Urban Residents
Where are you from?
I am proud to be born and raised in Quito, Ecuador.
Why did you come to Cahaba+UAB FMR?
When I was entering my teens my parents became missionaries, and they moved our family to the other side of the world. It was there where God sowed in me a desire to care for those who had no means of obtaining medical care and showed me the access that medicine can give for the sharing of the gospel. I graduated medical school in 2019 and went on to practice in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. During my first year of practice, I had the privilege of serving various underserved, remote, and impoverished communities, which cemented my desire to pursue primary care. My eyes were opened to the way that God can use a willing physician to impact entire communities and that it was my purpose to pursue this type of work.
I moved to the US in 2021 with my wife, Esther, and our daughter, Adelina. Finding a residency position as an IMG (international medical graduate) and a first-generation physician was daunting, but God's providence is always present. I had no idea there were residency programs like Cahaba in the U.S. until I found Cahaba through a serendipitous Google search. After looking through their website, reading the resident bios and watching their videos I was hooked! This program seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I'd knocked on many doors that hadn't opened, and I hesitated to do so again but I eventually took courage/came to my senses and filled out a student rotation application. It was amazing to see how God orchestrated things from there!
By mere coincidence (more likely divine intervention), I ended up meeting Dr. Jeremy Crider, Director of Urban Program, as he was passing by Atlanta to visit some of his friends at Ethne Health. They had graciously invited me to rotate with them in spite of never having had an international physician do so (another divine intervention). As I shook his hand in disbelief and excitement, Dr. Crider took note of my name. I was later invited to rotate with the Urban Program and being there showed me that the hype was real! It felt like it was the place for me. My family and I were welcomed with open arms by the residency's amazing community. I was inspired by the work the program does, the training the residents receive, how kind and down-to-earth the attendings were, and the approach the program has to serve the medically needy. The way people in the neighborhood welcomed me just because I was with Cahaba spoke volumes to me about the relationship between the program and the community. I could go on, but I'm just grateful to be able to be part of this family, and I'm honored that God has placed me here to partner with their mission.
Med school:
Universidad Internacional del Ecuador
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife and daughter. We love just being together whether it be at home or doing something adventurous! We enjoy being hospitable and opening our home to others. We believe the gospel is relational and have loved to see Him work through community. I enjoy playing soccer, strumming the guitar, taking care of my plants and maintaining my planted aquariums.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Ecuadorian Ceviche
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I'd love to go back to Central Asia. Southeast Asia is also a region in our bucket list. Getting to explore more of South America has always been a dream.
What drives you?
I am driven by a strong sense of purpose. I know that God made me the way I am because he wanted me to be where I am. Compassion and justice are what keep me going, and understanding that serving others through medicine is a privilege, helps keep me grounded.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
My plans are wide-open. I have a calling to serve those that need it the most and to share Jesus' love through medicine. We'll see where that ends up taking my family and I.
Where are you from?
I was born in Southern California, raised in Northern Indiana, but the short answer now is Auburn, Alabama!
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB+FMR?
At first, finding Cahaba was the result of a very fortunate google search result I knew from the moment I read the mission statement that this was the place for me! Cahaba provides in a residency program what I thought would only ever be a personal dream of mine, to combine medicine and ministry. I became a doctor because I am so confident in and passionate about my faith in a God who saved me that I wanted a tangible way to provide that same hope and healing to other people. Being part of Cahaba+UAB FMR allows me to join together the two things in my life that I am the most passionate about, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to be here!
Undergrad:
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Med school:
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I spent a lot of time volunteering with my church – children’s church, middle school small groups, adult community groups – most of my favorite memories and people are connected with a local church I’ve been part of! I also have two dogs I love to spend time with, I love a game or movie night, and I can often be found planning a trip!
What is your favorite food to cook?
I’m not much of a cook, but I do love to bake. I particularly enjoy decorating sugar cookies, but I haven’t found anything I don’t like making yet (even though eating it is the best part).
What is a destination you’d like to visit or live?
I think next up is seeing where my grandmother was from in England!
What drives you?
My heart for God, the lost, local believers and the church, and global missions.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
I’m not sure where exactly I’ll be, but I know I’ll stay somewhere in Alabama!
Where are you from?
I was born on the Westbank of New Orleans, LA but I grew up in Baton Rouge and call "The 225" home!
Why did you come to Cahaba+UAB FMR?
From my initial encounter with Cahaba via Google, it was clear to me that this residency program is intentional about being active in the community they serve. A few key words that stuck out to me in the mission statement were "justice", "physical, mental, and spiritual well being", and "conscientiousness and compassion". These words and phrases align with my personal goals and aspirations in medicine.
During an away rotation, I was impressed by the leadership of the 3rd year residents and the teaching style of the attendings. I knew that I wanted to be a family physician comfortable working in various settings including the ER, labor & delivery, and inpatient hospital wards so the Longitudinal Integrated Curriculum (LIC) that Cahaba offers is perfect for me.
