Family Medicine Residency
PGY-3
Samarth Patel, MD
Hometown: New York City
Undergraduate School: Seton Hall University
Major & Degree: Biology, BS
Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Time with family. Traveling. Cooking. Mixology. Cats.
What do you like about the program: The diversity.
Rose Anzele, MD
Hometown: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Undergraduate School: St. John's University
Major & Degree: B.S. in Biology
Medical School: American University of Antigua COM
Hobbies/Interests: Travelling, making DIY projects (soaps and lotions), enjoying time with my family.
What do you like about the program: Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful. There is always someone to guide you.
Turner Grogan, MD
Hometown: Griffin, GA
Undergraduate School: Mercer University
Major & Degree: Bachelor's of science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: SCUBA diving, Traveling, Writing, spending time with my wife, son, and daughter.
What do you like about the program: I love the people and how willing everyone is to help one another grow and learn.
Andy Herink, MD
Hometown: Macon, Ga
Undergraduate School: Mercer University
Major & Degree: Chemical Commerce, BS
Medical School: Trinity SOM
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, golf, trying different cuisine, hanging out with my goldendoodles
What do you like about the program: I like how our class and the entire program has a diverse profile. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, yet somehow we're all able to share similarities. This makes the work environment always enjoyable and something to look forward to everyday.
Kamilya Hunter, MD
Hometown: East Point, GA
Undergraduate: Xavier University of Louisiana
Major & Degree: Biology premed Bachelor's of Science
Medical School: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends, gardening, hiking, playing the guitar and piano, singing in gospel choirs, writing poetry, and completing jigsaw puzzles (1000-3,000 pieces)
What do you like about the program?: My favorite part about the Atrium Health Navicent Family Medicine Program is how welcoming and encouraging everyone has been. It truly has a family atmosphere. The program provides the diversity I was looking for and an integrative medicine curriculum which is not provided at many programs.
Kara Kelsey, MD
Hometown: McIntyre, GA
Undergraduate School: Augusta University
Major & Degree: Bachelor of Radiologic Science, Major in Nuclear Medicine
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy being outside, spending time with my family, and barrel racing horses!
What do you like about the program: As a Mercer student, I have spent a lot of time working with those involved in this program since the first year of medical school. No matter what stage of learning I have been at, the faculty and staff have made me feel at home and part of the family. The program focuses on broad education and care of the patient as a whole. I could not think of a better place to train!
Thomas Nguyen, MD
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Undergraduate School: University of California, San Diego
Major & Degree: BA, Political Science
Medical School: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Surfing, playing ukulele, riding and working on motorcycles, traveling, trying new restaurants.
What do you like about the program: I like how the residents are close inside and outside of work, and are very supportive of one another. The attending physicians are extremely friendly, approachable, and willing to teach. The opportunity to care for a diverse rural and urban patient population in Central Georgia at the largest hospital in the region is an extremely enriching learning experience.
Oluwadamilola Oni, MD
Hometown: Warner Robins, GA
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia
Major & Degree: B.Sc. in Biology
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy paint-by-numbers, rollerblading, trying new things, watching soccer, spending time with family and friends, and fun group activities!
What do you like about the program: I love how welcoming and nice the atmosphere is! This program truly succeeds in having a family feel. I have never been afraid to ask a question, and it is an amazing environment to grow as both a physician and an individual.
Kyle Posey, MD
Hometown: Ocilla, Ga
Undergraduate School: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Major & Degree: BS in Biology
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, golfing, watching sports, fishing, and working in the yard
What do you like about the program: When I first stepped foot inside the Family Medicine Residency Program, I felt like I was part of a team where my opinion was valued to improve the healthcare of this community. Everyone from attendings to colleagues are extremely knowledgeable and strive to help you meet your goals. Family medicine allows you to practice and treat a broad population which shapes you into a well- rounded physician.
Yoonhee Kim, MD
Hometown: Watkinsville, GA
Undergraduate School: Georgia Institute of Technology
Major & Degree: B.S. in Biochemistry
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, Tennis, and Spending quality time with my family, friends, and two cats!
What do you like about the program: I love the teaching style and helpfulness of all faculty, staff, and fellow residents in the program. Everyone is so approachable and makes you feel comfortable asking questions and receiving guidance. It really feels like a family where everyone looks out for each other and wants us all to do better and be better since each and every one of us represent the family medicine residency program in Macon.
