Current Residents 2024-2025


PGY3 Residents

Block Brandon, DO

Hometown: Mahwah, New Jersey
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, live music, breweries, University of Michigan football (Go Blue), hiking national parks, sports medicine, obesity medicine
Before Medical School: I worked as a scribe in the Emergency Department and at an Orthopedic office back in New Jersey.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Even through the virtual interview process, I could tell that UT-Nashville would be my next home. Everyone in the program was so friendly and kind. Immediately after I interviewed, I knew where I wanted to do my residency. I also love Nashville and just could not pass up the opportunity to live in one of my favorite cities.

Grant Carlson, D.O.

Hometown: Winona Lake, Indiana
Undergraduate: Grace College & Theological Seminary
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Personal finance, following Purdue sports and the NBA, ultimate frisbee, weightlifting, gardening, watching cooking shows, and spending time with my wife
Before Medical School: Clinical research for Zimmer Biomet managing studies for the sports medicine, extremities, and trauma units. Spent lots of time working with the youth group at my church.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: The most compelling factor was diversity and strong camaraderie among the residents. I appreciated how interns were very active in the interview process and not hidden from candidates. Moving to Murfreesboro also allowed us to be much closer to family in Indiana.

Cullen Carter, D.O.

Hometown: Athens, TN
Undergraduate: Furman University
Medical School: LMU-DCOM
Hobbies/Interests: Running, working out, reading, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, being on the lake, and traveling!
Before Medical School
School, and more school! I’ve had various odd jobs throughout, though: Medical Assistants in family practice and ENT, I’ve worked on and managed an organic farm, and I’ve done food delivery!
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I was fortunate enough to have done an audition rotation here, and immediately connected with the people and the patients. The program was engaging, supportive, and was something I knew I could thrive in!

Leah Fassinger, M.D.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: ETSU Quillen College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests:  cooking, puppies, soccer, embroidering, reading, hanging out with my husband and adorably sassy puppy, and I aspire to be a good plant mom someday but I am not there yet
Before Medical School: I went straight from college to med school. I studied biomedical engineering and Russian, and played club soccer. I was fortunate enough to travel to Russia and put my learning into practice one summer while meeting some cool people.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Of all my interviews, I instantly felt more comfortable with the residents than any other place. I grew up in Nashville, and my husband and I were excited about being near family. Plus, my husband loved the neurology program at vandy so it was a great couples match for us :)

Helen Jones, M.D.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate: Columbia University
Medical School: Wright State University
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, gardening, hiking, yoga and Korean dramas
Before Medical School: I was a corporate M&A lawyer.
Why I chose UT-Nashville: I loved the people! And my husband works at Vanderbilt.

Kevin Lai, D.O.

Hometown: Beaverton, OR
Undergraduate: University of Oregon
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy cooking, reading, video games, and spending time outdoors.
Before Medical School: After graduating college I worked as a medical scribe at an outpatient clinic. Right before medical school I spent a month backpacking and visited Berlin, Hamburg, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Paris, Kayl, Cologne, and then finally Frankfurt!
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I visited Nashville once while in medical school and fell in love with the area. The opportunity to work with a diverse patient population alongside passionate faculty and residents made this a program I wanted to be part of.

L. Merkle Moore, M.D.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: East Tennessee State University
Hobbies/Interests:  Backpacking, Ultimate Frisbee, Ballet, Traveling, Cross-Stitching, Baking, Trivia, Water-Skiing. I may have picked up too many hobbies in MS4 year.
Before Medical School: I worked in Dr. Alan Cherrington's Diabetes Research Lab at Vanderbilt for two years before going to medical school. The most fun thing I did was circumnavigate the globe in the months before medical school, traveling from China to Denmark to Scotland to Iceland and back to the US.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: The people! The diversity of patient population drawing from both urban and rural populations and the true need of our patients was extremely appealing to me. I truly love the population we serve. The residents and faculty are also so wonderful. They are funny and goofy and go the extra mile to help you and encourage you to grow as a physician. We are not normal residents, we are cool residents.

