Candelaria Deimundo Roura, MD | PGY-3
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina but spent most of my childhood traveling abroad.
I went to medical school at the "Universidad de Buenos Aires," and spent my summers
off in Colorado where I met my husband. Naturally in Colorado, outdoor activities
became a central part of our lives and that is why ETSU was initially so appealing.
Once I got to know more about the program, I realized that it fit all of my major
criteria, both in academics and personal preferences. The friendliness and the tight-knit
group was exactly what I was looking for in a program, not mention living in a beautiful
area. I am so excited to continue this next step in my path to becoming a Pediatrician
at ETSU.
Medical School: Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Medicina, Argentina
Travis Johnson, MD | PGY-3
I grew up in Jackson, a small town in southeastern Kentucky. I completed both undergraduate
and medical school at the University of Kentucky. After spending 8 years in Lexington,
I was more than ready to move back to the mountains. After my interview at ETSU, my
wife and I knew that’s where we wanted to spend the next three years. It had everything
I was looking for in a program, and everything we were looking for in a town to raise
our three daughters. I have a deep love for southeastern Kentucky, and my ultimate
goal is to move back and practice as a general pediatrician. I have no doubt that
the program here at ETSU will more than prepare me for that, and I’m very grateful
that God has brought me here. I’m also a board game enthusiast, have about 100 games
in my collection, and am always willing to play a game or two.
Undergraduate: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Sarah Nichols, DO | PGY-3
I grew up in the small town of Norris, Tennessee not that far from Johnson City. I
have always loved East Tennessee and chose to pursue my college education in another
small town at Lincoln Memorial University. I knew going into college that medicine
was my career goal and receiving my medical education at DeBusk College of Osteopathic
Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University was a perfect fit for me. Once I realized
that my heart was set on the specialty of pediatrics, I hoped to stay in the area
to stay close to my family. ETSU’s Pediatric Residency Program felt immediately like
the “perfect fit” as soon as I arrived for my interview and I am so grateful to have
been matched with ETSU’s Department of Pediatrics for my residency training. My little
family of my husband and two dogs are loving our new home in Johnson City and happy
to be within a day trip of both our families. We can’t wait to keep exploring the
beautiful area. My hobbies include arts and crafts projects of all varieties like
pottery and painting, home DIY activities, cooking, spending time with my husband
and two dogs and finding time to read books for fun!
Undergraduate: Lincoln Memorial University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Amy Parker, MD | PGY-3
I’m from a farm in Darke County, Ohio on the Ohio/Indiana border. Staying close to
home for undergrad & medical school, I was looking to explore a new portion of the
US while staying relatively close to home, since my husband is not in the medical
field. When looking at residencies, I wanted a small program that had access to majority
of the specialties in a stand-alone facility that would help grow my passion for rural
medicine. All of this I found along with such an amazing close-knit program where
the attendings are truly invested & interested in each resident. In my spare time,
my husband & I love spoiling our two dogs, and look forward to exploring the breath-taking
views around Johnson City.
Undergraduate: Wright State University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Amanda Shoubaki, DO | PGY-3
I was born in Germany and lived in 4 states during my father’s military service. I
love the south and the outdoors and always knew I wanted to live somewhere where I
could get out and enjoy nature. My family settled in Hattiesburg, MS and I went to
the University of Mississippi for my undergraduate degree before moving back to Hattiesburg
for medical school. I attended medical school at William Carey College of Osteopathic
Medicine. My family is fairly centrally located to the area, so going too far away
for residency was a bit concerning. When I interviewed at ETSU; however, I felt instantly
welcomed and at home. The town and the people are so inviting, and the mountains surrounding
Johnson City and Niswonger are absolutely breathtaking. My husband and I already love
the city and we look forward to spending the next several years in Johnson City and
becoming part of the ETSU family! In my free time my husband and I love hiking, fishing,
and enjoying nature.
