Meet Our Residents

Haley Bradshaw, MD

PGY-3

I am a Johnson City native and a ETSU-lifer at heart! I went to University School on ETSU campus, then completed my undergraduate at ETSU, and then moved across the street for medical school at Quillen College of Medicine. ETSU cannot get rid of me, and I am so excited to be staying here for residency! After growing up with a heart defect, it has always been my dream to continue into a pediatric cardiology fellowship and then eventually come back to this area to practice. In my free time, I can be found reading and making TikToks about reading! I also love all things plants and Star Wars! I am so excited to finally be taking care of the children in our community, and I can’t wait to see what residency has to offer!

Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU), Johnson City, TN

Devyn Hayes, MD

PGY-3

I am originally from Oliver Springs, Tennessee, a small town outside of Knoxville. I have spent most of my life somewhere in Tennessee. I attended Middle Tennessee State University for undergraduate, where I received a bachelor's degree in Biology. I realized I missed being so close to the mountains, so I came back to East Tennessee and attended ETSU Quillen College of Medicine for medical school. My pediatrician growing up was incredibly encouraging, and showed me that I could pursue medicine as a woman from a small town. After going through my pediatrics rotation in medical school, I knew I wanted to be just like her and all of the other wonderful pediatricians I had the opportunity to work with! I loved all of the pediatricians, residents, and staff that I worked with at ETSU, which is why it was a no-brainer to choose to stay here for residency! In my free time you can find me watching Harry Potter, going on a hike or playing board games with friends, watching the Cowboys and Titans on Sunday, or cheering on my MTSU Blue Raiders!

Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfeesboro, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU), Johnson City, TN

Soumya Jena, MD

PGY-3

I originally hail from a small town in Odisha, a coastal state in eastern India. My medical journey began in Mumbai, followed by a pediatric residency in Punjab and specialized neonatal training in Toronto. The North American approach to medical training deeply impressed me, prompting me to pursue a Pediatric residency once more.
What draws me to Johnson City is its stunning natural beauty, which reminds me of home. My wife, whom I met and married in Toronto, shares my excitement about starting our family here. We both appreciate the Southern culture and are eager to immerse ourselves in it.
ETSU appeals to me not only for its excellent training program but also for its strong commitment to patient advocacy and community outreach, which aligns with my values and desire to contribute to the community. Outside of work, I am an avid traveler, enjoy cooking, playing and watching cricket, and am passionate about strength training. You’ll likely find me engaged in one of these activities during my free time.

Medical School: Grant Medical College
Pediatric Residency: Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India

Naomi Patel, MD

PGY-3

I grew up and lived in Southern New Hampshire until I moved to Gujarat, India for medical school. I was lucky enough during my childhood to travel multiple times to India and various other countries, which gave me priceless international experience and opened my eyes to the stark realities of healthcare disparities. I have a special connection to Johnson City, as I frequented this charming city during my childhood visits to family. It was during my rotations in Johnson City that I discovered my love for the vibrant community and the warmth and kindness of its people. In my downtime, I enjoy picking up new hobbies (recently, it’s been crocheting) and indulging in the latest TV shows and movies. I also love the outdoors, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with loved ones. I’m so excited to call Tennessee my home, and I can’t wait to give back to its wonderful community.

Medical School: Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, India

Katie Seale, DO

PGY-3

I was raised on a farm just east of Knoxville in New Market, Tennessee. I attended Carson-Newman University where I received degrees in biology and biochemistry. From there, I attended Lincoln-Memorial University for medical school. I have been blessed to attend undergraduate and medical school close to home in the East Tennessee area, and I am thrilled to continue my training at ETSU as a pediatric resident. In my spare time I enjoy international medical mission work, traveling, working on the family farm, and hiking.

Undergraduate: Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN

Twisha Shukla, MD

PGY-3

I did my medical school back in Gujarat, India, where my love for pediatrics really took off. When I’m not in scrubs, I’m probably hanging out with my amazing husband and our goofy dog, catching up with family, or treating myself to some shopping. I’m also obsessed with the beach—give me sand, sun, and a great sunset, and I’m in my happy place.