I have several fun memories from my time on rotation with Cahaba. Attending a Halloween party, hiking Oak Mountain, and getting ice cream with my host resident are a few experiences that stand out. My host resident even made me lunch for a few days while I was rotating! I felt really spoiled by the hospitality and generosity of the residents and attendings here. I was shocked that residents were making time to get to know the medical students amidst their demanding curriculum. The people here know how to work hard and have a good time - which is pretty much the motto in Louisiana. These great experiences coupled with ample academic opportunities and a mission focused curriculum sold me on Cahaba!
Undergrad:
I attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA (XULA). Xavier is an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). XULA is first among the nation’s colleges and universities in the number of African American graduates who go on to complete medical school, according to data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Med school:
Louisiana State University School of Medicine- Shreveport #GEAUXTigers
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
You can catch me outside playing tennis, at home beating my friends at my favorite board game (Catan), in the city at a R&B concert or music festival, in the woods camping or rafting, in the movie theater, at mass or at Trader Joes.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I love baking bread! I usually make a simple no-knead loaf using a recipe from the New York Times. In my opinion, it is best served hot with garlic butter.
However, my favorite food to eat is boiled crawfish. Also best served hot, and pretty good with garlic butter.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
My dream vacation involves scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, visiting Steve Irwin's "Crocoseum" at Australia Zoo, and exploring the island of New Zealand. Can you tell I watched a lot of Animal Planet growing up? Honorable mentions include but are not limited to: an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, a safari in Kenya, walking El Camino in Spain, touring the Holy Land, or a wine tasting tour in Tuscany.
What drives you?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my Catholic faith, especially its teachings surrounding social justice. I am driven by the hope that my small actions, in cooperation with God's will, can help bring about more positive change and equity in the world.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Honestly I don't know where the next three years will take me! I am open to global mission work and academic medicine, but right now I feel called to pursue a fellowship in addiction medicine, street medicine or both. Ideally my future practice will incorporate some form of a mobile health unit or home visits. I believe very strongly that preventative healthcare, behavioral healthcare, counseling, and healthy food need to be made more accessible to poor and vulnerable populations.
Where are you from?
Gallatin, TN
Why did you come to Cahaba+UAB FMR?
I guess you could say I’ve taken the scenic route to get to Cahaba. Throughout college, I was torn between pursuing full-time ministry versus medicine, but eventually came to realize that the two could coexist. I deferred my enrollment to medical school for a year to attend a ministry school in Alabama (and travel in Europe). Following that year, I entered medical school thinking I wanted to do family medicine. However, I slowly talked myself into pursuing surgery. To make a long story short, I went on to complete one year of otolaryngology residency in Texas, but ultimately felt God calling me back to family medicine.
After parting ways with my surgery program, I obtained my medical license and spent the year driving around rural Texas doing house calls for elderly patients. After reapplying and interviewing for family medicine, I felt Cahaba was the right program for me. I knew I wanted to train at an unopposed program, but the thing that really drew me in was the shared mission and values of the Cahaba family. My road to Cahaba was marked by some tough decisions and a leap of faith, but I couldn’t be more excited to be here now.
Undergrad:
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Med school:
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I like doing most things that involve being with people and/or being outdoors: potluck dinners, hanging out in the park, playing spikeball, backpacking, climbing, and watching football (Go Vols!). I am also an avid fly fisherman and try to go whenever I can.
What is a destination you’d like to visit or live?
I love traveling so my answer is constantly changing. Currently, I’d like to go to Alaska.
What drives you?
Hope.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Given how the past few years of my life have played out, I’m reluctant to make too many “plans” for the future. One of the things I love about family medicine is the variety of things in which you can dip your hand. Some of the things that excite me most are sports medicine, addiction medicine, procedures, integrative medicine, medical education, and working with underserved populations.
Where are you from?
I am from Headland, Alabama. My hometown is a small rural community in Southeast Alabama that’s just outside of the peanut capital of the world (Dothan, AL)! My husband (Aaron) and I met in Birmingham, AL and lived in Woodstock, AL once we got married and during my clinical rotations. We currently live in Fairfield, AL.
Why did you come to Cahaba+UAB FMR?
I came to Cahaba for many reasons but mainly because of the people! I rotated with the Urban Program at Cahaba during a time in my life where my husband and I were struggling to find community due to our hectic schedules and living in an isolated area. From the first week of my rotation, we were invited to meals and events and were welcomed into the lives of many of the residents, faculty, and families. We truly felt like our time rotating with Cahaba had transformed the way we saw and experienced community. By the end of my rotation, we had made many friends and were able to continue building on many of the relationships that we had formed during my month in West End. Overall, it was because of the welcoming and loving people that make up Cahaba that made me want to pursue my residency there!
In addition to the amazing community, I also loved that Cahaba focuses on providing care to the uninsured and underinsured patients in their community through their FQHC. As someone interested in rural medicine and medical missions it was very important to me that I train at a program where care for the underserved is a priority and not just an afterthought. The opportunity for medical mission experiences at Cahaba excited me and is something I plan to pursue both in training and in practice in whatever way the Lord leads. Practically, I enjoyed the longitudinal aspect of Cahaba’s training and saw it as something that would make me a stronger physician. I also felt like the outpatient and inpatient medicine experience was very robust and would prepare me well for anything that I might encounter after training.