Bao-Vi Nguyen, M.D.

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Lipscomb University
Medical School: UTHSC
Hobbies/Interests: cooking, watching movies, traveling, spending time with family
Before Medical School: I worked as a medical scribe for 6 months at Vanderbilt.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Nashville is home to me, and is where I see myself practicing in the long run. I rotated through UTFM in Murfreesboro as a fourth year medical student, and I could tell immediately that this was the place for me. I enjoyed working with the other residents and faculty, and felt like it is a safe place to learn and practice medicine.

PGY3 Resident - Rural Track

G. Thomas Atkins, MD

Hometown: Pleasant View, TN
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Medical School: UTHSC
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and 3-year old daughter, working on vehicles, woodworking and home projects, gardening, gaming, hiking/climbing, fishing, and hunting
Before Medical School: Worked in tobacco farming when I was younger and was a manager at a local GameStop just before starting medical school.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville for several reasons: First, the friendly atmosphere provided by the faculty and residents made it feel like home and a place I would enjoy working. Everyone was so welcoming and this showed me that the program made it a priority to foster a family atmosphere. Second, I am very interested in serving those in greater need of access to healthcare, particularly in a rural environment. This program truly embodies the St. Thomas creed of service and the rural track program is allowing me to accomplish this goal. Finally, the program is close to home, meaning our daughter has the opportunity to grow up near her grandparents.


PGY2 Residents

Allen Katie 8x10 300 lc

Hometown: Dunlap, TN
Undergraduate: Tennessee Tech University
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Hobbies/Interests: Titans/Volunteer Football, Spikeball, Hiking - really anything outdoors!
Before Medical School: I scribed in an ER
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville because the faculty was very close-knit, the pathology in the Nashville area offered a lot of learning activities, and the location is close to home!

Beddingfield Elizabeth 8x10 300 lc

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama
Medical School: The University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Camping and hiking with my dog Miles, crafting, swing dancing, traveling, and spending time with family.
Before Medical School: I spent time as a ballet teacher, a biology, chemistry and Spanish tutor, and doing a lot of homework for my chemical engineering degree.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT Nashville because the culture and environment is one that encourages learning and gives you the tools to be successful in residency.

Easton Ingram 8x10 300 lc

Hometown: Homewood, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama Birmingham
Medical School: University of South Alabama
Hobbies/Interests: College football, time with family, and anything history related.
Before Medical School: I worked as a nurse assistant for 3 years and played club lacrosse at UAB.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville due the excellent family medicine curriculum and the supportive faculty and residents. The curriculum offers a diverse set of electives and significant amount of exposure to OB and inpatient medicine. I was set on this program after meeting the amazing faculty and residents on interview day.

Evans Austin 8x10 300 lc

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors with my 2 German Shorthaired Pointers, listening to music (especially Johnny Cash), and watching sports. I follow the Titans, Grizzlies, Predators, and of course anything Auburn.
Before Medical School: I worked as a pharmacy technician in Murfreesboro.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: In addition to being able to complete my training in my hometown, I felt like the faculty and residents were very accepting and encouraging. At this program, you are able to grow your skill set as a physician while being a part of a healthy and supportive culture.

Jenna Lee, M.D.

Hometown: San Luis Obispo, California
Undergraduate: California Polytechnic State University - SLO
Medical School: St. George's University of London
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing (Previous Prima Ballerina), Marvel/DC, Disneyland, Yoga, International traveling, Ayurveda/Easter Medicine/Integrative Medicine.....and nothing beats a morning book reading at my favorite coffee shop!
Before Medical School: Before medical school, I worked with a number of international, non-profit medical organizations that partnered with low-income communities to improve access to medicine, education, and community development projects. I contributed to projects located in Peru, Mexico and India.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Before applying for residency in the USA, I worked as a foundation doctor in Scotland. Unfortunately, this learning was derailed by the COVID pandemic and due to those difficulties and the isolation new doctors faced during that time, I now highly regard a program that puts emphasis on physician wellness and creates a supportive community. I immediately saw this in UTFM-Murfreesboro. UTFM is a supportive team that made me feel welcomed, accepted and placed value in my previous experiences. I appreciate their personal investment in everyone's growth and development and couldn't have picked a better placement!

Brianna Novak, D.O.

Hometown: Long Beach, California
Undergraduate: Grand Canyon University
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, crafting, walking/hiking with my dog, spending time with my husband/family/friends, trying new foods, sports & movies
Before Medical School:  Medical scribe, Retail
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville because I wanted to go to a residency program that would provide me with full-scope training and a strong foundation to practice anywhere after graduation. I have an interest in obstetrics and women's health, so I was interested in training at a program where I would be mentored by both FM-OBs as well as OB-GYNs. The program also has an OB fellowship, which I thought was a great asset. Most importantly, I liked the family feel of the program and felt that the attendings were approachable, the residents were supportive and the environment was suitable for learning. Not to mention, Nashville is the home base of country music, a great place to live, and a fun place to visit for my friends and family who live out-of-state.

Sarah Rempe, M.D.

Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Mary-Hardin Baylor
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Hobbies/Interests: Playing soccer, hiking, traveling, watching movies, concerts, and spending time with friends and family and my cats
Before Medical School: I took a gap year before medical school, allowing me the opportunity to travel to Brazil to play soccer, to work as a family medicine scribe, and to travel for vacation to Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: The people and the location! The people at UT were kind, welcoming, and emphasized a positive and encouraging learning environment. I enjoy the community in Murfreesboro and the closeness to both nature and the hustle and bustle of Nashville.

Amer Sultan, M.D.

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University
Medical School: The University of Jordan
Hobbies/Interests: Playing any sport but specifically soccer and basketball, and I also follow 2 teams very closely from both sports (Real Madrid and Lakers). I like going to the gym to exercise but I will exercise anywhere outdoors as well. I like reading. I like cooking but I'm not a good cook. I don't watch TV but I am an avid YouTube viewer. I love nature documentaries like "planet earth" and "our planet." I also love cats.
Before Medical School: I studied biochemistry at MTSU and then got an MBA after. I worked at a pharmacy throughout undergraduate and graduate school, which turned out to be extremely beneficial to me as most doctors have never been on that side of healthcare which is one of the reasons there are many prescribing errors and in turn, patient dissatisfaction when they arrive at the pharmacy.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I am very fond of this city and the people that live here. I've been here since attending MTSU for my undergraduate degree and it is a city I want to live and work in after residency. I want to contribute back to this community to the best of my ability. I also really love the culture of our program and how everyone is very nice and welcoming, it really fosters a nurturing environment for the residents to learn and thrive in. The attending physicians are great, and extremely helpful, as well as the rest of the medical and non-medical staff that we interact with on a daily basis. I am very happy to have the opportunity to learn and develop as a physician at this program.


PGY1 Residents

DavidsonGabe FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Caldwell, NJ
Undergrad: The George Washington University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: running, paddle Boarding, kayaking, biking, hiking, trying new foods, reading, puzzling
Before Medical School: I volunteered as an EMT on an ambulance in DC, worked as a medical assistant for a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and earned my Masters of Chemistry from George Mason University.
Why I chose UT-Nashville: Initially, the program stood out to me because of its obstetrical opportunities, comprehensive medical training, and mission of service. Following my interview with the program, I was further sold because of the faculty and residents who are eager to help me develop into the best physician I could be and welcome me into their community. It is also great to be closer to my fiancé's family and our friends in Nashville. I am excited to train near where I will hopefully practice in the future!

DaviesWilliam FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Cadiz, Kentucky
Undergrad: Samford University
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis/pickleball, golf, weight lifting, hunting/fishing
Before Medical School: I spent the summers leading up to medical school working in the Biochemistry Research Department of Samford University as well as shadowing/volunteering at local healthcare facilities in the western Kentucky area.
Why I chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT Nashville for the curriculum and program size as well as the location. I loved my interview experience and could tell that this program cared about its patients' and residents' wellness. Looking forward to living in middle Tennessee!

GreeneCaleb FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Clarksville, TN
Undergrad: University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Medical School: LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Vols everything, running, history, kayaking, snowboarding, golf, biking, breweries, anything with a lake, trivia
Before Medical School: I spent 2 years as a research assistant in a clinical trials oncology lab at Vanderbilt and then got a master's in Biomedical Science
Why I chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville because of the family vibes that permeate throughout the program. Additionally, being able to be somewhere that is close to my hometown was a huge plus. I've spent my whole life in Tennessee and want nothing more than to be able to practice medicine in middle Tn.

HarrisJade FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Undergrad: University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Sports especially volunteer sports, fitness and wellness, spending time with family and friends, breweries, and traveling
Before Medical School: I worked as an Uber driver and a medical transporter in the hospital.
Why I chose UT-Nashville: UT-Nashville stood out to me during interview season as a program that was capable of providing broad-spectrum training with a diverse patient population. The residents and staff both were very positive and supportive during my interview and it really made my decision easy. Also, there is no better place for residency than the great state of Tennessee.

JordanBradley FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergrad: Middle Tennessee State University
Medical School: Meharry Medical College
Hobbies/Interests: baking, reading, photography, traveling, watching the Titans
Before Medical School: I went straight from undergrad to medical school. I got to study chemistry and Spanish at MTSU!
Why I chose UT-Nashville: There were a lot of reasons that made me choose UT-Nashville! I'm from Murfreesboro, born and raised, so being able to stay in my hometown for residency to practice medicine in the community that I love was something I was excited to do. My interview experience made me feel welcome and excited about training here! Also, my sister is a former resident of this residency program, so hearing about how great the program, faculty, and residents were made me excited to join a residency that was welcoming, supportive, and would make me a great physician!

ParGrace FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Stone Mountain, GA
Undergrad: Georgia State University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine- Georgia
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, visiting national parks, going to farmers markets and craft fairs, fostering animals, trying local restaurants and cafes, caring for plants, and attending trivia nights with friends
Before Medical School: I spent a year working full time as an emergency medicine scribe. Outside of the ED, I helped my mom at her nail salon and traveled in my free time.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: My parents often took us to go hiking in Tennessee growing up, so this state has always felt like home to me. When it came time to apply to residency, my top two priorities for programs were that they provided solid training in obstetrics and women's health and that the residents and faculty had a strong sense of camaraderie. From interview day to the second look, everyone I interacted with was someone I knew I would enjoy working with and there was no doubt that this was where I wanted to be.

RadleySarah FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Louisville, KY
Undergrad: University of Kentucky
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I like spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, reading, and binge watching K-dramas. I also enjoy painting and yoga, although I am not very good at either. Recently, I have started collecting house plants.
Before Medical School: I scribed in an emergency department.
Why I chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville because of the culture and people. I knew instantly after my interview that these people genuinely cared about each other and their community. I love how kind and supportive every is here. Additionally, the diversity in population and pathology will prepare me well for success after residency. I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to train along side these talented individuals and couldn't be happier with my decision!

WalkerLance FM 4x5 CMYK 300 lc

Hometown: Lawrenceburg, TN
Undergrad: University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Medical School: UTHSC - Memphis
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife, pets, and friends. Playing guitar and video games
Before Medical School: Phlebotomy in my hometown’s hospital
Why I chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT-Nashville for its supportive and sociable resident culture, balanced curriculum, thought-provoking pathology, and Middle Tennessee location.

PGY1 Resident - Rural Track

Kwateng Jonathan 8x10 300 ma

Hometown: Roswell, GA
Undergrad: University of Georgia
Medical School: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Billiards, Fitness, Being waterside
Before Medical School: No gap years, went straight through the gauntlet
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Supportive faculty, proximity to home, and variety of practice in a community setting

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