PGY-2
Ikechukwu Agulonu, MD
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate School: Igbinedion University, Okada.
Major & Degree: Medicine/ MBBS
Medical School: Oba Okunade Sijuwade College of Health Sciences.
Hobbies/Interests: Travelling, reading and music lover/ Primary care, Poetry
What do you like about the program: It is a rich, robust, well rounded, supportive, friendly and resident centered program.
Alexis Bateman, MD
Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia
Major & Degree: Landscape Architecture, BLA
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests:Spending time with my husband, family, and dachshund. Traveling. Trying new foods.
What do you like about the program: I genuinely like everyone in the program. We help and are invested in each other. I think there is a good balance of teaching and self-learning.
Sara Lafayette, MD
Hometown: Albany, GA
Undergraduate School: Mercer University
Major & Degree: B.S. in Biology
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I love hanging out with my family, friends, & 2 Crested Geckos! I also enjoy rock climbing, reading, watching movies, trading card games, and painting!
What do you like about the program: The FM program here has the absolute best and supportive people! Everyone is so welcoming and always willing to help. I've been able to learn the most in this work environment, and I feel valued in my role as part of this team.
Bashir Lengi, MD
Hometown: Benghazi, Libya
Major & Degree: M.H.A./M.B.Ch.B
Medical School: Benghazi University Faculty of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I like to spend time with my family, playing soccer, trying different cuisines, traveling, and playing on piano.
What do you like about the program: Everyone is very welcoming, supportive, and willing to teach. The attending physicians and residents make you feel you are part of them from day one. I like how the program is diverse and invested in residents training and personal growth.
Gredymar Marin Tovar, MD
Hometown: San Fernando de Apure, Venezuela
Undergraduate School: Universidad de Carabobo
Major & Degree: Medical Doctor
Medical School: Universidad de Carabobo
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing has been part of my life since I was four years old. Other hobbies are biking and cooking.
What do you like about the program: I love how welcoming everyone has been. Everyone has been very supportive and reachable. From day one, everyone has made me feel like at home. I am looking forward to the future in this amazing hospital.
Daniel Namkoong, MD
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Undergraduate School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major & Degree: Chemistry & Psychology
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Hobbies/Interests: My hobbies include swimming, running, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. I'm interested in providing quality care to patients of diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQI+ community.
What do you like about the program:
Everyone is mutually invested in each other's success.
Afolabi Orekoya, MD
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria.
Undergraduate: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Major & Degree: Advanced Level (Biology, Chemistry & Physics).
Medical School: University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Hobbies/Interests : I enjoy playing Chess, watching Soccer and combat sports - Boxing & MMA. Outdoor activities with family. Music, History and traveling.
What do you like about the program: The program is a one big supportive family - Faculty and upper-level residents are welcoming and ready to guide & nurture residents to becoming the best physician. I also like the diversity in the staff and patient population. The icing on the cake is the Integrative Medicine in Residency offered.
Riya Patel, MD
Hometown: Camilla, GA
Undergraduate School: Mercer University
Major & Degree: B.S. in Biology
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: International travel, adventurous outdoor activities, everything Bollywood, TV shows of all genres, painting, skincare, and spending time with friends and family, of course!
What do you like about the program: I chose to pursue Family Medicine due to its expansive range of care, catering to individuals across various age groups. I chose this program in particular because even as a medical student, I felt like an integral part of the Family Medicine team. The attending physicians and residents have consistently provided unwavering support, creating a nurturing environment in both the clinic and hospital settings. The entire team possesses extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching. I am incredibly grateful to have been embraced wholeheartedly by this family since day one!
Chase Shook, MD
Hometown: Hiawassee, GA
Undergraduate School: University of North Georgia
Major & Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy finding and making new recipes with my wife, discovering new music, hiking, kayaking, and golfing.
What do you like about the program: I like how welcoming and inviting everyone involved in the program is. Whether it's help with an issue or teaching a new topic, members of the program always have a helpful and positive attitude. I feel these qualities are key to promote resident learning, development, and growth.
PGY-1
Michelle Simmons, MD
Hometown: Hawkinsville, GA
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia, Go Dawgs!
