YEAR 3

photo of Joseph Arellano, DO

Joseph Arellano, DO

  • Medical School:
  • Lake Erie School of Osteopathic Medicine- Seton Hill

Hometown: Merrieta, CA
Undergrad: California Baptist University  
Medical School: Lake Erie School of Osteopathic Medicine- Seton Hill
Research Focus: Undecided 

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The friendly faculty, the acuity of the patients, and the proficiency and confidence of the third year residents I worked with.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? I like to hang out on the river, explore trails with my wife and dogs, and eat and drink with friends.

What are your future plans? I was part of the Army HPSP scholarship, so I plan on seeing where the Army takes me for the first few years after residency, and figure out the rest as I get there.
photo of Tron Bullard, MD

Tron Bullard, MD

  • Medical School:
  • Medical College of Georiga

Hometown: Atlanta GA

Undergrad: Clayton State University
Medical School: Medical College of Georiga
Research Focus: I love almost all research topics! 

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? Excellent Training/Great People/Low cost of living

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? BBQ watching football/local restaurants

What are your future plans? Unsure community vs academics
photo of William "Will" Cary, MD

William "Will" Cary, MD

  • Medical School:
  • Medical University of South Carolina

Hometown: Batesburg, South Carolina
Undergrad: Clemson
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Research Focus: Quality Improvement

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The culture of the attendings and residents (which is open and amazing) and the high level of acuity and volume seen here. Plus, its right on a river.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? Boat on the river, kayaking, going to the breweries, going to the range

What are your future plans? Military medicine followed by community EM
photo of Rafael Kaplan, MD

Rafael Kaplan, MD

  • Medical School:
  • Albany Medical College

Hometown: Warren, New Jersey
Undergrad: Indiana University- Bloomington
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Research Focus: Military Operational Medicine

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? Down to Earth people, robust program, Military friendly, collegial environment

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? Kayak the Augusta Canal, explore downtown, GOLF, run the Canal trail with my dog, Maple!

What are your future plans? Operational Medicine
photo of Joseph Krebs, MD

Joseph Krebs, MD

  • Medical School:
  • University of Tennessee Health Science Cetner

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Undergrad: 
Christian Brothers University
Medical School: 
University of Tennessee Health Science Cetner

Research Focus: EKG/Electrophysiology

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The residents that I met while rotating were some of the most knowledgeable, experienced and well rounded that I had ever seen. I liked the wide range of opportunities offered from tactical medicine to mission trips. The residents and staff seemed to have a really good working relationship. The atmosphere in the ED was very welcoming thanks in part to the current residents as well as nursing staff and attendings. The hospital and program felt like a home and second family much quicker than I anticipated and it has made the transition to residency much easier. 

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? My wife and I enjoy the savannah rapids trail and canal for kayaking. We enjoy taking our dog running along the Forks area trail system just across the border in south carolina. We also always enjoy grabbing some good food with friends and coworkers during our downtime.

What are your future plans? 4 years in the Army then moving wherever we want. I have thought about doing a civilian fellowship in wilderness medicine or critical care.
photo of Nicole Lopez, MD

Nicole Lopez, MD

  • Medical School:
  • Medical College of Georgia

Hometown: 

Undergrad: 

Medical School: 
Research Focus: 

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? 

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? 

What are your future plans? 
photo of Samantha Mahon, MD

Samantha Mahon, MD

  • Medical School:
  • Florida State

Hometown: Pensicola, Florida
Undergrad: Florida State
Medical School: Florida State
Research Focus: Ethics of Cadaver Research

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The People!!!

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? Hike all the trails, kayak the river

What are your future plans? Move closer to family after residency

photo of Emilie Offerman, DO

Emilie Offerman, DO

  • Medical School:
  • Kansas City University

Hometown: Spring Grove, IL
Undergrad:  Bradley University
Medical School: Kansas City University
Research Focus: Undecided, possibly critical care, ultrasound, or pain management in the ED

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? During the interview process, I quickly realized that these were "my people"; I loved how everyone was so friendly and relatable. Furthermore, AU is unique in that it cares for the inner-city population, but as a regional trauma center with a wide catchment area also cares for rural patients and transfers that are lacking in local resources. I also like that there is a focus on ultrasound training and ED critical care.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? I live right off the Greenway so I go for walks or runs with my dog there all the time! I also like trying out new restaurants and breweries with co-workers.

What are your future plans? I'm not decided on a fellowship yet, but I can see myself pursuing an academic environment after residency.

photo of Joseph Pansius, DO

Joseph Pansius, DO

  • Medical School:
  • Touro University of California

Hometown: Sacramento, California
Undergrad: Arizona State University
Medical School: Touro University of California
Research Focus: Infectious disease, cardiact arrest, critical care

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The level of acuity, the number of visits per day, the leadership, and the residents all drew me to Augusta/MCG. I felt that this program would prepare me well to be an EM physician.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? I enjoy the outdoor activities Augusta has to offer, especially the canal/river trails; there are also some great restaurants and bars in the area; it's located in a great spot for day trips to Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, and more.

What are your future plans? I will continue serving in the Army after residency. I am interested in a critical care fellowship as well.

photo of Daniel Ricci, DO

Daniel Ricci, DO

  • Medical School:
  • Nova Southeastern University
 Hometown: 

Undergrad: 
Medical School: 
Research Focus: 

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? 

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? 

What are your future plans? .

photo of Jonathan Rivers, MD

Jonathan Rivers, MD

  • Medical School:
  • University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Hometown: Aiken, South Carolina
Undergrad: West Point, USMA
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Research Focus: Pre-hospital care, austere medicine, international emergency medicine

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The curriculum at MCG is responsive and up to date for resident needs. The facilities and faculty provide an excellent environment to practice emergency medicine in a unique patient population in the CSRA. The partnerships with the military, VA, and surrounding EMS services provide outstanding opportunities to explore possibilities and interests in emergency medicine. Finally, the people are amazing! The residents and faculty are supportive and encouraging; the residency program participates in a number of training events, competitions, and social functions that support the curriculum and team building.What are some of your favorite things to do in

Augusta? Mountain bike, kayak, fish, hunt,

What are your future plans? I plan to work in community emergency medicine and simultaneously participate in international emergency medicine charity/training opportunities.

photo of Brittni Ruble, DO

Brittni Ruble, DO

  • Medical School:
  • Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Undergrad: Missouri State University
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Research Focus: Undecided

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? Low cost of living, military affiliation, opportunities for training in disaster, tactical, international, and fight medicine

 What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? Work on my house, go to the gym, walk my dog

What are your future plans? Buy a ranch in Montana with a bunch of horses, work in a community ED, and get involved in real estate/house flipping

photo of Joshua Shurley, DO

Joshua Shurley, DO

  • Medical School:
  • Campbell University

Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Undergrad: University of Florida
Medical School: Campbell University
Research Focus: Ultrasound

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The opportunity to practice medicine with outstanding people in an amazing place.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta? Exploring the parks and greenways with my family

What are your future plans? Possible US fellowship and then likely community practice before returning to academics.

photo of Matthew Weirich, MD

Matthew Weirich, MD

  • Medical School:
  • Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA

Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Research Focus: EMS/Pre-hospital care

What drew you to the EM program at Augusta/MCG? The patient volume and acuity, opportunity for training in tactical medicine, and supportive faculty/residents! 

What are some of your favorite things to do in Augusta?  Exploring the variety of food options, breweries, and all the outdoor activities that Augusta has to offer!

What are your future plans? Military medicine followed by an EMS fellowship most likely