Residents
Preliminary PGY-1 |
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Amy Chang, MD |
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Categorical Intern Class of 2025 |
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Raza Ahamad, MD Hometown: Potomac, MD College: St. Mary's College of Maryland Medical School: University of Queensland-Ochsner Hobbies: Cooking, Hiking, Coffee Brewing, Rowing Why CMC?: When looking for a residency I knew I wanted a program that had a culture of operating early, with strong resident autonomy, and exposure to a wide variety of surgical pathology. I also wanted a residency that would either prepare me to excel in any fellowship that I decided to pursue or give me the tools to succeed in General Surgery practice. While CMC checked all those boxes for me, what sold me was the great interactions between the residents and faculty during my interview day and dinner. This is a truly collegial program that strongly invests in their residents' education and growth, and gives them an immense amount of support from all levels. I could not imagine training anywhere else. Surgical Field of Interest: Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pediatric Surgery |
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Logan Carney, MD
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Caleb Pflederer, MD Hometown: Tremont, IL College: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Medical School: Rush Medical College Hobbies: Backpacking, jazz and blues guitar, Chicago Cubs baseball Why CMC: As a 4th year medical student rotating here, I absolutely loved my time. The program has a tight-knit culture between residents, as well as faculty. This is a program where the residents hang out outside of the hospital together, look out for each other, and have a lot of camaraderie. The training is excellent, and Charlotte has a lot to offer! Surgical Field of Interest: Rural general surgery or Colorectal |
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Ansley Ricker, MD
Hometown: Greenville, TN College: Mars Hill University Medical School: East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine Hobbies: Intramural sports, community volunteer work, spending quality time with family and friends, traveling and exploring new restaurants. Why CMC: I chose CMC because the residents, faculty, and staff here are the most incredibly supportive and caring people toward me. After being a part of a team my entire life through basketball, I knew I needed that in a residency program, and that is exactly what I found here at CMC. I have the most supportive group of co-residents who genuinely strive to take care of one another every day. Furthermore, the female mentorship here is strong, which is crucial for women in surgery. Lastly, CMC has a prominent history of placing its residents into top fellowship programs across the country, so my interests of cardiothoracic surgery and surgical oncology, whatever I end up deciding, are well within reach! Surgical Field of Interest: Cardiothoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology |
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Christian Sanderfer, MD
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska Undergrad: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center Hobbies: In my free time outside of the hospital, I love to play golf, cook, and barbecue with fellow residents. Why CMC: I completed an away rotation during my 4th year of medical school and can honestly say that CMC had a completely different feel than anything I had experienced in surgery. The culture of the program is unmatched. All of the residents interacted together and any level resident could talk directly to a chief. There was a culture of hard work and excellence. Everyone was happy and genuinely loved what they were doing and the surgeons they were becoming. The training, different complexity levels, and volume of cases are second to none. Charlotte is a wonderful city that continues to grow and offers so many different activities, breweries and restaurants. Field of interest: Cardiac Surgery, Colorectal Surgery |
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Hadley Wilson, MD
Hometown: Charlotte, NC College: Vanderbilt University Medical School: University of North Carolina Hobbies: Golfing, fly fishing, duck hunting, skiing, exploring Charlotte’s many greenways via biking or running Why CMC?: The camaraderie of the residents is the best in the country, and I started learning to operate my first week here. The free food is actually pretty good too. Surgical field of interest: Cardiothoracic or Minimally Invasive |
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PGY-2 Class of 2024 |
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Michael Avery, DO Hometown: Charlotte, NC College: East Carolina University Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine Hobbies: Watching and playing basketball, hanging out with my dog Pongo, reading, doing the daily jumble Why you came to CMC: I spent a lot of time at this hospital during my undergraduate studies and medical school. I got to witness, firsthand, the amazing residents they produce. I always wanted to be one of them. Plus, it's my hometown. Surgical Fields of Interest: Undecided |
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Jessica Bilz, MD Hometown: Snellville, GA College: University of Georgia Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Hobbies: Hiking, Tennis, Group fitness classes at the Dowd, trying the newest restaurants, traveling Why you came to CMC: The resident culture here is incredible, the attendings are dedicated to the residents, and the surgical volume and operative experience is tremendous. Surgical Fields of Interest: Minimally Invasive, Rural General Surgery |
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Joshua Davis, MD Hometown: Norman, OK College: The University of Oklahoma Medical School: The University of Oklahoma Hobbies: Eating tacos, petting my dog, running, racquetball, hiking, camping, skiing and reading Why you came to CMC: Strong surgery residency with amazing operative exposure. As a fourth year rotating medical student, I was impressed by the culture at CMC. Faculty are dedicated to teaching, support early operative experience and appropriate clinical autonomy. Cohesive group of residents who are easy to get along with, are good teachers and help you succeed. Also, Charlotte is an amazing city with no shortage of things to offer. Surgical Fields of Interest: Undecided |