Major & Degree: Biology and Psychology
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I am most interested in making people feel seen, heard, and loved. If I'm lucky I can make them laugh too. One of my favorite activities is sharing a meal with the people I love. I enjoy playing the piano and reading fun books when I have free time (big Harry Potter fan!) Long walks at Amerson River Park have become a recent favorite of mine. Usually, you can find me playing fetch with my little senior yorkie, Lola! What do you like about the program: I love how kind everyone is. The attendings and residents are knowledgeable and eager to help. It is an absolute joy to serve middle Georgia. Training so close to my hometown is a dream come true.
Deepa Sunkari, MD
Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Undergraduate School: University of Florida
Major & Degree: Bachelor's Business Administration with Chemistry Specialization
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Running 5ks, healthy cooking, competed in Miss Florida USA Beauty Pageant 2024, & has a chihuahua name Rocky Romeo.What do you like about the program:I am enjoying working in a large, trauma 1 level, university hospital setting at Atrium Health/Mercer University, teaching Mercer University medical students, & exploring Macon, a small university town which is very close to large metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Savannah, Tampa, Orlando, & my hometown.
Erica McGinty, MD
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Undergrad: Hampton University (the real HU)
Major&Degree: BA in Psychology
Medical School: Trinity SOM
Hobbies: Sitting on the beach, playing guitar & keyboard, singing, dancing, and watching supernatural films
What I like about the program: I love that everyone is genuinely kind and helpful. The faculty and staff are amazing, happy to teach, and give great feedback. I'm excited about serving this community with each of them
Mijin Ra, MD
Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Undergraduate School: University of Colorado, Denver
Major & Degree: Hotel Management & Biology
Medical School: Trinity school of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Running, Cooking, Volunteering for a youth group of church, Spending time with my son and husband.
What do you like about the program: Everyone in the program and the community has been welcoming and supportive since day one, making me feel like a valued member. The diverse range of patients and cases helps me learn and grow both personally and professionally. The faculty attendings are incredibly supportive and truly dedicated to everyone's success.
Patricia Claxton, MD
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Undergraduate School: University of West Florida
Major & Degree: Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: puzzles, crossword puzzles, practicing guitar, working out and going out with family/friends to try new restaurants
What do you like about the program: The faculty and staff are so invested in the professional and personal growth of the residents. I feel like I could go to anyone on our team with anything and be received with encouragement and support. All the faculty and residents are very approachable.
Samarah Kenol, MD
Hometown:Snellville, GA
Undergraduate School: Georgia State University
Major & Degree: Chemistry (Biochem concentration)
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, Bike riding, reading, crocheting, and collecting all the hobbies I can get my hands on.What do you like about the program:
Firstly, I love the people. After the virtual interview I found myself thinking "Wow, I think I've found my people". It was my first interview and I already felt done with the season. That initial feeling has proven right time and time again: from my co-interns to my seniors and attendings everyone is kind, patient, and willing to teach.
Another thing that drew me to this program was the emphasis on residents as teachers early on. I take the meaning of "Doctor" seriously, in its literal definition, and I'm glad to be in a program that does too.
Leonia Jackson-Vincent, MD
Hometown:Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Undergraduate School:
Major & Degree:
Medical School: University of the West Indies, Jamaica
Hobbies/Interests: Yoga, strength training, event planning, reading novels, crocheting, traveling.
What do you like about the program: I like the bond that exists between the faculty members and the residents. Everyone is approachable and willing to teach. I was attracted to this program for its diversity,and it didn't disappoint.
Raymond Cadet, MD
Hometown: Port-au-Prince HAITI
Undergraduate School: …
Major & Degree:…
Medical School: Universite Notre Dame D'Haiti
Hobbies/Interests: I looove cooking, tasting new foods, Travelling, enjoying a nice evening at the beach, listening to Music.
What do you like about the program: I love the fact that everyone is supportive from day 1. The Program is not far from major cities like Atlanta Ga and Orlando Fl. The program is very diverse, and everyone bring their own culture. The program also offers a good environment to grow as an amazing physician and to be Leaders in medicine after training.
Kanan Brumfield, DO
Hometown: Macon, GA
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia
Major & Degree: Bachelor of Health Promotion (Public Health)
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Suwanee, GA)
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy practicing yoga and meditation, painting, crocheting, playing board games, spending time outdoors, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with family and friends.
What do you like about the program: Growing up in Macon and being able to train as a resident in my hometown is so fulfilling. I love that the program has a strong community involvement and allows me to serve the community that helped raise me. This program has diverse, kind, supportive faculty/staff and residents. It truly feels like a family that learns and grows together!