Undergrad:
Birmingham-Southern College
Med school:
UAB Heersink School of Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Mostly spending time with my wonderful husband and our cat (Sagwa)! We love to go on hikes and walks, anything to get us outside together and moving in the fresh air. I personally love to run on both roads and trails, but I greatly prefer trails… no matter how many spider webs I run through, ticks I pluck from my legs, or flies I inhale. We greatly love worshiping and living in community with our church in Fairfield (Urban Hope Community Church) and try to spend time with our church family when able.
As far as personal hobbies go, I enjoy gardening but can’t keep a houseplant alive for a million bucks. Cooking is something that brings me a lot of joy and I especially love cooking for others, especially if there are squash involved. I also love to pickle vegetables and am always trying to find a new way to perfect my recipe for dill pickles. If I need something more chill, I will undoubtedly be caught watching Adventure Time because it is my all-time favorite show and gives me all the warm fuzzies. When I have time, I enjoy reading and my favorite series currently is the Zamonia series by Walter Moers (I highly recommend if you like whimsical and goofy adventure novels).
What is your favorite food to cook?
Definitely Mexican cauliflower rice bowls… or chicken shawarma bowls… or Mediterranean orzo veggie bowls… pretty much anything in a bowl form!
What is a destination you’d like to visit or live?
I would love to visit Greece but would want to live in Italy! Give me all the pasta and gelato, please and thank you.
What drives you?
Growing in my love, joy, and desire of the Lord by serving and loving others the way Jesus did! I (imperfectly) strive to live in a way where Christ is increased and I am decreased, knowing that He is most glorified by me when I am most satisfied in Him.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Currently I plan to return to my hometown and care for the underserved members of my home community alongside my father! I am very blessed to have a parent who is also a Family Medicine Physician with a heart for serving the underserved. The clinic in Headland (Headland Family Medicine) is the only clinic in our small town and is both family-owned and run by my parents. I am so proud of all the work they have done to love my home community well and hope to go join the family business (literally)!
That being said, my husband and I also have a love for missions and know that God will use this love in our lives in some way in our future. Currently we are considering leading recurring short-term trips but are also keeping our hearts open to long-term missions if God leads us in that direction.
Where are you from?
Peachtree City, Georgia
Why did you come to Cahaba+UAB FMR?
The people. From my first interactions with Cahaba residents during clinicals with the Urban Program, I could tell something was different about them. They were intentional in their conversations, they worked extremely hard, they made others feel valued and loved, and they had a contagious joy and light about them. Each day on my rotation, I felt so excited to walk through the doors of Cahaba. This was the first place that I felt like I was making a difference in the lives of our patients daily. This was exactly what I felt called to do, and I knew that these were the people that I wanted to do it alongside. Cahaba truly is a family, working and growing together with similar values, beliefs, and missions.
Why Cahaba?
Because I know that these people will become my family, that Cahaba will become my home, and together, we will make a difference in the community of West End and beyond.
Undergrad:
University of Florida
Med school:
VCOM- Auburn
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Spending precious time with family- traveling to see my brothers and my new nephew, Brody. Going to my parents’ house to enjoy time out on the lake. Spending time with friends- exploring local places to eat and all the amazing parks and trails around Birmingham. I love any adventure outside, especially hiking, running, wakesurfing, and snowboarding. Wherever I go, my dog, Hope, is always along for the ride!
What is your favorite food to cook?
Anything Italian! Lasagna is probably my favorite.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I have snowboarded out west in the Rocky’s several times with my family. I enjoy the serenity of the mountains and the adventures around every corner.
What drives you?
My love for Christ and my love for others.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
As of right now, I would say I would love to do a combination of outpatient family medicine and hospitalist.
Where are you from?
Madison, Alabama
Why did you come to Cahaba+UAB FMR?
I initially heard about Cahaba through my medical school's Family Medicine Interest Group, and I was really drawn to Cahaba's mission to provide vital healthcare needs to underserved populations in Alabama through a lens of Christ-like love of neighbor. I rotated with the Urban program at the West End clinic at the start of my M4 year and loved the experience. Not only did residents receive excellent medical training, but additional rotation experiences like serving in the West End community garden also conveyed a strong value of community relationship-building and service. At Cahaba, I saw faculty whose personal and professional attributes I aspire towards: attendings were not only invested teachers who challenged residents daily to the highest standard, but also loving members to their families and serving neighbors to their coworkers and community. Additionally, the supportive culture among residents and attendings and their families was unlike any I had seen. The unique longitudinal integrated curriculum with opportunities like MAT clinic and faculty development also complements my longer-term career goals. Truly it's a blessing to have the opportunity to work here.
Undergrad:
Auburn University
Med school:
University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Spending time with my husband, Matthew, and with our newborn baby! We love gardening, watching movies, and cooking new dishes, but we're still excited to trade some of that for changing diapers too! We've also loved being involved in Bible studies and book clubs with our local community in Birmingham.
What is your favorite food to cook?
A comforting soup or stew, any kind, any time of year!
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I've always wanted to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
What drives you?
My love for God, knowing His great love for me, and wanting to share that love with others.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Probably continuing to treat an underserved patient population; I'm really interested right now in investing in patients with substance use disorders. It would be cool to integrate all that with the possibility to teach as a physician educator.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised just north of Atlanta, Georgia, and went to undergrad at Oglethorpe University. After college, I followed a little dream of mine to be an fisherman in Alaska, and after one salmon season, I decided that being a teacher would be more fun. To escape the Alaskan cold, I moved to Bolivia, South America to be a gym and math teacher at an international school. In Bolivia, I met my wife, Marisa. Somehow, I convinced her to marry me, and we moved back home to the states to attend medical school and residency.
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
My whole life I have wanted to be a doctor, but after my time living in Bolivia I saw the impact medicine and primary care can have on a person, family, and community. I knew that I wanted to integrate my profession, care for underserved populations, and my faith, so when I heard of Cahaba through friends living in Birmingham, it felt like it was meant to be. When I completed a month-long audition rotation, I saw in the attendings the type of doctor that I want to be - caring, kind, smart, thoughtful, Kingdom-minded, involved in the community, and living in the neighborhood that they serve. The opportunities that Cahaba provides for me to learn medicine, be involved and learn more about community medicine and medical missions, and for our family to become the neighbors that we have always aspired to be is unmatched.
Undergrad:
Oglethorpe University
Med school:
Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Spending time with my wife, Marisa. Lots of walks and hikes with my wife and dog, Bear. Slow Saturdays with fun foods and drinks. Visiting and spending time with our nephews and family. Traveling (preferably internationally) to anywhere with a beautiful city or nature to explore. Playing pick-up sports of all varieties. Watching good movies and fun TV shows, and constantly trying to actually sit down and read a book.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Cook? I'm more of a peanut-butter-and-jelly-making kind of guy. Baby carrots on the side. My favorite food to EAT though is a good acai bowl, preferably from Bolivia.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I would love to visit the pacific islands, or somewhere in southeast Asia. As far as somewhere I would like to live... too many places to decide!
What drives you?
Love for God and love for others. Everything I do, I hope to share that love -- whether it's medicine, being a kind neighbor, being a loving husband, or loving my family and community.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Oh gosh. It's definitely up in the air for sure. Right now, I would love to continue working for an FQHC in a city/urban center. Returning to working internationally is always on the table as well, but we see ourselves staying somewhere in the States for a bit of time post residency.
Where are you from?
Mt. Juliet, Tennessee – home of the Golden Bears
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
I had the opportunity to spend a month at Cahaba after my M1 year, and it was a breath of fresh air after a year full of stress. This put family medicine on my radar for the first time and the further along in medical school I got, the more convinced I became that the skillset of a family medicine doctor was right for me. During interview season, I sought out full-spectrum family medicine residencies that would train me to function in a variety of low-resourced settings. From a medical perspective, Cahaba checked all the boxes: loads of ultrasound, office procedures, complex patients, a strong inpatient service, and the option for endoscopy training are all tools I was looking for to prepare me for a future of working with the underserved. Most importantly, Cahaba stood out for the same reasons it did way back in the summer after my M1 year: I wanted to become like the people I met here. Their genuine care for the community around them was obvious and overflowed into all aspects of life, not just medicine. Service wasn’t an extracurricular resume padder – it was just the natural outflow of loving your neighbors well. These are people I’m excited to be discipled by as I figure out what my life will look like over the next few years.
Undergrad:
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Med school:
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Hiking, soccer, disc-golf, stupidly complex board games, doing stuff with my church, and watching a bit too much football are some highlights. Really, any excuse to be around my friends and family, ideally outside.
Favorite food to make:
Spicy fajitas.
What is a destination you’d like to visit or live?
I’m more of a “journey” than “destination” type of person. I live for Type 2 fun. I would love to be slightly unprepared for a trek up a very big mountain. Doesn’t have to be Everest big, but something like Mt. Rainier would be a fun time.
What drives you?
I believe in a God that loves each and every person in this world more than we could possibly understand and am driven to love others with just a fraction of that love.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Not sure – I feel called to provide quality healthcare to people who wouldn’t otherwise receive it, and I could see myself doing this internationally or locally through an FQHC.
Where are you from?
San Jose, California
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
During my clinical rotations as a medical student, I wanted to find a residency that really catered to patient care and one that would also allow me to continue practicing OMT. I came across Cahaba while researching family medicine programs and was blown away by the level of care that they provide their population. Even before arriving to Birmingham, I felt so welcomed by everyone who reached out to me and asked me if I needed any help in finding a place to stay or help with moving. And since being here, I've felt a lot of support from my attendings and co-residents.
Undergrad:
Dominican University of California
Med school:
Nova Southeastern University
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
You can usually find me playing my instrument, the veena (Indian classical string instrument), searching for my next vacation destination, reading a book or spending time with my family and friends.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I don't cook as much, but I'm hoping to change that in residency. I actually love baking and have been known to bake molten lava cake, cupcakes, and scones. I recently got into decorating cakes.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I would love to tour Europe. I've been to England, Ireland, and Wales but never actually ventured into Europe.
What drives you?
Helping others who are in need.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
I'm not sure at the moment, but I am thinking about full spectrum family medicine!
Where are you from?
I was raised primarily in East Tennessee just east of Knoxville in a small town named Morristown.
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
During my time in Memphis, I participated in a small group with some mentor physicians who had close ties to the old Resurrection Health residency program. These physicians had a great impact on my understanding of medicine and how it can be used for the Kingdom and glory of our heavenly Father. It was through these relationships that I was introduced to the concept of "faith based" residency programs and ultimately Cahaba UAB FMR. They encouraged me to participate in an away rotation which I was fortunate enough to be able to do. The time I spent with the residents and faculty opened my eyes even further to how medicine and the Christian faith can intersect. After much consideration and prayer, my wife and I felt that Cahaba UAB FMR would provide a high quality medical education while also allowing for significant spiritual growth of both myself and my family. My family and I are excited to be in Birmingham and are excited to see what God has in store for ourselves, my fellow residents, and the program over the next three years.
Undergrad:
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Med school:
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I have a wife of 5 years and two boys (2 year old and 10 month old). Most of my life outside of medicine includes time spent with them. My wife and I enjoy activities outside and activities with our two boys.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I love outdoor grilling. Any type of meat including chicken, steak, ribs, etc. After living in Memphis, I have recently explored slow smoked meats on the grill.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
Anywhere with a beach.
What drives you?
As a follower of Christ, I would like to say most days my drive comes from a kingdom focus and trying to discern and follow the will of our heavenly Father.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
My current post residency plan is currently unclear, but I am very interested in Women's Health and Obstetrics. I feel the Lord has given me a desire to serve this population through the avenue of Family Medicine.
Where are you from?
Montgomery, AL
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
Until I rotated at Cahaba as a 4th year medical student, I didn't feel very passionate about medicine. In fact, I considered not even going to residency or practicing medicine after graduation. Cahaba was the first place that I felt excited about my future in medicine. The way that I saw physicians approach their relationship with their patients and with their community was unlike anything that I had seen so far in my training. I saw physicians and staff that truly cared about the whole patient and wanted to share in their burdens. Beyond that, the training environment at Cahaba is great, and the faculty are approachable and treat residents and staff like peers. The biggest draw to Cahaba, for me, was the collaborative effort to treat patients and each other with the love of Jesus.
Undergrad:
Auburn University
Med school:
UAB Heersink School of Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I like to think that the majority of my life is outside of medicine, even if that isn't necessarily reflected in my schedule. Medicine is ultimately a small part of my identity. Mostly, I am spending time with my wife, Kennon, - a pediatrics resident - and our 1-year-old daughter, Theodora. We love exploring the Birmingham food and drink scene and hanging out with friends. I love sports and am very passionate about fitness, so in my spare time I can usually be found at the gym or doing something active.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I try to cook mostly vegetarian/vegan, and I love cooking anything with lentils.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I was born in Australia and moved to the US at a very young age. I've never been back, so I would love to visit one day.
What drives you?
I'm driven by the desire to show others -- be it my family, friends, patients, or otherwise -- the love of Christ.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
I have come a long way from the time when I planned to not even pursue residency. Currently, I think that I want to practice full-scope medicine in an urban, underserved setting. I also have my CSCS and love working with athletes, so I hope to find a way to incorporate that into my future as well.
Where are you from?
Troy, Alabama
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
I ultimately came to Cahaba because of the people and the curriculum. At the interview, everyone made me feel really relaxed and welcomed. I also really liked how Cahaba has a longitudinal integrated curriculum. I felt like this curriculum would benefit my learning throughout residency.
Undergrad:
UAB
Med school:
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Spending time with my family, friends and doing anything outdoors.
What is your favorite food to cook?
My mom’s recipes, and also anything I can fix in a crock pot.
What is a destination you’d like to visit or live?
I’d love to go and visit all the National Parks one day.
What drives you?
Knowing that God has a plan for me and my family.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
To be determined.
Where are you from?
Palm Bay, FL
Why did you come to Cahaba UAB FMR?
I found my way to Cahaba through a fortunate Google search. I had a plan to do family medicine, but I didn’t really think much past that. Then I came across Cahaba online and I fell in love with their mission statement and their passion to bring healthcare to people who might not have any access otherwise. After my interview, I immediately knew this was the place for me. The people here are so loving and supportive. They encourage us to try our hand at everything because they want us to learn to do things the right way, and the best way to learn is to do.
Undergrad:
University of Central Florida
Med school:
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I’m usually either sleeping, talking to my friends back home, or showing everyone pictures of my cockatiel, Bobert. If you ever see me, I will have a slew of pictures that I am always willing to show off.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Chicken and Dumplings.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
Somewhere in the mountains.
What drives you?
I’m driven by my desire to connect with people. It’s the main reason I chose family medicine. When I talk to people, I really want to get to know them, so having a job that lets me do that is kind of a dream come true.
What is your (current) post residency plan?
Practice outpatient primary care in a small suburb.
Where are you from?
Millersville, MO
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
I was drawn to Cahaba's standard to care for every patient as a whole person - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It was important to me to train somewhere that I could learn the full scope of family medicine - from OB, to inpatient, to ultrasound, to addiction medicine, etc. It was equally as important that I would be surrounded by people who would help me grow professionally and personally during these three years. I wanted to leave residency a better doctor, of course, but also a better friend and wife. I knew it would be necessary to find a community of people in residency with the same core values as me, namely to glorify God by enjoying him forever. As I met more and more people throughout interview season, I knew Cahaba would be a great means to those ends.
Undergrad:
University of Missouri
Med school:
University of Missouri
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
You can find me running on a trail, knocking restaurants off my "Birmingham bucket list" with my husband & friends, or reading a good book at a local coffee shop with good vibes.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Cooking really isn't my "thing".
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
Anywhere & everywhere.
What drives you?
Knowing that one day I will get to see the happy face of God and spend forever in eternal bliss worshiping and knowing him with people from all generations all over the world.
What is your post residency plan?
Ideally my husband and I would love to relocate to a country with medical and spiritual disparities to bring the good news of Jesus to people who have never heard before.
Where are you from?
Maryland (DC suburb)
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
I first got into medicine with a conviction that it was God's vision for my life. However, I became quickly confused during my second year of medical school because of stress from studying. If medical school was this hard, how much harder will residency training be? And am I even ready for this challenge? I knew I had to be surrounded by people who could encourage me. In fact, I wanted to work with people who were like-minded, to serve patients just like how Christ served his people. And this longing for something "greater" led me to think there must be some sort of "faith-based" residency program out there. So I searched on Google for "faith-based family medicine residency" and the first program I found was Cahaba UAB FMR.
First and foremost, I was blown away by the website because of its modern design and the black, green, white color scheme (green is my favorite color btw)!! All jokes aside, I was drawn by the Cahaba's organizational mission statement: "aiming to be an incarnation of love, peace, and justice by guiding patients through their journey towards physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being" and "our mission flows from our affirmation that our purpose is to love God and show his glory by walking in the steps of Jesus and ministering in the love of Christ". This was the same purpose that God has called me into medicine and the very thing that I was asking God continuously through the years. The website made it sound too good to be true, so I decided right at that moment that I have to witness this for myself. Despite all obstacles with COVID-19, I rotated through the urban residency program during my fourth year and again was blown away by experiencing intentional living. I saw sacrifice, love and a concerted effort by many to be a good neighbor not only in the clinic but also out in the community. There was a genuine love for one another that was palpable each and every day, from faculty to residents to staff members. I quickly fell in love with the program from day one and told my wife immediately that this was the residency program for me in the future.
By the Grace of God, I am here today, grateful for the opportunity given to me. Again, residency training in and of itself will not be easy, yet I am convinced that my time here at Cahaba will not only train me to become a better doctor, but a better husband, father, friend, colleague, neighbor and a disciple of Jesus.
Undergrad:
University of Maryland College Park
Med school:
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
Watching sports highlights, spending time in nature and taking our daughter to different playgrounds.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Anything that will make my wife and daughter happy (mostly Korean).
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
Realistically: Banff National Park; Dream: Maldives
What drives you?
God's grace. Love for people. My family.
What is your post residency plan?
I have no clue... will listen to God's voice and heed His advice in the next 3 years.
Where are you from?
Generally speaking, the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, a smallish town called Tumwater, Washington - or about an hour south of Seattle for those who are unfamiliar :)
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
What drew me 3000 miles away from home you ask? What a good question. It was the people. The community that form this residency program.
Community uniquely defines Cahaba UAB FMR both literally, and figuratively. The people that make up this program care immeasurably about each other and the community in which the clinic sits. Every person who walks through the doors gets treated with dignity and respect. The warmth and encouragement overflows out of the building. I think this defining draw toward community stems from the program’s unique desire to live out their calling to love God and love people. It is beautiful and challenging and everything I didn’t know I needed in a program.
Members of this program desire to know their neighbors and the people they get to work with as doctors and it is beautiful, even when its not perfect. I am so grateful the Lord placed these people and this place in front of me to stumble upon. It was the most wonderful “trip” I’ve taken yet.
Undergrad:
Seattle Pacific University
Med school:
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
My life has involved a bunch of different things throughout the years, and it is hard to say what it will look like over the next 3 while I am here in Birmingham. My favorite activities involve running around with people. Specifically, I absolutely love soccer. If I can’t run around, I like to feel like I have been by drinking coffee and letting my competitive side out while playing board games with whoever is willing. Surprisingly for some, I am an introvert so I also like to spend some quiet time journaling, reading books or exercising independently.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I don’t really have any favorites. I enjoy trying new recipes. Lately, I have been trying various types of curry. I definitely enjoy baking more than cooking. And I enjoy decorating the things I bake even more than baking.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I have not been anywhere in Asia or South America, yet so perhaps one of those two continents would be a good place to start. But I would also love to return to Eswatini at some point in the future!
What drives you?
Being able to show people they matter and are valuable no matter their circumstance. "While we were sinners, Christ died for us”, and I want the love that motivated Him to do that to flow out from me onto anyone I have the pleasure of interacting with.
What is your post residency plan?
TBD. But I imagine it will involve full spectrum care in an underserved setting. Location and scope remain very much in the air.
Where are you from?
Birmingham, AL
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
I chose Cahaba FMR because I wanted to give back to a community that helped me become who I am today. I believe it is a blessing to be able to serve in a community that not only my dad grew up in, but a place where I have the sweetest memories of my grandfather. Talk about things coming around full circle! Lastly, but certainly not least I loved that Cahaba was spiritually-based. My belief is very important to me and without the Lord, navigating life and the field of medicine would be impossible for me. I wanted to be a part of a place that led with God’s love because I knew that would not only make a difference in the community, but the type of training I received as well.
Undergrad:
Auburn University
Med school:
Edward Via College of Osteopathic medicine (VCOM-Auburn)
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I love hanging out with friends, traveling (when possible) baking, and catching up on my latest favorite reality TV (my current favorite is Married to Medicine).
What is your favorite food to cook?
I love to make spaghetti (occasionally I like to use zucchini noodles for a twist.)
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I would love to visit the UAE to learn more about the culture.
What drives you?
What drives me is knowing that the Lord has a plan for me, and I am just a servant for his kingdom. Even when things are tough or unbearable, I know I can find strength in the Lord to give me strength and the drive I need to do His work.
What is your post residency plan?
After residency, I would love to serve in an underserved community, similar to the patient population of Cahaba. It would even be cool to stick around, if they would have me! :)
Where are you from?
I'm from Ohio. Born and Raised in Cincinnati, and Cleveland for Medical School. Both cities are vastly underrated, but surprisingly awesome, so I proudly claim them both!
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
Before medical school, and even up through most of my training, I thought I wanted to go into Emergency Medicine. Family Medicine had always been in the back of my mind, but I hadn't seriously considered it as a viable option until I went to the Christian Community Health Conference (in the beautiful city of Cincinnati, Ohio) and met several of the residents and staff from Cahaba. At the end of the conference, I called my mom and told her "I found my people." Until that point, I hadn't been surrounded with people who shared the same vision for missional medicine and passion for the underserved. I knew how I wanted to practice medicine and the calling that God had placed on my life, and it was so refreshing to be in a space where people were affirming of that calling. Throughout the residency application process and new pandemic-proof virtual formats, I felt a sense of peace knowing that God would have me match where I was supposed to be. And thankfully, that place was Cahaba! Since arriving here, everyone has been so welcoming and immediately felt like family. Being able to live, work, and learn in a community of like-minded believers has been so amazing and I am thankful everyday that God has blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of this program.
Undergrad:
Evangel University; Springfield, Missouri
Med school:
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cleveland; Cleveland, Ohio
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I'm still rediscovering what life outside of medical school looks like, but a lot has changed since I was last in the outside world. I love exploring new places with no particular agenda and doing street photography along the way. I try to get out and see someplace or try something new at least once a week and that's a great way to break me out of my introverted self who is also perfectly content to sit at home with a good book and read deeply on some obscure topic with absolutely no relevance to medicine.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I love cooking anything I haven't made before and trying out new recipes and flavor profiles. I'm terrible at following recipes and just kind of make things up as I go along, no matter how hard I try to stick with the recipe -- but in my defense, it does usually taste pretty good in the end. By default, I make things taste Italian, but I also love trying to make plant-based versions of traditional Mexican, Indian, and Lebanese, (Insert any delicious food group), dishes.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
Capetown, South Africa or Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Belfast, Northern Ireland or Istanbul, Turkey...or maybe somewhere else. I love to travel, so my answer will probably vary from day to day based on what book I've read recently or the current weather patterns.
What drives you?
As doctors we've been given this amazing gift to be able to connect with people on what is potentially the worst possible day of their life. In those moments, when things are spiraling out of their control, we have the opportunity to step in and show the love of Christ to our patients. Being able to bring peace, calm, and comfort to the care we provide is such an honor and amazing responsibility. Moments like those are what continue to drive me in the long, arduous journey toward a career in medicine.
What is your post residency plan?
Ideally I would love to work overseas in a medical missions context. Still exploring what that will look like exactly and where I will be, but I'm open to wherever God is leading. Four years ago I would have never imagined I would be living in Birmingham, Alabama, but here I am. Who knows where I'll be next?!
Where are you from?
Tuscaloosa, AL
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
I ultimately came to Cahaba because of the people! When we started looking at residencies we were actually hoping to get out of the state (preferably somewhere a bit cooler), and I wanted a more traditional training curriculum. But as we got to know residents and faculty here, God made it clear we needed to seek out this community. We saw people faithfully wrestling with questions that matter: How does God call us (as physicians) to live? How might a residency culture train competent physicians without sacrificing their spiritual wellbeing? How can we best serve the Lord among the nations and at home? How do we best serve these marginalized communities without ego or pride? Through conversations with residents and faculty, it became clear that three years of residency here would be a sharpening experience both medically and spiritually, and that was an irresistible opportunity (not to mention the innumerable perks of being close to babysitters who won’t charge you)!
Undergrad:
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Med school:
UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I spend most of my time with my husband Dominic, and our daughter Ada Marie! When we have time, we like to spend it having game nights with friends, taking weekend trips, and seeing family in Birmingham or Tuscaloosa. If you find yourself within walking distance to both a park and a coffee shop, you’re probably somewhere we'd like to hang out.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Chocolate chip cookies all day every day.
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
Sounds bougie, but I’d really like to go skiing in the Swiss Alps someday.
What drives you?
An overwhelming sense that I’ve been blessed both in this life and beyond it by God’s grace.
What is your post residency plan?
Mainly adult medicine, preferably in an underserved community.
Where are you from?
I come from the land of corn and soy;
Ope -- that’s right -- I’m a Midwest boi.
Euchre, tornadoes, and snowy deluge:
I escaped to the South for some sunny refuge!
(Also I loved the program but yes I am very excited to never see a snowflake again)
Why did you come to Cahaba FMR?
When I first switched careers from 5000 gallon continuously stirred tank reactors and centrifugal pump curves to inborn errors of metabolism and Frank Starling curves, I planned on practicing medicine overseas. Inspired by the likes of Dr. Kent Brantly working in Liberia during the Ebola epidemic, I wanted to work in an underserved area with people who wouldn’t otherwise receive care. More than that, I wanted to live among my patients as friends and neighbors.
I also knew I wanted to practice full spectrum family medicine - from kiddos to the elderly to obstetrics and procedures. This was confirmed for me throughout medical school -- I enjoyed every rotation (except maybe surgery) but missed the comprehensiveness, continuity of care, breadth, and ongoing relationships found only in family medicine. In my clinical years, my eyes and heart were opened to healthcare disparities in our own country. Though I have a heart for global health, in the short term at least I feel called to work with people who have traditionally been poorly served by medicine in our own country.
When I discovered that there are residency programs that combine full scope FM with a focus on the underserved -- INCLUDING LIVING IN THE SAME COMMUNITY AS THE PATIENTS -- and that I could escape winter, I was sold.
It is so freaking cool to work at a place with people who care about the same things and have the same values as you. Every residency program talks about being a family, but Cahaba truly exemplifies it. Everyone at Cahaba loves each other and loves their patients (who happen to be their literal neighbors) and ARE MAKING A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE here in Birmingham. What else could you want?
So why CFMR?
TL;DR Because this is my calling, these are my people, this is my home (not just where I live but my HOME), and together with the grace of God we are making things whole.
Undergrad:
University of Toledo (BS Chemical Engineering, BA Biochemistry)
Med school:
University of Toledo (the real UT)
What does your life outside of medicine look like?
I can usually be found running around in circles at uncomfortably brisk speeds or running long with Cahaba Distance Project or sucking wind at Red Mountain Park (because the only elevation I’m used to is the curb) or kicking Dakota’s butt at races. I am also known to play sax and clarinet less frequently than I would prefer and to have all my poem submissions to JAMA get rejected. I love board games and humorous puns and hiking and nature and Studio C and oil painting and superheroes and oil painting superheroes and run-on sentences. I can almost certainly not be found stretching, drinking coffee, or intentionally listening to most music composed within the past century.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Plant-based anything spicy and flavorful (dal, channa masala, curry, pesto etc).
What is a destination you'd like to visit or live?
I love hiking and exploring. Utah is probably my favorite place in the US (Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce). Hawaii and Australia are on my bucket list. I had the opportunity to do a backpacking trip through Europe after taking Step 1 (my school gave us 2 months off to study so I took it early and then traveled) and I would love to do something like that again.
What drives you?
My 2012 Ford Focus stick shift.
JK, the invitation to partner with God in restoring in small but meaningful ways the brokenness in the world - disease, poverty, hopelessness etc.
What is your post residency plan?
Pay off debt. Work at an FQHC or DPC in which I can provide quality comprehensive care to underserved patients at affordable costs. Incorporate global health. Get a poem published in JAMA. Start a family. Run a sub-70 half marathon, sub-2:30 marathon, sub-15 5k.
Where are you from?
I was born in China and grew up in Fargo, North Dakota.
Why did you come to Cahaba - UAB FMR?
I am drawn to Cahaba for several reasons. For starters, the camaraderie among residents is something that is unparalleled to anything else I saw during my application trail. Cahaba showed me a diverse residency that strongly believes in teamwork and providing academic, social, and spiritual support. It is apparent from my first day here that all residents enjoy hanging out together and do so very frequently.
Cahaba’s relationship with its community also had a tremendous impact on me. In addition to strongly valuing and emphasizing care of the disadvantaged, diverse, and underserved populations, the faculty and residents view their roles in the community as a calling instead of a profession. They are an integral part of the DNA of the community which transcends just healthcare. Being a very mission-oriented program, Cahaba pulled me towards this program as I believe the most fulfilling way to practice medicine and live life is by becoming like Christ.
Undergrad:
After graduating from the University of Rochester with a B.S. degree in microbiology, I worked as a microbiologist for a pharmaceutical company in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Medical School:
I went to medical school at Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee.
What does your life outside medicine look like?
In my spare time I enjoy watching football and basketball, reading about history (living in Birmingham gives me the opportunity to dig deep about the civil rights movement), and skating around on a cruiser board.
What is your favorite food to cook?
My favorite food to cook is a Chinese dish called red braised pork belly.
What is a destination you’d like to visit or live?
As a history buff and a Latin enthusiast, I would like to visit Rome one day.
What drives you?
I’m driven by values instilled in me by my faith and my family and knowing that I was created to make a positive impact and to do good works.
What is your post-residency plan?
After residency, I hope to continue serving the underserved population in an outpatient setting.