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Michael Katzen, MD Hometown: Bradenton, FL College: University of South Florida Medical School: University of Central Florida Hobbies: Gym, Guitar, Eating everything in sight Why you came to CMC: I did a rotation here as a fourth year medical student and fell in love with this program. The operative volume and breadth of pathology are on par with top academic institutions, yet the culture feels more like a community hospital. The residents, faculty, and staff get to know each other to create a truly enjoyable work environment. In addition, Charlotte is a fantastic up-and-coming city that is really easy to live in and has a ton of things to do. Surgical Fields of Interest: Undecided |
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Matthew Marturano, MD Hometown: Palatine, IL College: University of Notre Dame Medical School: Tulane University Hobbies: Playing and watching soccer, baseball, eating and thus cooking, hanging out with my wife, playing with my golden retriever, Cliff and traveling Why you came to CMC: This place has the most impressive group of residents who provide amazing mentorship. Impressive work-life balance while still developing unmatched surgical skills. This is truly a place that will allow me to become whatever type of surgeon I would like to be in the future. Surgical Fields of Interest: Plastic Surgery |
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Kaylee Smith, MD Hometown: Bow, NH College: University of New Hampshire Medical School: University of South Florida Hobbies: Running, hiking, the beach, wine, Patriots football Why you came to CMC: Great operative experience from intern to chief year with graduates equally pursuing strong fellowships or going straight into practice, the camaraderie and respect within the residency, and amazing work life balance in an awesome city. Surgical Fields of Interest: Colon and rectal surgery, plastic surgery |
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PGY-3 Class of 2023 |
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Meshka Kamal Anderson, MD Hometown: Coral Springs, FL (born in Montego-Bay, Jamaica) College: University of South Florida Medical School: University of Florida Why you came to CMC: Clinical diversity, reputation of outstanding training, environment focused on education, research opportunities and the overall sense of community. Surgical Fields of Interest: Robotic/Minimally Invasive Surgery, Endoscopy, Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery |
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Maria Baimas-George, MD Hometown: Hingham, MA College: Colgate University Medical School: Tulane University Hobbies: Painting, running, biking, medical illustrations Why you came to CMC: The tight-knit group of residents who are always supportive, the operative case volume and early autonomy. I also enjoy working with exceptionally skilled attendings and the exposure to a wide variety of cases. Surgical Fields of Interest: Transplant Surgery |
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Shakira W. Burton, MD Hometown: Bronx, NY College: Spelman College Medical School: Drexel University School of Medicine Hobbies: Traveling, reading, group fitness classes, watching movies, attending plays and concerts Why you came to CMC: I was very impressed with the vast surgical experience CMC had to offer. It was important for me to be a part of a program where residents had a decent work life balance and enjoyed each other’s company both in and outside of work. I also wanted to live in a city that had decent weather and made living easy. The surgery program at CMC provides great opportunities for professional growth through wonderful leadership and mentorship. Surgical Fields of Interest: Trauma, Surgical Critical Care |
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Sharbel Elhage, MD Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ College: Clemson University Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina Hobbies: Running, Cycling, Climbing, Backpacking, Fishing and any other outdoor activities Why you came to CMC: The camaraderie between the residents and the great clinical exposure. There is also a premium placed on getting to the operating room and there are always available cases. Research: Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, focus on abdominal wall reconstruction, minimally invasive surgery, and resident education Surgical Fields of Interest: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascular Surgery |
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Isolina Ruth Rossi Hometown: Tremont, IL College: Southern Methodist University Medical School: Rush Medical College Hobbies: Horseback riding, running, basketball Why you came to CMC: I was looking for a general surgery training program that would prepare me to come out of training ready to either go straight into practice or focus on a fellowship of choice. CMC is nationally renowned for preparing its surgical residents in all of the sub-specialties. I'm incredibly grateful to join a compassionate group of residents at the hub of some of the most advanced surgical care in this part of the country. Moving to a land of warmer winters and great barbeque was just a perk! Surgical Fields of Interest: Rural general surgery |
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Michael Watson, MD Hometown: Magnolia, DE College: University of Pittsburgh Medical School: University of Virginia Hobbies: When I’m not at the hospital I like to unwind by going on hikes, running, or playing soccer. I love to make it to yoga during the week with other residents (and attendings too). I try to travel on weekends to see friends and family. Why you came to CMC: I love the family atmosphere and the camaraderie between all the residents. We’re truly a family here. I also love the autonomy and responsibility that I have at CMC. Residents really take ownership of our patients in many aspects of their care from pre-op to the operating room and through discharge. We also have so many opportunities to operate with experts in surgery and be a co-surgeon rather than simply an observer. I know that I’ll be an amazing surgeon when I graduate. Research: HPB Surgery Division, focusing on resident education, surgical robotics, and predictive analytics Surgical Fields of Interest: Colorectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology |
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PGY-4 Class of 2022 |
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Sean Maloney, MD Hometown: Quincy, MA College: Lehigh University Medical School: University of Massachusetts Research fellowship: Division of GI and Minimally Invasive Surgery (2018-2019) Hobbies: Golf, Cooking and Video Games Why you came to CMC: I came to CMC for the people, the location and the benefits of the job. Surgical Fields of Interest: Pediatric Surgery |
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Leslie Okorji, MD Birthplace: Port Harcourt, Nigeria College: University of Texas at Dallas Medical School: Northwestern University Hobbies/Activities: Watching lots of sports, playing soccer, exercising, leisurely reading, exploring and trying new things Why I chose CMC: CMC gave me the perfect combination of a top-notch program which is flexible in terms of research and extracurricular requirements, has a very collaborative atmosphere and is in a vibrant city. The best parts of this program include the volume and complexity of cases, superb resident autonomy, the opportunities to do any type of extracurricular activity you desire (research, global health, et cetera), and the camaraderie both among residents and between residents and attendings. Oh, and we have awesome benefits; as my co-residents will tell you I have been well fed and taken care of. The city of Charlotte completes the package. It has so much to offer, whether it be outdoor activities, nightlife, restaurants, breweries, arts and so on. And it is a very livable and affordable city. Surgical Fields of Interest: Colorectal surgery, Global surgery |
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Ryan Pickens, MD Hometown: Asheville, NC College: Lee University Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Research fellowship: Division of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery (2018-2019) Hobbies: Camping, backpacking, soccer, playing with my two boys, grilling amazing food Why you came to CMC: Strong history of residents being accepted to pediatric surgery fellowships from a hybrid program, with an incredible pediatric surgery faculty and case volume without fellows. High volume research opportunities in the surgery department. Finally, the collegial environment amongst faculty and residents is unmatched. Surgical Fields of Interest: Pediatric Surgery |
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Andrew "Brett" Sorah, MD Hometown: Bristol, TN College: East Tennessee State University Medical School: East Tennessee State University US Navy: 2012-2017 Internship: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Flight Surgeon (2014-2017) Naval Aerospace Medical Institute Hobbies: Hiking, Skiing, Shooting, anything involving the outdoors. Why you came to CMC: Early operative experience with great surgical volume and variety, acuity of patients, busy trauma service, and excellent camaraderie. The location doesn’t hurt either. Surgical Fields of Interest: Trauma, Surgical Critical Care |
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Y. Everett Warren, MD Hometown: Robersonville, NC College: North Carolina State University Graduate School: Master’s in teaching at American University (Teach for America in 2010) Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hobbies: Being outdoors, kayaking, road trips, cooking, kickball, Harry Potter, Knitting Why you came to CMC: Close-knit group of residents, feels like a family. Early and ample operative experience. Supportive faculty and safe learning environment. A unique hybrid research/clinical year that allowed me to do research with Emergency General Surgery and Trauma, in which I worked as the resident liaison with the STICU PI Committee. This opportunity allowed me to be a part of multiple projects to change the ICU standard and operating procedures. Additional perks from the hospital also make it a great place to work. Charlotte is a great city and living here has enriched my involvement in the LGBTQ community, helping to organize various fundraising events as well as participating in sports leagues such as kickball and dodgeball. Surgical Fields of Interest: Surgical Critical Care, Trauma |
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Robert “Grant” Willis, MD Hometown: Montgomery, AL College: Samford University Graduate: Master of Science in Medical Sciences from Mississippi College Medical School: University of South Alabama Hobbies: Spending time with family, fly fishing, and becoming a better surgeon Why you came to CMC: Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) is dedicated to excellence in patient care for all patients throughout the Carolinas, and the operative breadth and volume has created a strong department of Surgery with world-leading surgeons in their respective fields. This environment is full of hard working and energetic surgeons to learn from and to train alongside. The volume demands a certain level of autonomy with appropriate supervision across all levels of resident training. There is a congenial disposition amongst the house staff residents that fosters resident resilience, and it has been apparent from the interview process through July 1st of my PGY1 year to the present. I chose CMC for the ideal training environment and unique resources CMC has to offer to residents and surgeons in training. Surgical Fields of Interest: Cardiovascular Surgery |
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PGY-5 Class of 2021 |
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Michael Arnold, MD Hometown: Rockledge, FL College: Emory Medical School: University of Central Florida Physician Assistant Degree: Barry University Hobbies: Surfing, Brewing, Hanging out with my wife and two kids Why you came to CMC: The overall feel of this residency program. Everyone here has the goal of becoming excellent surgeons regardless of the specialties they have chosen. Additionally, everyone is hard working, but willing to help each other out to make sure everything is completed. Surgical Fields of Interest: Pediatric Surgery |
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Michael Genz, MD Hometown: Atlanta, GA College: Miami University of Ohio Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine Hobbies: Table Tennis, Cooking, Craft Brewing, Exercising, Mountain Biking and Cycling Why you came to CMC: The surgical environment along with the daily interactions and teamwork within the residency. Surgical Fields of Interest: Minimally Invasive Surgery/Endocrine Surgery |
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Angela Kao, MD Hometown: Bloomington, IL College: Georgetown University Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine Hobbies: Eating, Traveling and Running Why you came to CMC: I was looking for a surgical residency able to provide a truly balanced training experience, where after 5 years I could feel confident going immediately out into private practice or pursuing a competitive surgical fellowship. CMC definitely surpassed my expectations with the amount of early operative exposure, complexity of cases, faculty dedicated to mentorship and academic opportunities. I also was looking for an environment that would support my growth as a surgeon and was drawn to how genuinely happy the residents were with the program. The department culture and camaraderie between residents is unparalleled and made me feel really supported from day one of intern year. Charlotte is also just a wonderful place to spend the last 5 years. Surgical Fields of Interest: Pediatric Surgery |
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William "Buck" Lyman, MD Hometown: Signal Mountain, TN College: University of Tennessee Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis) Hobbies: Golf, hunting, fishing, grilling/smoking (Memphis dry rub fan), following college football (Tennessee Volunteers), proud dog father of a bluetick coonhound. Why I chose CMC: I did an away rotation here as a 4th year medical student and was extremely impressed with CMC over the course of the month. I noticed the way that the residents worked together to get the work done (chiefs helping interns with notes, etc.). I was also impressed with the wide variety of backgrounds of all of the attendings, which led to an extreme amount of variety in the way procedures were done. I felt that the numerous strong service lines and the opportunity to learn from faculty who had trained all over the country would be a huge benefit to my future career. Also, it didn't hurt that Charlotte is a great place to live, and my wife loved the Queen city when we visited. Surgical Fields of Interest: Colorectal Surgery |
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Mike M. Mallah, MD College: University of North Carolina Med School: University of North Carolina Hobbies: Running, skydiving, scuba diving, global travel, spoken word poetry, salsa dancing Why I choose CMC: There are the obvious incredible perks of the program such as yearly national conference travel, educational text and software funding, as well as additional numerous minor benefits which support me while I focus on patient care. Not to mention how happening Charlotte is as a city—nightlife, restaurants, rooftop bars, art exhibitions—while not being overwhelming the way a bigger city would be. There are no crazy traffic jams, subway delays, or crazy high rents/mortgages. But the true reason I ranked CMC #1 was because, as a medical student, Dr. Green and Dr. Sachdev went out of their way to support and mentor me during a very difficult life decision. Looking forward to 5 years of the most extensive and exhaustive training, I knew those are the kind of people I wanted in my corner and I found them here at CMC. Surgical Fields of Interest: Trauma/Surgical Critical Care, Global Surgery, Surgical Education |
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Samuel Yelverton, MD Hometown: Jackson, MS College: Mississippi College Medical School: University of Mississippi Hobbies: Hanging out with my wife and dogs, fly fishing, fly tying, hunting and video games Why you came to CMC: I chose CMC because I want to do general surgery and wanted a residency that could equip me with a high case volume along with variety so I could go into community surgery straight out of residency. The fellowship, among residents and attendings, was huge for me as well. I wanted the people I worked with to be people I would be friends with and not just coworkers. Surgical Fields of Interest: Robotic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery |
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Research |
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Sullivan “Sully” Ayuso, MD Hometown: Austin, TX College: Emory University Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Hobbies: Distance running, playing basketball, skeet shooting, comedic impersonations, cooking mean steaks, road trips and looking at maps Why you came to CMC: I chose CMC because it provides the unique opportunity to care for a variety of patient populations under one roof. Additionally, the residency program is committed to producing clinically excellent surgeons and has faculty who are willing to provide mentorship in whatever area of surgery I ended up pursuing. Surgical Fields of Interest: General Surgery and Operative Trauma |
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Jordan Robinson Hometown: Naperville, IL College: University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Graduate School: Master’s in Public Health, Northwestern University Hobbies: Reading, Sports, Movies, Philosophy Why you came to CMC: I felt that CMC would be the best place for me to grow as both a person and a physician. I also had some inside information from a friend already training here who loved it. There seemed to be a rare balance of surgical rigor and personal warmth that made CMC the right fit. Surgical Fields of Interest: Plastic Surgery, Surgical Oncology |
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