Current 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 nearly two years, publishing multiple peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter. I then spent a year as a preliminary general surgery resident at the 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 extensive operative experience. The ETSU family fosters strong camaraderie among residents, graduates and well-rounded general surgeons. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, hiking and taking 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, Tennessee, located between Knoxville and Gatlinburg. I majored in chemical engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with plans to attend medical school. I chose ETSU because this program will help me become a confident general surgeon or prepare me for fellowship, whichever path I choose. I also love that we are all like family here. In my free time, I enjoy working out, exploring Johnson City’s hikes and restaurants, and spending time 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, Georgia. When I began looking for a residency program, I prioritized early operative experience, high case volume and an emphasis on broad-based general surgery training—qualities I believe will prepare me to practice in a rural or suburban setting. I found all of this and more at ETSU. Some of my hobbies include flounder gigging, running, cycling, competitive shooting sports, growing peppers and hiking. In my time outside the hospital, I look forward to exploring the mountains, rivers and lakes of East Tennessee. I am 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. 

William Tucker, MD

I grew up in Middle Tennessee, went to Union University in West Tennessee for my undergraduate education, and moved to East Tennessee for my medical education.  Choosing to attend ETSU as a medical student was one of the best decisions I could have made.  My experience with the surgery residents during medical school sparked my interest in surgery.  Having seen firsthand the general surgeons produced here during my time in medical school, I am confident that I will continue to receive an excellent surgical education and gain the necessary skills to become a competent, safe, and effective surgeon when I finish training. General surgery training at ETSU offers residents early operative experience and a high volume of operations.  This combination makes for an ideal training experience in what is truly general surgery.  In addition to the practical aspects of surgical training at ETSU, this region of the country and state is a wonderful place to start a family. 

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

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.

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, where 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, Massachusetts, but spent the last four years calling New Orleans, Louisiana, home. The ETSU general surgery program was a good fit for me because of the wide range of surgical experiences, high operative volume and the opportunity to pursue global surgery interests. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and working toward 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: East Tennessee State University; Medical School: East Tennessee State University, 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 healthcare career began as a certified nursing assistant during my undergraduate studies. This experience gave me the honor and privilege of directly serving patients; as their CNA, I was often the staff member they saw most each day. Now, as a physician, I cherish the physician-patient relationship and 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 committed to training surgeons who are not only competent, highly skilled technicians but also superb clinicians. When I am 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, the unique patient population, and the 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. 

Luke Anders, MD 

ETSU equips its surgery residents to become competent general surgeons or competitive specialists, all while being nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, which recharge my mind and body during time off. I am 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 originally 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 the 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 Medicine, Harnett County, NC.

Brandon Petree, DO 

I was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, from a blue collar family where I am the only one in healthcare.  I am fortunate to have an opportunity to be a part of an ETSU program because it provides a broad general surgical training experience equivalent to a major academic center despite being a community hospital. It provides us the opportunity to treat a wide range of pathologies in an underserved community. I spend my free time with my significant other and our corgi, Herbie, where we enjoy exploring new restaurants and outdoor experiences. 

Undergraduate School: Indian University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

R. Peyton 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. 

Aws Ahmed, DO 

I grew up in Baghdad, 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 Neuroscience.  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 Johnson City for the next 5 years! 

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

Summer Jackson, DO 

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

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

John Grant 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 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.  

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

Brittany White-Dold, MD 

I chose ETSU because of its rural focus and its commitment to training competent general surgeons directly 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. 

Elizabeth Depasquale, DO

I grew up in Turtletown, Tennessee, and it has always been my goal to practice medicine in East Tennessee. I chose ETSU because of its supportive atmosphere, where everyone, at every level, is invested in your success while prioritizing patient care. The program offers early operative experience and a wealth of educational opportunities, highlighting its commitment to producing exceptional surgeons. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring with my husband, refinishing furniture, and playing with our four cats—Seymour, Sgt. Peppers, Stan Lee and Strawberry (nicknamed Bear)—as well as our three dogs, Samson, Sinclair and Shadow.

