally.  My wife, Sarah, is an elementary school teacher and we have one son, Cayson. We love to work out and try new restaurants in the area.

Undergraduate School:  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Graduate School:  Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN; Medical School:  East Tennessee State University College of Medicine.

Nicole Ceausu, MD

I am from Knoxville, Tennessee and have had the pleasure of spending the last 4 years at ETSU for medical school.  I chose ETSU surgery for their broad-based general surgery exposure, high operative volume, and unique family-oriented culture.  I found everyone at the program to be encouraging and kind. I enjoy traveling, cooking, baking, and working out in my free time.  I am excited to stay in Johsnon City for the next 5 years!

Undergraduate School:  University of the Cumberlands,  Williamsburg, KY;  Medical School:  East Tennessee State University College of Medicine.

Brittany White-Dold, MD

I chose ETSU because of its rural focus and its determination to train competent general surgeons straight out of residency.  I enjoy long distance running, watching Marvel films, and listening to the variety of live music the Tri-Cities has to offer.

Undergraduate School: University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, KA; Medical School: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KA.

Summer Jackson, DO

I grew up in Rogersville, TN.  I am ecstatic to be back in East Tennessee for residency training.  I chose ETSU for the supportive learning environment, the high operative volume, and the focus on broad-based general surgery.  In my free time I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family, and playing with my pup.

Undergratuate and Graduate School: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, SC.

John Little, MD

I grew up in Knoxville and have spent almost all of my life in Tennessee.  After completing a preliminary general surgery year at Wake Forest, I returned to east Tennessee for the completion of my surgical training.  ETSU holds a unique position of both embodying a teaching hospital while also grounding its roots in the community healthcare environment.  Furthermore, it is situated in one of the more majestic parts of the southeast and its mountain vistas make it hard to compete for a better backdrop. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, enjoying hunting and fishing, playing piano, as well as tending to our family farm. 

Undergratuate School:  Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN, Medical School:  UTHSC College of Medicine, Memphis, TN.

Matthew Little, DO

After completing medical school in North Carolina, my wife and I are excited to return to our home state of Tennessee.  ETSU's Department of Surgery has established reputation for training and mentoring Tennessee physicians as they develop into capable, caring, camaraderic-oriented surgeons, ready for practice and service.  They have a heart for the state and the communities that raised me, in particular our beautiful rural areas and the people that call those parts of Tennessee home.  In my free time, I enjoy working on our family farm, cultivating and grafting fruit trees, playing guitar and piano and being with family and friends.

Undergraduate School:  Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN; Graduate School: Lipscomb University, Medical School, Nashville, TN; Campbell University School of Medicine, Lillington, NC.

Willy Fils Jean-Louis, MD

I grew up in Cap, a city in northern Haiti.  As the first person to pursue medicine in my family, I am excited to hone my surgical skills at ETSU.  I chose ETSU because of the program dedication for excellence and the values of competence, respect, and empathy it promotes.  I also like the genuine camaraderie between the residents in the surgical program. I am overly excited to discover the culture of the tri-cities.  I am looking forward to exploring and hiking the beautiful mountains around Johnson City.

Medical School:  Universite d'Etat d'Haiti, Faculte de Medicine et de Pharmacie.

Rocky Regulus, MD

I was born in Bainet, a city in southern Haiti and grew up in Port-au-Prince. My aspiration to become a surgeon stemmed from the limited access to surgical care in my community.  The general surgery department at ETSU focuses on improving access to surgical care both in the United States and internationally was immediately appealing to me because it reminded me of what intitially inspired me to choose this profession.  In my free time I enjoy traveling with my family and discovering new places and culture.

Graduate School:  Notre Dame University of Haiti
Medical School:  Notre Dame University of Haiti