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sukhvir Singh, MD | PGY-3
Hi everyone! I was raised in San Jose, did my undergrad at San Francisco State, and
then completed med school at Des Moines University in Iowa. I enjoy exploring the
outdoors, building coffee tables to de-stress, and spending quality time with my friends
and family. When searching for programs I knew I wanted to go to a place that allowed
me the autonomy to do a lot and that was small enough so it felt like more of a family.
During my interview here I felt like I easily got along with the residents and could
be myself. And without competition from fellows, it was nice to know that I wouldn’t
have to compete for educational or procedural opportunities. I like the area because
the mountains feel like my Californian home minus the traffic and ridiculous rent.
And there’s plenty to do around the area if you like good food (especially BBQ) and
camping/hiking.
Undergraduate: San Francisco State
Medical School: Des Moines University, Iowa
Meredith St. Clair, DO | PGY-3
I grew up in central Virginia and headed to rural North Carolina for college at Campbell
University. After four years in Buies Creek, NC I was not ready to leave, and I stayed
at CUSOM for medical school. While attending CUSOM I realized my passion for loving
"the least of these," and knew I wanted to train and practice in a rural area and
serve the underserved. When I interviewed at ETSU, I knew it was the perfect fit
for me. I loved the emphasis on primary care as well as the well-rounded curriculum
that would provide me the skills to serve in rural areas at home or abroad. The faculty
and staff were warm and made me feel immediately welcomed into their family. In my
free time I love being outside running, hiking or biking. I am so excited to be living
in Johnson City and explore of the great natural wonders that are in my new backyard!
Undergraduate: Campbell University
Medical School: Campbell University, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Nathan Beasley, MD | PGY-2
I grew up in West Texas, spending early childhood in Ozona and most of elementary
school in San Angelo. Before middle school we moved from small West Texas life to
the growing city of Frisco, north of Dallas. From there I chose to study Physics at
Baylor University, and I loved every minute of marching in the Baylor University Golden
Wave Band, where I met my wife. From Baylor I moved to Fort Worth, where I obtained
a master’s degree in medical sciences to prepare myself for medical school. I married
my wife the summer after, and we moved back west to Lubbock, where I attended medical
school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I knew I wanted to work with
children, and I fell in love with pediatrics early on. When I interviewed at ETSU’s
Pediatric Residency program my wife and I knew it was going to be the right fit for
us. Tennessee feels a bit like Texas (but with more rain and mountains), and I love
how much both the program and the city felt like home immediately. My wife and I will
have our first child during intern year, and we love woodworking and spending time
together.
Undergraduate: Baylor University Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center SOM
Ianna Blanchard, MD | PGY-2
I was born in the Caribbean island of Dominica, but spent the majority of my childhood
residing in several countries. I attended medical school at St. Georges University,
where I realized my passion for treating the underserved. In looking for a residency
program, I was seeking a well-rounded program with excellent faculty and a close-knit
group of residents. The ETSU Pediatric Residency Program features a supportive, challenging
environment with a wonderful group of faculty and staff where I feel privileged to
continue my journey. During my free time I enjoy weight lifting, practicing yoga,
and reading.
Undergraduate: St. Georges University
Medical School: St. Georges University School of Medicine
Leanna Hollander, DO | PGY-2
I was born and raised in Russell County, Virginia. I am very close to my family, so
I am thrilled to be in Johnson City for my pediatric training where I can see them
regularly. I met my husband, Alex, while at Virginia Tech getting my undergraduate
degree and remained in Blacksburg for my four years of medical school at VCOM. I love
the outdoors, so in my free time, you can find my husband and I on day hikes with
our Golden Retriever, Piper, or relaxing at home watching reruns of the greatest show
of all time, The Golden Girls!
Undergraduate: Virginia Tech
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-VA campus
Natasha Khan, MD | PGY-2
I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. I attended medical school at Dow Medical
College. I’ve always had a passion for community service and serving the underserved.