Medical School: C.U. Shah Medical College

Tyler Stone, DO

PGY-3

I am from Woodbury, TN, a very small town in Middle Tennessee. I attended Middle Tennessee State University where I got my degree in Biochemistry. After taking three years to work as a paramedic, I attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University. I love spending time with my family and taking my daughter to the park.

Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfeesboro, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN

Dakota Thompson, DO

PGY-3

I am from Merritt Island, Florida and went to undergrad at the University of Florida. I went to medical school at VCOM – Carolinas in Spartanburg, South Carolina to be closer to my mom’s side of the family. I am a huge college football fan (Florida and Clemson), and I love to travel, read, play video games, and play various sports at a mediocre level. I am so excited to live in the mountains! I bought a snowboard two days after match day so you’ll find me on Sugar Mountain or Beech Mountain on the weekends this winter.

Undergraduate: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Carolinas), Spartanburg, SC

Michael Agostino, DO

 PGY-2

I am originally from Greenwich, Connecticut and grew up in Franklin, TN. I was raised by your traditional Italian/Irish Catholic family with my parents, older sister and four younger brothers. I went to undergrad at Tennessee Tech to study engineering and math before transitioning to medicine. SCUBA, rock climbing, skydiving, you name it I love a good adventure (next on the list is bull riding). I also like to relax with family and friends, beach time, and I never say no to a good comedy.

Undergraduate: Tennessee Tech University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University

Varshini Narmada Ramasamy Balasubramanian, MD

PGY-2

I am a small-town girl from Southern India who took a wild leap across continents to the US for my master’s degree in New York, where I met my husband—because nothing says romance like bonding over late-night pizza at 2AM! As a first-generation doctor, I jumped into pediatrics after being inspired by my amazing attending in med school. After the chaos of New York, moving to Tennessee for residency felt like an escape into nature. We absolutely love it here. I love growing my own vegetable garden, traveling, and trying to keep up with my adrenaline junkie husband in my downtime.

Masters: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Medical School: Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research, India

Sai Chunduru, MD

PGY-2

I am a proud Indian by birth and had my medical schooling at the renowned Osmania Medical College. I enjoy laughing and playing with children, so how could I not pick Pediatrics? If I am not spending time with the little ones, you can more than likely find me shopping for some retail therapy or sipping lattes at the cutest coffee shops in town.
I also love lifting weights, experimenting with new recipes, and hanging out with friends and family—the list goes on, ha! The people at ETSU Peds are amazing, and I am so excited for this new journey in Johnson City!

Undergraduate: Sri Chaitanya Junior College, India
Medical School: Osmania Medical College, India

Kayla Heineken, MD

PGY-2

I grew up in a small town south of Knoxville called Greenback, which only had about 1,200 residents. I have always loved the charm and togetherness of living in a rural community, and I look forward to practicing in one in the future! I have had the pleasure of being at ETSU for both my undergraduate degree in Child Psychology and my MD/MPH degree at Quillen. I absolutely love the family-feel of ETSU and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. I have two cats (and way too many houseplants…) at home and you can usually find me reading or at the closest antique shop. I’m looking forward to a wonderful 3 years and am so lucky to be here in JC!

Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)

Blake Hill, DO

PGY-2

I am from Pelahatchie, Missippi, a very small town in central Mississippi. I went to undergrad and medical school in Mississippi, but I am very excited about living in the mountains of Tennessee. I am married with three children and a dog, and we have already started exploring the beautiful hiking trails and parks nearby. I enjoy playing basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball.

Undergraduate: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Medical School: William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS

John Ragsdale, DO

PGY-2

I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I also attended the University of Tennessee for undergrad. Before making my way to Johnson City for residency, I attended LMU-DCOM in Harrogate, Tennessee, for medical school. When I am not in the hospital, I love to spend time with my wife and son. When I am in the hospital, feel free to ask me about Legos, scary movies, Survivor, or mountaineering.

