Current Residents

PGY1

St. George's University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed

I have always desired to come back to NC and serve the community that welcomed me and my family 10 years ago. During the residency application process, I was seeking a program that would challenge me to grow as a physician and provide me tools and experiences necessary to become a competent physician. That’s when I found WakeMed. I chose WakeMed because I wanted to train in a large community hospital that would expose me to diverse populations and a wide breadth of medical complexities. I also worked as a sitter here before medical school and was familiar with the hospital and its strong reputation for quality patient care. 

Additionally, Raleigh is a great place to live and being closer to my family made the decision to move back easier.  

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine? 

As an immigrant from Ghana -West Africa, I have always been acutely aware of the disparities in healthcare that exist across the world.

Throughout my clinical experiences as a CNA/Home health aide, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of providing quality health care to patients and making a positive impact on their lives and families.  

My experience fueled my passion for medicine, and I became a physician to utilize my skills and knowledge to serve and advocate for the underrepresented and underprivileged communities and making a deep impactful difference. 

Fun fact about you 

I love spicy food, and I plan to come out with my own hot sauce recipe. 

Earlier this year, I attended my first ever concert in Miami! I got the chance to see the gospel icon CeCe Winans perform on stage. 

Hobbies 

I love cooking, trying new recipes, singing, hiking with my husband and spending quality time with my loved ones.  

PGY2

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine — Virginia Campus

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: As a trainee who will be pursing medicine in a community hospital after residency, I wanted to train in a setting similar to what I would be practicing in, but not compromise pathology or unique learning experiences. I think WakeMed is a perfect sized hospital, being large enough to train in a resource rich environment while being a community center. Raleigh was also a perfect location, being only three hours from my hometown as well as having some family and friends already in the city. The city itself is very nice, but I also have the ability to live just outside and have plenty of nature, which I prefer. The small class size was appealing - I felt it would help my class be more close and easier to get individualized teaching and feedback.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: It is both fascinating and practical. I love that every day is different and offers unique challenges. Investing in this skill makes you invaluable and your career options are highly flexible. Plus, it is rewarding.

Fun fact about you: I’m currently learning digital art as well as German language.

Hobbies: Movies and video games, art, golf, tennis, lifting, SCUBA, flying drones and fishing

PGY1

Lincoln Memorial University

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: After completing a rotation at WakeMed as a medical student, I knew I wanted to return for residency. The strong sense of camaraderie among the residents and the close, supportive relationship they shared with faculty stood out to me. It was clear that the faculty were committed to training well-rounded physicians while also supporting residents in achieving their career aspirations. In addition, the location of WakeMed, in a diverse and bustling metropolitan area, provides exposure to a wide range of patient populations, pathologies, and medical complexities. Furthermore, Raleigh is a great place to live! It checks all the boxes for a place I want to live while also remaining close to family. Training at WakeMed would allow me not only to grow as a physician, but also to build meaningful connections with the community I hope to serve after residency.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: My passion for medicine stems from my appreciation of the complexity and diversity of the human body and the wide range of pathologies that can affect it. Medicine challenges me intellectually and fulfills my desire for continuous growth and learning. I aspire to use that knowledge to make a tangible difference in meaningful ways – relieving pain, restoring health, and supporting patients and their families through some of their most difficult moments. In addition, I am drawn to the longitudinal nature of patient care. I value the privilege of building relationships with patients and their families and being part of their journey. The fact that people allow physicians into one of the most vulnerable parts of their lives is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.

Fun fact about you: I have a cat who I love dearly. His name is Chip, and he knows 10 tricks.

Hobbies: Running, hiking, camping, crafting

PGY1

University of Utah School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: I chose to apply to WakeMed because I wanted to train at an institution that has a long history of dedication to community and population health particularly for urban underserved populations, strong academic ties, and proximity to my partner's training. I am looking forward to working with and learning from the incredibly kind and supportive faculty, residents and staff at WakeMed.   

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: What makes me passionate about practicing medicine is the great opportunity to improve health outcomes and literacy particularly for underserved and stigmatized populations. I am passionate about increasing access to healthcare as someone who grew up in a medically underserved area. I am so excited to embrace the role of a physician as educator, diagnostician, healer, and advocate for patients and their communities. I also hope to continue working to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion within medical education and training.

Fun fact about you: A fun fact about me is that I enjoy taking care of plants and giving them punny names!

Hobbies: My hobbies include playing the piano, singing, rock climbing, hiking, running, playing board games, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, cooking with my partner, and spending time with family and friends.

PG1

ECU/Brody School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed

I grew up in Raleigh, NC. In fact, I was born in this very hospital. All my life I’ve known about WakeMed’s reputation and when I learned they started their own Internal Medicine residency program, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. From the start, whether it was through the interviews or other interactions with members of the program, I have repeatedly seen the faculty and residents passion and compassion for delivering quality, evidence-based care; for supporting one another; and for creating a nurturing learning environment for learners of all levels. I think it is rare to see a hospital that has such an excellent history of training physicians while also genuinely caring for the local community. These reasons are why I chose to apply to WakeMed — to be a part of a program that will undoubtedly provide me with a solid medical foundation while also presenting opportunities to serve a community that has shaped who I am today.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine?

My heart has always been for service. Before medical school, I worked at a local non-profit serving uninsured and impoverished residents of Wake County and, in medical school, I became the co-director of a student-run clinic that provided health care to residents of the nearby homeless shelter. My passion for service is what led me to medicine and what ultimately pushed me to pursue primary care. 

Internists have the unique responsibility of caring for the whole person instead of a single organ system. Not only does that mean addressing the biological aspects of a person, but also the psycho-socio-economic components of health as well. From my experiences thus far, I have recognized the significant need for equitable health care, especially primary care, in our community and have learned that there are medical and non-medical ways to address patients’ needs. As I continue through my medical career, and throughout my life, I hope to continue holistically serving my patients and the people of my community.

Fun facts about you

I am an all-around nerd. I have a particular fondness for anything Marvel (from the comics to the MCU), Miyazaki films and ATLA. I also love to cook and like learning about the science of food. I’ve always said if I didn’t get into medicine, I would have applied for culinary school. Last, I am working on becoming a polyglot. The languages I have some proficiency in are English, Vietnamese and Italian. I hope to add Spanish and Arabic to that list.

Hobbies

Besides playing video games and watching TV/movies, I enjoy eating and trying out new restaurants. I also enjoy playing chess, drinking tea (especially with baked goods), reading dystopian novels, playing board games (I have over 50 myself) and spending time with friends and family. Like many people, I’m starting to get into pickleball. 

PGY1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: I believe strongly in whole-person care, population health, and caring for underserved populations. As a medical student at UNC-Chapel Hill, I rotated at WakeMed where I saw and felt dedication in all these areas. There is a palpable commitment to teaching, expanding clinical experience, and a close-knit culture where I know I will thrive amidst the rigors of training. The opportunity to serve the community I grew up in, as well as receive comprehensive, compassionate, evidence-based clinical training makes WakeMed the ideal program for me.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: I firmly believe health is a human right. Medicine allows me the opportunity to directly support patients, their individual needs, and unique circumstances in service of this belief. For me, medicine sits at the perfect intersection of science and service, through which I can fulfill multiple passions, while also actively contributing to my community. Further, the opportunity to continuously learn and grow through this field and with my patients excites me.

Fun fact about you: I enjoy a good book and have read over 20 books in the past three months from several different genres. I am a creative soul and am almost always writing, choreographing, brainstorming, or designing. My husband and I love to build community and have at least one friend or family member over for a meal at least once a week!

Hobbies: I enjoy most things music and art related, including dancing, singing, listening to live music, doodling, painting, and sewing/stitching. I've recently gotten into board games and am slowly building a collection.

PGY1

St. George's University School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed

I chose WakeMed because I wanted to find a program that would emphasize teaching and helping me grow as a physician.  

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine?

I have always wanted to go into medicine to help patients the way I have seen doctors help my family. I hope to pursue oncology for my fellowship.

Fun fact about you

I worked as an athletic trainer prior to medical school and got to train professional athletes. 

Hobbies

I am an avid golfer. I also enjoy hiking with my dog, working out and trying new foods with my wife. 

PGY1

University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed

I grew up in Wake County and completed all my education in the Triangle, so I have always known WakeMed as a prominent force in our community health care. The system’s patient-first approach is strengthened by its close partnership with the area’s academic institutions, and our ample resources allow us to care for a wide diversity of people and pathologies. Furthermore, the close-knit nature of the Internal Medicine residency program ensures opportunities for mentorship, professional development and lifelong connections. During my training, I am pleased to serve at a place I call home.  

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine?  

I love working in a field that builds communities around improving the lives of others. Our work is challenging and humbling but so rewarding, and I value the continuous learning and evolving mindsets. It’s an honor to connect with our patients and become part of their health journeys.

Fun facts about you  

I speak Hindi, and I minored in Spanish in college. I have recently started a mini collection of Lego builds. I have also been dabbling in astronomy.

Hobbies  

I enjoy crafting, painting, listening to music, reading, visiting local eateries and attending art fairs.

PGY2

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: I grew up in Wake County, and I was eager to return to North Carolina for residency. I chose WakeMed because I knew I would receive a strong education and the skills necessary to become a well-rounded internal medicine physician. I was impressed by WakeMed’s long-standing experience with educating medical students and residents across multiple specialties. I also loved the sense of camaraderie among the faculty and residents. As a large community hospital, I knew I would receive exposure to a wide breadth of medical cases. WakeMed felt like the perfect fit where I could care for patients in my home state. I am very excited to practice medicine and serve patients in the community that I grew up in.

Something you have enjoyed about your residency experience at WakeMed: It is incredibly rewarding to help patients on their journey to taking charge of their health. As a physician, I love that I am able to educate patients and use my medical knowledge to help provide the best health outcomes. I also enjoy the cerebral aspect of medicine. Medicine is constantly growing and changing with discoveries coming out regularly. I enjoy learning new and established innovations in evidence-based medicine to make informed decisions about patient care. 

Fun facts about you: My family is Ghanaian! It is a beautiful country and I highly recommend visiting. Also, in high school I memorized a few dozen digits of the number pi for National Pi Day and can still name a few!

Hobbies: Going to museums, watching movies, mini-golf, reading, board games and knitting

PG1

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed

On a whim, I completed a rotation here as a medical student and knew I had to return for residency. The program's faculty and leadership are kind towards patients and residents, have genuine concern for residents' well-being and are committed to education. The residents are professional, knowledgeable and fun to work with. WakeMed is the ideal combination of a small community program in a bustling metropolitan area, which provides a plethora of medically and socially-complex learning opportunities. WakeMed is invested in serving the citizens of Wake County and strives to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who walks through the hospital's doors.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine?

As a servant-hearted physician, I am in a unique position to provide compassionate care to my patients and their families while acknowledging the connections between the mind, body and spirit. I am able to positively impact the lives of my patients by educating them on acute and chronic illnesses, providing suggestions that improve overall health and walking alongside patients during challenging moments of their lives.

Fun facts about you

GO HOKIES! I am a proud third-generation Virginia Tech Hokie, one of eight in the family. 

Need a ride? I sometimes drive for Uber on my days off.

Hobbies

Cooking Asian cuisine, eating local ice cream, trail running, attending local events and watching Netflix are my favorite pasttimes.

PGY1 

Campbell University

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: Having completed most of my clinical rotations within the WakeMed system, I gained a deep appreciation for the hospital’s diverse patient population and the range of routine to complex cases it manages. I was consistently impressed by the attendings I worked with and found that WakeMed’s collaborative, patient-centered approach aligned perfectly with my own values. I knew I would receive high-quality training in a supportive environment where I could truly thrive. Beyond the hospital, Raleigh is an incredible place to live, with great restaurants, fun community events, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: My passion for medicine stems from my desire to be a compassionate physician with a large breadth of knowledge who approaches patient care with a holistic understanding of the individual. It is rewarding to advocate for patients, making room for honest conversations, and supporting them in understanding and processing both their physical and emotional experiences. Internal medicine offers ongoing intellectual challenges and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients. Medicine is a continuous journey of learning and growth, and I am inspired by the idea that we all contribute to each other's unique medical journeys as learners, teachers, and healers.

Fun fact about you: I love challenging myself physically—I once hiked from the rim of the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River and back in a day, and I also ran the Asheville Marathon during my fourth year of medical school.

Hobbies: I am a lover of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, running, and biking. I am passionate about traveling and practicing yoga. A true foodie at heart, I take pleasure in cooking at home and trying new restaurants. In my free time, I like working with clay on the pottery wheel and going to the movies.

PGY2

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: Ever since beginning medical school at Campbell, I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about WakeMed and how much people trust it. With it's strong reputation, I thought how amazing it would be to partake in and learn from this program. During the application process, it was evident faculty were committed to teaching and supporting residents. I knew it was the best fit for me and a place where mentors and co-residents would want us all to succeed. I was also intrigued by the fact that it is a large community hospital with a variety of cases from a diverse patient population, presenting so many learning opportunities. In addition, Raleigh is a super cool town with a bunch of outdoor activities and an amazing food scene. As someone who loves to hike and wind down by the beach, it is in a great location between the mountains and the coast.  

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: It is an honor when patients trust their physicians to help them at their most vulnerable times. I don’t take that lightly. It is one of the main reasons why I strive to always improve and learn, so I can treat patients to the best of my ability. Medicine is a field that is innovative, and it’s always advancing; there really is lifelong learning which is one of the many things I enjoy about medicine. I also love that every patient is different and that makes every day special! 

Fun facts about you: I have three siblings with whom I am super close. They keep me updated on all the new slang and trends that I can’t keep up with myself. I have 47ish first cousins (lost count). I am at a point in my life where I find grocery shopping fun. My parents owned a Chinese restaurant, so I grew up working in the kitchen and behind the counter. Although they sold the restaurant in 2016, I still have most of the menu memorized.  

Hobbies: Exercising, hiking, cooking, baking and karaoke  

PGY1

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: As a Raleigh native who was born at WakeMed, applying to this program felt like coming full circle. I had the opportunity to complete an away rotation here and experienced firsthand the strength and support of the program. The rotation confirmed my desire to be part of such a dedicated and collaborative team. The commitment to patient-centered care and resident education at WakeMed aligns perfectly with my goals as a future hospitalist. I’m excited to contribute and grow within a hospital that has been such a meaningful part of my life from the very beginning.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: My passion for medicine comes from a desire to care for people during some of their most challenging times and help them navigate complex, acute and chronic conditions. I’m especially interested in becoming a hospitalist because it offers the opportunity to treat a wide variety of illnesses while working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Fun fact about you: I grew up dancing tap, jazz, ballet and modern. I also danced in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in high school.

Hobbies: I love staying active with Pure Barre and hiking.

PGY1

Campbell University

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: I chose to apply to WakeMed for multiple reasons. I did my third- and fourth-year clinical rotations at WakeMed. During that time, I discovered the culture at WakeMed, and truly fell in love with the people I worked with. I felt secure training under the leadership, knowing that they truly wanted the best for me as a student and as a person. This gave me confidence that they would continue to work with me and train me well during my residency.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: I love to learn, and medicine is a field that requires lifelong learning. But I also love finding ways to serve people and improve their quality of life. Medicine is one of the most direct ways (in my opinion) to do that. It is not just about treating diseases but is about connecting with patients and their families in some of their most vulnerable moments. My passion for practicing medicine comes from using my knowledge in medicine to make a real difference in people's lives.

Fun fact about you: I love learning languages. I speak 6-ish and am always looking to learn more.

Hobbies: Painting, kickboxing, baking, dancing.

PGY2

Bio Coming Soon

PGY1

University of Massachusetts

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: Coming from the Northeast, I was interested in the opportunity to explore somewhere new (and warmer)! I was drawn to WakeMed for the unique dual-benefit of training in a community-based program that is linked to other health care organizations in the area. I was delighted by the warm and welcoming atmosphere, with approachable faculty members, and a close-knit group of residents who clearly support one another.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: I’m passionate about medicine because it lets me combine two things I love: solving complex problems and building meaningful connections with people.

Fun facts about you: I have an Australian shepherd-poodle mix named Sadie who has been with me throughout medical school. My all-time favorite dessert is chocolate lava cake. I always keep fresh flowers in my apartment.

Hobbies: Crafting (painting, pottery, and resin art), fish-keeping, baking

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed?

WakeMed emerges as a distinguished healthcare institution, setting itself apart through its remarkable and deeply ingrained culture. This unique culture places a strong emphasis on the vital importance of teamwork, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among its staff. Equally significant is the spirit of camaraderie that permeates the organization, creating an environment where mutual support and respect thrive. At the heart of WakeMed’s mission is its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, high-quality care to patients and their families, ensuring that every individual who walks through its doors receives compassionate, personalized attention and treatment of the highest standard.

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine?

My passion for medicine stems from a multitude of compelling reasons that fuel my enthusiasm and commitment to this noble field. At its core, medicine captivates me because it serves as a perfect avenue to indulge my insatiable curiosity and lifelong love for learning, allowing me to continually expand my understanding of the human body and its intricacies. What truly drives me, however, is the opportunity to harness this knowledge and apply it meaningfully, directly enhancing the well-being of my patients and their families. I find immense fulfillment in translating complex medical insights into practical solutions that alleviate suffering and promote healing.

It is both a profound privilege and an extraordinary honor to stand alongside my patients and their loved ones, offering guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of illness or injury. Whether I’m helping them through difficult times or rejoicing with them as we celebrate significant milestones on their journey toward improved health, I am deeply inspired by the resilience and hope they exhibit. 

Being entrusted with their care is a responsibility I cherish, as it allows me to make a tangible difference in their lives while fostering connections built on trust, empathy and shared triumph over adversity. 

Fun fact about you

When I’m not immersed in my work at the hospital, I find great joy and relaxation in exploring my deep-rooted passion for music, which has been a constant companion throughout my life. One of my favorite pastimes is attending live music shows, where I can lose myself in the energy of the crowd and the raw, electrifying performances of talented artists.

In addition to being a devoted listener, I also love playing the electric guitar, an instrument that has captivated me with its versatility and power. Whether I’m practicing intricate riffs, experimenting with new techniques, or simply jamming to unwind, the guitar offers me a hands-on way to engage with music. 

Hobbies 

One of my most cherished hobbies is tinkering with my Mustang. There’s something deeply satisfying about getting under the hood, fine-tuning the engine or polishing its sleek exterior until it gleams. Equally thrilling is attending auto shows that celebrate American muscle cars, where I can marvel at the roaring engines, bold designs and rich history of these iconic vehicles.

I also love gathering with friends for a lively game of basketball, a pastime that combines friendly competition with camaraderie. For me, basketball isn’t just a sport — it’s a vibrant ritual of friendship and fun that keeps me grounded and connected.

Another passion of mine is exploring different cuisines, with a particular fondness for dishes that pack a punch of spice and bold flavor. I delight in sampling foods from around the world, seeking out vibrant, fiery tastes that awaken my palate — think tangy curries, zesty salsas or pepper-laden stir-fries.

PGY2

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine — South Carolina Campus

Why you chose to apply to WakeMed: I always envisioned myself in a community-based residency program with a diverse patient population both medically and culturally. To learn and practice within a small, tight-knit team focused on selflessly helping patients and team members is amazing. When I delved into the program and interviewed, it was clear WakeMed offered that and much more. I liked the idea of being able to grow within a new program that brought with it a rich history of training residents from other programs. Also, as a NC native with family in Raleigh, this is an area I look to call home for many years even after residency. 

What makes you passionate about practicing medicine: My passion for medicine stems from the connections I am able to make with patients. It is such a rewarding experience  to take complex medical information and communicate it in such a way as to improve patients' understanding and positively impact their health. 

Fun facts about you: I am passionate about trying all kinds of coffee from around the world and have even tried Kopi luwak. 

Hobbies: Kayaking, grilling, hiking and playing Mario with my nieces in California