During my clinical rotations I realized how much I love being around children and
their families which is why I chose pediatrics. After graduation, my desire to get
the best possible training in pediatrics brought me to the United States. When I visited
ETSU for my interview, I loved the program for not just it’s warm and wonderful people
but also how it catered to the underserved population of the entire area - similar
to the patient population back home. Also being a nature-loving person at heart, I
was delighted by the scenic green valleys and the gorgeous landscape which reminded
me of the beautiful Kashmir valley in my country. I am extremely happy with my decision
to become a part of the amazing ETSU team. When I am not spending time with my ETSU
family, I hang-out with my friends and talk to my family back home.
Medical school: Dow Medical College, Pakistan
Pooja Kumar, MD | PGY-2
Hi all! I remember the first question I was asked during the interview was if I would
be willing to live in a small place like Johnson City. Growing up in Mumbai, I was
not only accustomed to the heat, the crowd, the fast paced life, and the beautiful
sea that surrounded the Island city but had also come to love it. Life in Johnson
city coldn't have been more diametrically different. As soon as I landed here, the
relatively empty streets and the breathtaking mountains without any concrete high
rises to obstruct the view, made me realize I'm far from home. But what I didn't expect
was how easy it was to fall in love with this place and it's people. Everyone here
has been extremely kind and welcoming. My goal is to make the most of my three years
at ETSU. In doing so, I want to learn and evolve for the better, as a physician as
well as an individual. The amazingly supportive faculty surely makes me feel like
I've come to the right place! When I'm not donning the white coat, I enjoy singing,
having games nights with friends, exploring new places and binge watching movies/TV
shows.
Fun Fact : I shaved my head in my third year of medical school.
Medical school: Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Medical College, Navi Mumbai, India
Ishita Patel, MD | PGY-2
I grew up in Mumbai, India. It’s the only place I had known for the first 25 years
of my life. My decision to pursue residency in the United States stemmed partly from
the need to venture beyond familiar territory & partly from the wonderful exposure
to the medical system during my clinical rotations here. It’s been a long and rather
fulfilling journey since then. Johnson City is an incredible place. It’s exactly the
small town life I hoped to experience. I cannot imagine a better place than ETSU to
spend the next 3 years!
When I am not dreaming about the next cruise I set my foot on or having my own exquisite art workshop - I love to read, paint and play board games.
Medical School: Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Medical College, India.
Leslie Thompson, MD | PGY-2
I grew up in the Upstate of South Carolina, so joining the ETSU family has afforded
me the opportunity to remain close to home. When I am not cheering on my National
Championship Tigers (GO TIGERS!), I enjoy all things outdoors, taking on random DIY
projects, and spending quality time with family and friends. The gorgeous mountainous
scenery here has definitely been a treat! This program was a great fit for me, mostly
because of its small size and the close relationship among Residents and Faculty.
My future career goals also align nicely with the program's aims of helping the underserved
and being committed to patient advocacy. I am excited for the opportunity to learn
from and work with such amazing physicians here at ETSU!
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Karen Adkins, MD | PGY-1
I was born in southern California, but due to my dad being in the military, I spent
my childhood living in several states and overseas. Now for the last 15 years of my
life, I have been lucky to call Navarre Beach, FL my home. I attended the University
of Florida for undergrad where I majored in Biochemistry and minored in Spanish. After
graduating, I met my husband who was stationed in the area for Marine Corps training.
Shortly after, I left for medical school at Trinity School of Medicine. My interview
day at ETSU was awesome, and all the residents and faculty whom I encountered were
all very genuine and close knit. I am a true Florida girl at heart, but I knew right
away that ETSU would be the only place where I could trade my sunny beaches for mountains
and greenery! In my free time I enjoy weightlifting, playing soccer, laying out at
the pool, anything true crime/mystery, PokemonGo, and cooking. My husband and I also
love spoiling and spending time with our dog named Beans!
Undergraduate: University of Florida Gainesville, FL
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine
Kacie Denton, MD | PGY-1
I am from Unicoi, TN just 20 minutes away from Johnson City. I went to college at
Carson-Newman University, where I got degrees in biology and biochemistry. I then
came back home to Johnson City to attend medical school with a dual degree in public
health (MD/MPH) at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. I enjoyed the many opportunities
ETSU provides students to love on the varieties of patients in Appalachia. While on
my rotations in pediatrics, the community and family environment experienced between
residents and attendings was contagious and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. During
med school, I married my high school sweetheart. Together, we have two adorable pugs,
named Winston and Henry. During our free time, we enjoy spending time with family
and friends, binge-watching Netflix shows, and enjoying the great outdoors and mountains
all around the region. We are thrilled we get to continue being members of the amazing
ETSU family!
Undergraduate: Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)
Jessica Jones, MD | PGY-1
I am a proud native of Bristol, TN. I attended ETSU for my undergraduate degree and
then Quillen College of Medicine. As my husband is from Stoney Creek (Elizabethton
area for those who aren't from here). We are so blessed to be staying in this area
for residency. After residency it is my dream to continue to serve the people of this
region as a general pediatrician. In my spare time, I can be found spending time with
my husband, our three fur babies, or with our families. We love this area for the
hard working, kind people and the beautiful seasons that we experience here. As Dorothy
would say, there’s no place like home…
Undergraduate: Northeast State Community College Blountville, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)
Lindsay Brianna Lancaster, DO | PGY-1
I grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, then I moved to Knoxville during middle school.
I attended undergrad in Chattanooga, where I met my husband, Sam. I moved a little
closer to home for medical school and I attended LMU-DCOM. I'm so excited to be a
resident at ETSU so I can stay in this beautiful area and be close to my family. I
loved the emphasis on primary care during my interview and knew it was the perfect
fit for me. During my spare time, you can find me spending time with my husband and
our goldendoodle, Remi. We love being outdooors, and also watching Friends reruns!
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cassandra Saunders, DO | PGY-1
I grew up in Morganton, a small town in the foothills of North Carolina. I was diagnosed
with type I diabetes at age 10 and from that an aspiring pediatrician blossomed. I’ve
always enjoyed working with children and as a pediatrician, I can apply my own experiences
to those of my patients. I was drawn to ETSU’s pediatric residency program because
of their focus on training quality rural pediatricians and the supportive environment
that was so evident. As a member of the National Health Service Corp, after residency,
I look forward to serving as a general pediatrician in a rural, underserved community.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and just being outdoors.
Undergraduate: Pfeiffer University Misenheimer, NC
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
Kara Shafer, DO | PGY-1
I grew up Springfield, Illinois. I attended Illinois College for undergraduate where
I majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Then I attended University of Pikeville
Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy running, rock climbing,
doing gymnastics, hiking, and kayaking. I’m very excited to explore Johnson City while
also working towards my dream of becoming a pediatrician.
Undergraduate: Illinois College Jacksonville
Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sarah Tolliver, MD | PGY-1
I was born and raised in Lexington, KY and attended undergrad at Western Kentucky
University where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. My husband and I moved
to Johnson City 10 years ago when he began graduate school at ETSU. We fell in love
with the mountains, the community, and the Appalachian culture and we haven’t been
able to leave the area since. Soon after moving to Johnson City, I decided to go
back to school to pursue a career in medicine. I completed the pre-requisite coursework
at ETSU and earned my MD as well as my Master’s in Public Health at Quillen College
of Medicine. Upon competing medical school, I was so excited to find out I get to
stay in the area for residency and continue serving our Northeast TN community. When
I am not caring for patients at the hospital or clinic, you can find me at one of
the many local parks or on a nearby hiking trail with my husband and our two children.
Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)