Undergraduate: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Medical School: LMU Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN

Alisa Vasileva, MD

PGY-2

Joseph Wilson, MD

PGY-2

I am from Thomasville, North Carolina, and I did my medical school in Des Moines, Iowa. I love to play video and board games and other nerdy activities. The mountains are my home, and you can find me enjoying the lovely weather at all times of the year. Fall is my favorite time of year because I love football, and Halloween is my birthday.

Undergraduate: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Medical School: Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA

Claire Crawford, MD

 PGY-1

I earned my bachelor's degree in health science from the University of South Dakota and completed a post-baccalaureate program at East Tennessee State University before graduating from the Quillen College of Medicine. I’m married and a proud parent of three children, and our home is always full of energy thanks to our many animals. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, creating art, spending time outdoors, and caring for our pets.

Undergraduate: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)

Krista Ford, DO

 PGY-1

As a child, I lived in Milledgeville, GA, and Mason, OH, frequently traveling back and forth between the two due to my dad’s job. Because of this, I don’t have a Southern accent—despite being born in the South. My husband, Aaron Ford, is my co-resident and best friend. We hoped to match into a residency program that offered a great education, strong support, and the opportunity to form personal relationships with our attendings. We found all of these things at ETSU and in an exceptional place to live like Johnson City. We couldn’t be happier to be here and hope to stay local after graduation.

Undergraduate: Augusta University, Augusta, GA
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Timothy "Aaron" Ford, DO

 PGY-1

I’m from Jonesborough, TN, and between my upbringing, undergraduate studies, and medical school training, I’ve always called the mountains of East Tennessee home. I met my wonderful wife during medical school, where we were anatomy lab partners, and I’m thankful that we’re both able to complete our pediatrics residency here at ETSU. We both love animals, and when we’re not at work, you’ll most likely find us with our pets, hiking, or off on an adventure together.

Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Elizabeth Lyons, MD

 PGY-1

I’m from a small town in central Kentucky called Danville. I attended Western Kentucky University for my undergraduate education (go Tops!) and the University of Louisville School of Medicine for medical school. During medical school, I was part of the Trover Rural Track and am looking forward to serving rural communities in the future.
I love watching baseball—especially with my dad—cheering on the Detroit Lions during football season, and baking any chance I get. I’m excited for the next three years in Johnson City, surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and cheering on the Bucs!

Undergraduate: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY

Selene Pokharel, MD

 PGY-1

Born in Canada, raised between Singapore and Qatar, and trained in medicine in Nepal—I’ve had quite the global adventure! These days, I call Johnson City home and adore its mountains and friendly faces. I’m passionate about traveling and a big foodie (yes, I’ll try anything once!). I love turning my kitchen into a mini test lab for baking and cooking experiments. My happy place? Good food, great company, and time with my wonderful husband.

Undergraduate: 
Medical School: Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal

Emily Pompeo, DO

 PGY-1

I’m originally from Fort Myers, Florida, but my husband, Regan, and I have been living in Western North Carolina for the past few years while I completed medical school. We love to travel, hike, and spend time outdoors—especially in the mountains! I’m so excited to be in pediatric residency and am grateful to be part of such a supportive team.

Undergraduate: Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL
Medical School: Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC

Daniel Ridlen, MD

 PGY-1

I grew up in East Tennessee and love the area. I attended Emory & Henry College and East Tennessee State University for my undergraduate education. I completed medical school at the Quillen College of Medicine here in Johnson City. I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.

Undergraduate: Emory & Henry College & East Tennessee State University
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)

Rhythm Uprety, DO

 PGY-1

I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal—the land of the Himalayas—where I completed my schooling and A-levels. I then explored a new culture and environment in Bangladesh, where I attended medical school and lived for 6.5 years. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with children, as I truly enjoy interacting with them and being part of their care. My hobbies include cycling, swimming, reading novels, and meditating.

Undergraduate: Chelsea International Academy, Kathmandu, Nepal
Medical School: Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh