Ryan Bloomquist, MD*
Medical School: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Career Interests: Ophthalmology
Andrew Bouffler, MD
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Career Interests: Hospitalist, GI
Hobbies: Be amongst family & friends, be outside, hike, play golf & soccer, watch college hoops/football, F1 & cricket
Why MCG?: The faculty and residents I met while interviewing were all friendly and easy-going. I attended a morning report during second look and was impressed by the learning environment and complex pathology the residents were presenting. The program has a comprehensive ultrasound fellowship and abundant opportunities should I be interested in further training. Staying in the South was a priority.
Sean Byrne, DO
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Willem de Vries, MD
Medical School: Mercer University
Christopher Dick, MD
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Hometown: Dunwoody, GA
Career Interests: Primary Care
Hobbies: Watching the Dawgs, golf, basketball, cooking
Why MCG?: I chose MCG because of the incredible faculty and staff and the diverse patient population.
Mustafa Farooq, MD*
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Career Interests: Interventional Radiology
Michael Filoramo, MD*
Medical School: Florida State University
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Career Interests: Ophthalmology
Hobbies: I enjoy playing golf, pickleball and taking my dog Gus on walks.
Why MCG?: After having the opportunity to come to MCG for a month long externship during my fourth year of medical school, I quickly realized that Augusta is an amazing community where I will hopefully thrive as a resident!
Alexa Ghulam, MD*
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Brandee Goo, MD*
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Hometown: Kailua, HI
Career Interests: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Hobbies: Roller derby, Crossfit, and cooking
Why MCG?: I attended MCG for school and felt that I received great training.
John Hetzel, MD
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Undergraduate School: Columbus State University
Hometown: Hogansville, GA
Career Interests: Allergy/Immunology
Hobbies: Home renovation, Landscaping and gardening, weightlifting, Hiking, Video games
Why MCG?: I chose MCG because of it's positive workplace culture and supportive learning environment.
Mattie Kennedy, MD
Medical School: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Hometown: Hillsville, VA
Career Interests: Infectious Disease or Hospitalist
Hobbies: Spending time outside with my dog June, reading, and watching reality TV
Why MCG?: I came to MCG because everyone I met was incredibly friendly and welcoming. I also appreciated the diverse clinical experiences I would be able to get at both Wellstar and the VA.
Alex Loayza, MD*
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina - Charleston
Career Interests: Ophthalmology
John McNally, DO
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas
Undergraduate School: East Carolina University
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Career Interests: Cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology
Hobbies: Walk, video games, music
Why MCG?: I chose to attend MCG for residency due to my fantastic experience during an away rotation. All the residents, fellows, and attendings I worked with during my rotation were active teachers and clearly wanted me and the other students to get the most possible out of the rotation. Everyone I worked with was very personable, and the MCG environment was very tight-knit and comfortable. There were numerous research opportunities presented to me and my team, and I enjoyed being in an academic environment that was so conducive to my learning. I also completed my medical school rotations in Aiken, SC, and wanted to remain in the area long-term.
Christian McShannic, DO
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Benjamin Mims, DO*
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kajal Mistry, MD
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Jennelle Norem, DO
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Caleb Padgett, MD
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Hometown: Langley, SC
Career Interests: Cardiology, General Internal Medicine
Hobbies: Golf, slow pitch softball, music
Why MCG?: I loved the area, the collegial environment, and the great opportunities for learning.
Anand Patel, DO
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown: Kenya
Career Interests: Cardiology
Hobbies: Soccer, football, and hiking
Why MCG?: MCG has a tremendously supportive environment where the residents and faculty alike are invested in individual and collective success of the program, multiple research opportunities, and fellowships.
Laura Perez, MD
Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Om Purohit, MD
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Tharshika Raguraj, MBBS
Medical School: General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University - Faculty of Medicine
Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Career Interests: Hospital medicine
Hobbies: Baking, cooking, singing
Why MCG?: I love the friendly and supportive environment
Havird (McLean) Skalak, MD
Medical School: Mercer University
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology
Hobbies: Play with my golden retriever, True Crime podcasts/documentaries, and spending time with friends and family
Why MCG?: I chose MCG because it gave me the chance to come back home, be close to family, and train in a program that really prioritizes great education and offers many fellowship opportunities.
Jaime Smith, MD
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Joseph Suchomski, MD
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Hometown: Pittsfield, NH
Career Interests: Hematology/Oncology, HealthTech
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, baseball, camping, outdoor recreation
Why MCG?: A good case mix of oncologic cases, mid size academic program with phenomenal co-residents!
Carter Taysom, DO
Medical School: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matthew Telfer, MD*
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Career Interests: Cardiology and Pulm/Crit
Hobbies: I enjoy playing tennis, running, weightlifting and checking out new restaurants
Why MCG?: I came to MCG to be exposed to the complexity and variety of pathology here and the excellent program leadership.
Julia Weaver, MD
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Kenji Yoshida, MD*
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Hometown: Macon, GA
Career Interests: Dermatology
Hobbies: Working out, tennis, cooking
Why MCG?: The strong mentorship and friendly resident culture