2026-2027
PGY3 Residents
Katie Aliotta, DO
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!
Blake Edmonson, MD
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!
Hill Kinney, DO
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.
Lucas Leifheit, DO
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.
Asfah Mohammed, MD
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!
Rena Nguyen, DO
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.
Norma Patel, DO
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!
JP Story, MD
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.
PGY3 Residents – Rural Track
Robin Denny, MD
Hometown: Olney, Maryland
Undergrad: University of Maryland College Park
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Kayaking, hiking, biking
Before Medical School: College
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: This program has a culture of excellence in the training of physicians.
Jon Kwateng, MD
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
PGY2 Residents
Amelia Brewer, MD
Hometown: Hendersonville, TN
Undergraduate: Belmont University
Medical School: UTHSC
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, crocheting, tennis, and DIY projects
Before Medical School: I worked as a home health aide, CNA in a skilled nursing/long-term care facility, EVS in the hospital, ER tech, and a mental health specialist in an adult emergency room
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: For the location, the camaraderie, and the commitment to high quality patient care
Zachary Craig, DO
Hometown: Livingston, TN
Undergraduate: Olivet Nazarene University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family-especially my wife and kids, going to the park, hiking, basketball, fishing, swimming, spending time outside. Dale Hollow Lake is my favorite place! I always enjoy playing/watching a good competition. GO VOLS!
Before Medical School: I served as an assistant worship leader in high school and during the summers of undergrad. I played basketball for my first two years in college and was a resident assistant for final two years. During gap years: youth pastor, medical scribe and PCA, and high school basketball coach.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: UTHSC-Nashville seemed like a place filled with genuine and impressive people, and I wanted to be in a place that pushed me to be a confident and competent physician. The location of Murfreesboro was an added benefit with proximity to extended family and safe environment to raise my family.
Blaine Davis, DO
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I most enjoy being with family and friends including my dog, Dexter as well as golfing and reading.
Before Medical School: I went straight into medical school from undergrad, but I’ve had a summer job at Nautical Boat Club for a few years.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I’ve never had somewhere feel this at home away from home. It is an incredible place to learn and grow as a physician. The faculty and other residents make it exciting to come to work every day.
Taryn De Jager, DO
Hometown: Trenton, TN
Undergraduate: UT-Knoxville
Medical School: VCOM-Louisiana
Hobbies/Interests: Strength training is my biggest hobby, but I also love reading fiction, spending time on the water, traveling with my husband, and hanging out with my French bulldog, Rudy. I’m also a self-proclaimed chai latte connoisseur!
Before Medical School: I attended graduate school at Lipscomb University while working full time as a medical scribe and part time in retail, all while living in my dream city of Nashville!
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I knew I wanted to return to my home state, and after my interview with UT Nashville, I knew this was where I wanted to be! The Nashville/Murfreesboro area has always held a special place in my heart, and the people in the program only further solidified my belief that I had found my home for the next three years (or more!). The kindness of everyone I met, the culture of the program, and the combination of strong resources and excellent medical training made UT Nashville my top choice!
Rema Kanakrieh, DO
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Hobbies/Interests: Working out, pickle ball, spending time with family, cooking/baking, exploring new places to eat in Nash, playing NYT games.
Before Medical School: I was a pharmacy tech for a few months before medical school started.
Why I chose UT-Nashville: I choose this program because when I did a rotation with them 4th year of medical school, it showed me how well they prepared and trained their residents for their career. It also drew my interest because this is my hometown. I love being close to my family while still in residency. It was important to have my support system near me during these years. And of course, who doesn’t love Nashville?
Alexis Louk, DO
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: Huntingdon College
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas
Hobbies/Interests: Playing soccer, supporting the Nashville Predators, traveling, scrapbooking, trying new restaurants, binge watching reality tv, and spending time with my family, friends, and dog.
Before Medical School: I went straight from undergrad to medical school. In undergrad I majored in Biochemistry and Applied Mathematics while playing collegiate soccer.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: The main reasons I chose UT-Nashville was for the culture, location, and quality of training it provided. Fortunately, I was able to do an audition rotation during my 4th year, where I got to experience firsthand how amazing this program is! Everyone was so supportive, passionate, and welcoming from day one and it truly felt like the perfect place for me to learn and grow during residency. An added bonus was getting to practice medicine in the community I grew up in and be close to my family!
Courtney McCowan, DO
Hometown: Cookeville, TN
Undergraduate: Tennessee Technological University
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Virginia
Hobbies/Interests: Running, pickleball, watching collegiate/WNBA basketball, spending time with friends and family, watching reality TV shows, and riding horses.
Before Medical School: Competed as a D1 athlete in track and cross country. In my youth, I was heavily involved in competitive gymnastics, as well as occasionally participating in triathlons. Throughout my undergraduate program, I also worked as a CNA at a skilled nursing facility.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT Nashville based on the wonderful residents and faculty that I met during my interview and second look. Additionally, this program provides me the opportunity to serve patients in the middle Tennessee area, which I also plan to continue serving after residency!
Alaa Mohammed, DO
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University
Medical School: LMU-DCOM
Hobbies/Interests: weight lifting, watercolor painting, and traveling
Before Medical School: I went straight from college to medical school. I worked as a PCT in a psych hospital and biology tutor.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I picked UT Nashville because it’s my hometown and for the high volume obstetrical experience. I have a passion for women’s health and serving the underserved. My sisters trained at this program so I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to also grow into an excellent physician here.
PGY2 Resident – Rural Track
Bailey Walker DO
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, karaoke, traveling, playing card/games, spending time with friends/family, and cheering on the Vols
Before Medical School: Before medical school, I took two gap years. The first year, I worked as a server/bartender, a medical scribe, and in a preschool. The second year, I got my Masters in Biomedical Science in Blacksburg, VA.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: UT Nashville was an amazing opportunity that I could not pass up! Having the opportunity to come back to serve the community that helped build me is a huge honor. That was a major deciding factor for me, but that was only part of the decision. I was so surprised by how much everyone seemed to like each other and how invested the faculty was in each resident as an individual. I feel like many programs say they are a family, but this program showed me that and meant it. They have accepted me with open arms and made me feel like part of the family from day 1. I feel confident that this program will mold me into a great physician and a great person.
PGY1 Residents
Brady Baskette, MD
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, cooking, building lego sets, working with electronics, and painting
Before Medical School: I attended the University of Georgia where I was trained in biological engineering and cellular biology while spending my free time volunteering at the ICU of my local hospital and performing bench research.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose this program because of the strong sense of community I felt between the residents and faculty I met throughout the interview practice. I loved seeing the good we were able to do for the community by operating at the Saint Louise Clinic and I wanted to be part of a program where I felt I could be giving back to those in the community who need help. Also, I fell in love with the area during my time touring. It reminded me a lot of the town I grew up in and I knew my fiancé and I could be happy living here and becoming part of the local community,
Pierce Creighton, MD
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University
Medical School: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Board games, volleyball, reading, attending the symphony, weightlifting, and spending time with my wife and child.
Before Medical School: More School!
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UTHSC Nashville because I’ve always wanted to serve the community where I grew up. My mother worked at Saint Thomas Rutherford, so I’ve seen firsthand the impact compassionate, patient-centered care can have. I’m also interested in working within a Catholic healthcare organization because its mission aligns with my values. UTHSC gives me the opportunity to train in my hometown while preparing me to care for the community that means so much to me.
Mariam Ibraheem, DO
Hometown: Antioch, TN
Undergraduate: Trevecca Nazarene University
Medical School: East Tennessee State University – Quillen College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with loved ones and trying local restaurants.
Before Medical School: During undergrad, I worked as a patient care technician. It gave me an early glimpse into patient care and the opportunity to care for patients from a variety of backgrounds.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Other than it being close to home, the residency itself was exactly where I imagined myself training. I completed an away rotation here during 4th year and it reinforced that this was where I wanted to train. It truly has a family atmosphere where the focus is on helping residents grow. I also value the opportunity to serve the Middle TN community that has been home to me for most of my life.
Emily Lomeli, DO
Hometown: Hendersonville, TN
Undergraduate: Bellarmine University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy cooking, playing sports, attending concerts/musicals and spending quality time with my daughter and husband.
Before Medical School: Worked as a medical assistant for two years before attending medical school
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I did an audition rotation here during my 4th year of medical school and learned a lot! Everyone was so friendly and all the residents seemed happy to be at the program. I knew I’d be trained well and work alongside a wonderful group of people.
Maggie Padfield, DO
Hometown: Dekalb, IL
Undergraduate: North Central College
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, knitting, crocheting, sewing, biking, cooking and baking
Before Medical School: I worked as a nanny and got my master’s degree!
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I chose UT Nashville because of the people and the commitment to excellence I felt throughout the program during my audition rotation. I felt as if this program would be best to help me achieve my goals and become a great physician.
Bishop Rhodes, MD
Hometown: Columbia, TN
Undergraduate: Trevecca Nazarene University
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I love playing ultimate frisbee, cards games, and Fortnite. I actually met my wife through ultimate frisbee while I was in medical school!
Before Medical School: I worked as a research assistant in Nashville
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I rotated here as a 4th year student and was appreciative of how kind and welcoming everyone was. I felt like a part of the team even as a student. The residents and faculty all taught me so much. I knew I would be able to become a knowledgeable and capable physician if I trained here. It is also close to home for me and I wanted to match at a place where I could have a good support system when I wasn’t working. It is a great fit for me!
Austen Smith, DO
Hometown: Eagleville, TN
Undergraduate: Lincoln Memorial University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife, dog, family, and friends! I also love just about anything outdoors: hiking, camping, fishing, golf, pickleball, golf, or just being in nature!
Before Medical School: I went straight from undergrad to medical school. I got my degree in Biology with minors in chemistry and psychology.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I am originally from Rutherford county and the plan always was to come back eventually. After several years in East Tennessee and a couple in Arkansas, it was definitely time to come back home. When I rotated with UTHSC-Nashville, I was immediately impressed by how genuine the residents and attendings were. I knew that this program was focused on learning together and producing great physicians. I’m excited for the next few years!
Alina Volkova, DO
Hometown: Morton, IL
Undergraduate: Bradley University
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I love spending time with friends and family, hiking or going to the gym, spending time outdoors or at the pool, watching fantasy, sci-fi, or period piece TV shows and movies, reading fantasy and romance novels, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, and doing arts and crafts.
Before Medical School: I worked as a Medical Office Assistant/Receptionist at a Dermatology Clinic and Day Spa, and I worked as an Ophthalmic Assistant at an Ophthalmology Clinic.
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: I was drawn to stay in Middle Tennessee, having enjoyed living in Franklin, TN for a year and serving a patient population that is kind and open. The culture at this program is calm and inviting while Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford demonstrates a good balance between patient demand and patient resources.
PGY1 Resident – Rural Track
Brad Schroeder, DO
Hometown: Lowell, IN
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Literature, painting, outdoors, being near bodies of water, and camping
Before Medical School: Research, Medical Assistant, Student
Why I Chose UT-Nashville: Dr. Ilia and Dr. Glass. Good learning population that is underserved. Religious values.