Undergraduate School: Cleveland State Community College, The University of Tennessee at Cattanooga
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dillon Graves, MD

I am originally from Bon Aqua, Tennessee, a small town in Middle Tennessee. I grew up there with my two older sisters while my parents were building their own house. This experience instilled in me a respect for the trades and a desire for a career centered on hands-on problem solving. I chose ETSU for my residency because I am confident it produces excellent general surgeons who are ready to work in the community after five years. The beautiful views are a bonus. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games with my fiancé, listening to audiobooks, writing and playing pick-up basketball.

Undergraduate School: Union University, Jackson, TN
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN

Eliacin Henry, MD

I was born in Baie-du-Mesle, a communal section in southern Haiti, and raised in Port-au-Prince. I chose ETSU for my residency because of its comprehensive training program, which prepares residents to practice both in the United States and internationally, aligning with my passion for global surgery. I also enjoy living in Johnson City for its welcoming atmosphere, scenic mountains and abundance of trees, which remind me of the natural beauty of my home country. Outside the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and playing soccer.

Undergraduate School: Université Notre Dame D'Haiti
Medical School: Université Notre Dame D'Haiti

Cortlyn Holdren, MD

Johnson City has always been home for me. I chose ETSU for its dedication to caring for rural and underserved populations, both locally and globally. I was also impressed by the camaraderie among the residents and faculty. In my free time, I can often be found on the pickleball courts, in the mountains, spending time with friends and family, or with a crochet hook in hand.

Undergraduate School: ETSU
Graduate School: ETSU (MPH)
Medical School: Quillen College of Medicine

Abbey Johnson, MD

I grew up in California and moved to Tennessee in 2017. I worked as an ICU nurse before starting medical school and continue to have a passion for critical care. I was thrilled to stay at ETSU for residency because I knew I would be challenged to become an excellent surgeon while caring for a special patient population. My husband and I love East Tennessee, and we spend our free time with our two young children.

Undergraduate School: University of Oregon, University of Tennessee Chattanooga School of Nursing 
Medical School: East Tennessee State University

Kaylyn Lazuka, MD

I was born and raised in Shelbyville, Tennessee. I taught high school for four years before attending Texas Tech El Paso for medical school. I chose ETSU for its emphasis on global and rural surgery as well as its unique patient population. In my free time, I enjoy woodworking, reading and spending time with my husband, our four dogs and our cat.

Undergraduate School Lipscomb University
Graduate School: Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso, TX

Matthew Little, DO

After completing medical school in North Carolina, my wife and I were excited to return to our home state of Tennessee in 2024 to join the program. ETSU’s Department of Surgery has an established reputation for training and mentoring Tennessee physicians as they develop into capable, caring and team-oriented surgeons, ready for practice and service. The department has a heart for the state and the communities I have been fortunate to call home. In my free time, I enjoy working on our family farm, cultivating and grafting fruit trees, consulting on legislative and campaign efforts within the state, playing guitar and piano, and spending time with family and friends.

Willy Jean-Louis, MD

I grew up in Cap, a city in northern Haiti. As the first person in my family to pursue a career in medicine, I am excited to develop my surgical skills at ETSU. I chose ETSU because of its dedication to excellence and its commitment to the values of competence, respect and empathy. I also appreciate the genuine camaraderie among residents in the surgical program. I am eager to experience the culture of the Tri-Cities and explore the mountains surrounding Johnson City through hiking and outdoor adventures.

Medical School: Université d’Etat d’Haïti, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie

Christopher Morgan, MD

I chose ETSU for many reasons, especially the welcoming culture and the breadth of operative exposure. Everyone here treats each other like they have been friends for decades, and they share a genuine love for operating. I also have a twin in the family medicine program in Knoxville, Tennessee, which makes this experience even more special. Outside of training, I am excited to explore everything Johnson City has to offer, including hiking, rafting, food, breweries and local farms.

Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Medical School: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

William Chandler Swearingen, DO

I am originally from Sylacauga, Alabama. I chose ETSU for its strong emphasis on broad-based general surgery and its commitment to fostering an environment that genuinely prioritizes the success of its residents. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, playing guitar and watching college football.

Undergraduate School: Aurburn University, Auburn, AL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic