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Teresa Crow
Hometown: Clovis, CA
College: University of California, Davis
Medical school: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Why you chose CMC: I felt so at home at CMC during my AL! Everyone was so welcoming, I learned a ton, and I really enjoyed hanging out with the residents. It was obvious during the interview process that the faculty were supportive and that the residents enjoyed spending time with each other. I wanted to attend a program where I would be regularly challenged to fulfill my potential. CMC easily fulfills this with its high acuity, rigorous training, and supportive environment.
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Charlotte is really a great city overall. There are endless restaurants, breweries, and bars to check out. There is also nice weather the majority of the year so it is usually really easy to take advantage of all of the greenspaces in town. My favorite is the Sugar Creek Greenway (it goes all the way to South Carolina and they are still expanding it!). It is also nice to live a couple of hours away from Asheville and a few hours away from the beach. Finally, I love the people I have met while living here! Everyone has been very welcoming.
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: This is a hard one - I have so many interests in Emergency Medicine. I could see myself doing a fellowship in sports medicine or critical care, but you will have to ask me again in a year and a half! I also enjoy teaching and will consider working in an academic setting if given the opportunity. In a decade I also aspire to have put down roots with my husband and our family in the mountains or somewhere equally beautiful. We love running outside, hiking, and skiing/snowboarding, so it would be awesome to live where those activities are easily accessible. I am also a former competitive equestrian, so I would love to own a horse again and get back into that world.
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Chloe Doris
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Omar El-Hely
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Aaron Fox
Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
College: University of South Carolina (Go ‘Cocks!)
Medical school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why you chose CMC: I grew up in a smaller town about an hour from Charlotte, and my mother (a CMC CRNA grad) worked at our local hospital. Any time there was a patient who needed more intense, involved, or specialized care, they would always “take ‘em to Charlotte.” That, of course, meant CMC. From a young age, I knew that CMC was a place where things weren’t just talked about; it was a place where things were done. I remember running outside as a kid to see the medical helicopter fly directly over my house, airlifting sick patients from Hickory to Charlotte. As I neared the end of medical school and entered the Match, I knew there was one place I wanted to be most. My away rotation and interview day solidified what I already knew: Carolinas Medical Center will train you to be a tremendous clinician and leader by pushing you to reach the edge of your comfort zone and maximize your potential. It’s a place full of interesting characters who are friendly, supportive, quirky, and extremely passionate about what we do and why we do it.
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: I’m just excited to be back home. There’s no place like western North Carolina. No matter where I’ve traveled, as beautiful as it was, it never felt quite as comfortable or as calming. When you come here and get a peek of the red clay soil, dogwoods and pines, white-tailed deer and cardinals, and then sit down for some vinegar-based barbecue and coleslaw, you’ll know how it feels to be home. Charlotte is a city that is growing and changing quickly, and it feels like the culture is always in flux, but that gives it a lot of diversity and life.
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: I want to be in the thick of it. I’m heavily interested in disaster response and operational logistics, but it is way too soon to know what doors will open or where I will end up. I love to teach, to learn, and to travel. My wife is a veterinarian, so I could easily see a small farm with some animals (and kids) running around in our future. North Carolina has and will always be home to me, so I’m hoping not to stray too far permanently. Until then, you can find me hiking a mountain pass, visiting the in-laws in Argentina, or teeing up a Rolling Stones album on the record player.
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Andres Gil-Bustamante
Hometown: Medellín, Colombia
College: Winthrop University (Major:Music)
Medical school: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Why you chose CMC: I arrived at CMC in 2011 to work as an interpreter while I pursued my career as a violinist. Little did I know, this was where I would be inspired to take a leap of faith and switch careers from music to medicine. The residents and faculty have this desire to learn and educate that is so incredibly infectious. More importantly, this place welcomes every person in the department with open arms, no matter what. Were it not for the academic milieu and the exceptional people at CMC, I don’t know that I would have otherwise gone to medical school to pursue this residency as my ultimate goal. This is truly a special place.
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: I love Charlotte because it is always growing. There is something for everyone, from those who want a delectable dining scene to those who want to go down the rapids at the White Water Center. Also, the arts scene here is outstanding, we have a top-notch symphony orchestra, a ballet, Broadway shows, and large performance arenas.
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: I am currently deciding between Community and Academics but I would be lying if I didn’t say that I would love to be back at CMC as faculty with an emphasis on Medical Education.
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Samuel Kerans
Hometown: Belmont, MA
College: The Johns Hopkins University
Medical school: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Why you chose CMC: CMC offered a unique opportunity to learn from excellent faculty and become a clinically superior EM physician while also enjoying the ride as part of a close-knit, supportive, and fun community. As a rotating medical student, all of these aspects were readily apparent and it was clear that it was a very special program that I am fortunate to now be a part of.
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Charlotte has so many outdoor activities, ranging from hiking and watersports to breweries and restaurants, and has a climate that enables their enjoyment for most of the year. The city is beautiful, relatively modern, and easy to travel around. It's been an easy adjustment and a pleasure to live here so far!
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: Practicing emergency medicine in a community somewhere along the east coast and raising a family with my (future) wife, Alex.
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Nabihah Kumte
Hometown: Columbia, SC
College: University of South Carolina
Medical school: University of South Carolina SOM Greenville
Why you chose CMC: I initially wanted to get out of the southeast but mentors encouraged me to accept the offer for an Away rotation here. I am so grateful for them because I fell in love on Day 1 of my AI. I loved the variety of acuity, pathology, and population that I got to care for. Most importantly, I felt welcomed and like I was a part of the team. Everyone was so, so kind to me during my Away, from consults to ancillary staff around the hospital. It was here that I finally got over my fear of making phone calls to people I don't know, because everyone was so nice and helped me even when I made mistakes. It was clear that the residents worked hard but were happy and supported. Additionally, I get to learn from some of the best leaders and innovators in emergency medicine here. What more could I ask for?!
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Charlotte has a big city-ish feel but not necessarily the same cost as other big cities. I love the diversity in the food scene and limitless places to explore on those rare days off. It's also a very easily drivable city and doesn't take too terribly long to get across Uptown in traffic.
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: Ideally community practice but also part-time teaching at an associated medical school as a small-group leader or guest lecturer.
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Kendrick Lim
Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas (but I stay reppin' H-Town HOLD IT DOWN ๐ค๐ป)
College: Texas A&M University - Gig 'Em! ๐๐ป
Medical school: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why you chose CMC:
I honestly still cannot believe I get to train at CMC, THE Carolinas Medical Center!! ๐ This is a dream come true for me, and every single day, I am so so grateful that CMC chose me. From the pre-interview social to interview day to second look, everything was perfect, and CMC checked off every box that I was looking for in my dream program...
1. The PEOPLE ๐ At the pre-interview social, the residents were so warm and welcoming. On top of that, many of the residents' significant others were at the social answering questions, and it was a really good time! During the second look, all of the faculty, residents, and significant others I met were SO friendly and humble with a true "work hard, play hard" mentality. The idea of moving across the country was daunting, but I knew I found my people and the perfect fit!
2. "Tribrid" Model - CMC is an academic program with community resources that serves a diverse, county population! And all at the same hospital (the ONLY Level I trauma center in Charlotte too!!), which makes getting to know off-service residents, attendings, and ancillary staff very easy. Also, we get free food, free garage parking..<-- ultra high yield!!
3. Longitudinal PEM - sick kids are SCARY!! I knew I wanted to finished residency ready to care of sick kids. The robust, longitudinal PEM exposure and opportunity to work with fantastic PEM faculty regularly was exactly what I was looking for.
4. Insane volume/acuity/complexity - the CMC ED NEVER sleeps. EVER. You will see so many patients that are more complex and sicker than you could ever imagine. You will 100% leave CMC ready to take on anything and everything!!
5. The endless opportunities at CMC - every single faculty member is welcoming, friendly, and prioritizes teaching. And, high key, many of them are experts in their EM niche! No matter what your professional passions are, CMC has the faculty, resources, and opportunities to get you there!!
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Getting literally ANYWHERE in Charlotte is so so easy! Even though Charlotte is a major city, you can get pretty much anywhere in less than 15 minutes at any time! Like WHAT! Commutes to the hospital, to see my co-rezzies, to the gym/bars/restaurants/coffee shops - 15 minutes tops!! You can also make easy days trips to the National Whitewater Center, Asheville, the mountains, and the beach! Coming from Texas, I'm extremely excited to truly experience the four seasons. All this Texas boy knows is 100+ degree summers and 80 degree fall/winter/spring! The other thing that I love about Charlotte is the vast amount of green space within the city. There are tons of parks and trails. Most of the parks even have volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts! And the best part is that everyone's significant others are so involved in social activities that at any time, whether it be residents or significant others, someone is down to hang and do fun things!!
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: I would LOVE to practice at an academic institution where I get to work with residents and medical students!! <-- THIS IS THE DREAM ๐๐ป maybe someday I could be a clerkship director, APD......or maybe even a PD!! Stay tuned! ๐ and of course, in true EM fashion, travel the world, explore the great outdoors, and embrace my foodie lifestyle ๐
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Ahmed Mashal
Hometown: Cary, NC
College: American University of Beirut and North Carolina State University
Medical school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why you chose CMC: For a lot of reasons! I had an exceptional experience during my away AI at CMC. I really appreciated the autonomy I had as a medical student, loved the culture of the program and the hospital overall, and was very impressed by the residents and faculty here. I knew I could pursue whatever interests I would develop during residency here and would be able to find the mentoring I needed. Also, Charlotte is a family-friendly city, which was a priority for me, my wife, and our toddler!
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Many family-friendly outings. Easy commute and parking. And it's close to my and my wife's hometowns, so the rest of the family is a short drive from here!
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: My interests are broad now, and I look forward to having it become more nuanced and focused as I advance in my residency! However, in general, I hope to be practicing clinically while being involved in academic and/or administrative/operational responsibilities.
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Christopher McCullers
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Natalie Rall
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Andrew Scott
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John Sherman
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
College: Arizona State University
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Why you chose CMC: CMC had everything I was looking for in a residency at the absolute highest level. We have unbelievable pathology, robust didactic opportunities, a solid toxicology presence, and a longitudinal pediatrics experience. Additionally, the faculty here are incredibly supportive and the EM residents are obviously highly regarded within the hospital. But of course, the cliche is absolutely true that I chose CMC for the people. When I visited Charlotte after my interview, I had dinner with some of the residents and knew I'd be happy to spend the next 3 years with everyone here.
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Charlotte has been a fantastic place to live even in the short time we've been here! Plenty of outdoor activities, breweries, and restaurants. My wife and I have had so much fun exploring new parts of the city, parks, and places to eat. Still looking for a good carne asada burrito though...
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: With luck, I'll be teaching, riding my bike, and playing music again! There are a few fellowships that I'm considering after residency, but I definitely want to work with residents and medical students once I finish training.
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Jessica Zavadak
Hometown: Lebanon, PA
College: Juniata College
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why you chose CMC: So many reasons! There is so much diverse pathology here as well as a ton of opportunity to become more involved in the various sub-specialties of EM. The people are amazing, and I was so impressed by the incredible women, both attendings and residents, that I interacted with while on my AI!
What you love about living in/moving to Charlotte: Charlotte is a young city with lots of things to do! There are great restaurants and breweries, tons of events such as concerts or sports games to enjoy, and the White-Water Center is always a blast. Plus, the beach and mountains are both just short drives away, making them easily accessible on days off.
What you see yourself doing in 10 years: I haven't decided yet but there are a few areas I could see myself doing a fellowship in such as global health, critical care or ultrasound. I also enjoy teaching and mentoring so I'm hoping to stay in an academic setting. Beyond that, I hope to be traveling and hiking with my husband and reading lots of books on my days off!
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