Meet the Chiefs

Liaison. Leader. Problem-solver.

Those are just a few of the roles played by chief residents and fellows in graduate medical education programs at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine/USA Health.

“Chief residents and fellows are essential to the success of their programs,” said Carole Boudreaux, M.D., associate dean for graduate medical education. “They have multiple roles including administrative, educational and clinical tasks.”

In essence, chiefs are liaisons for the residents and fellows in their programs. They teach, and provide counsel and general support, Boudreaux said. They also work together as members of the House Staff Council to advocate for residents and fellows on issues related to the learning and working environment.

For those reasons, it’s advantageous for all physicians in training to get to know their chiefs.

The GME Pulse asked our 40 chief residents and fellows to provide some basic information about themselves, including educational background, hobbies, fun facts and more.

Their replies show that they hail from a variety of states, medical schools and hometowns. Hobbies range from cooking and hiking to boating and home renovation.

Fun facts abound. One chief resident studied abroad as an undergraduate in Cape Town, South Africa. Another was once a three-year starter on a collegiate bowling team. A third previously worked as a high school football coach.

Below are their answers, organized by program:

 

Cardiovascular Disease (Fellowship)

Nilarun Chowdhuri, M.D.

Hometown: Kolkata, India

College: “In our system, we go straight to medical school from high school.”

Medical School: Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Residency: Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago

Bio info: I am a physician from India seeking the best training in cardiology and plan to subspecialize in electrophysiology. I have lived and worked in three countries in very resource-limited settings which, while challenging, has been some of my most fulfilling experiences.

Hobbies: Hiking, reading classics, movies, writing monologues and poems

Fun fact: The highest point I have been to is the Thorong-La pass (17,769 feet). I speak and write four languages.

Career prior to residency: General physician in Nepal and India

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Interaction with new fellows and residents; sharing the insider tips on navigating the health system including the EMR, IT, research, professional interaction with staff, etc. Learning from experiences of our culturally diverse USA family and reveling in the cultural similarities from geographically distinct origins -- the unity in diversity. 

 

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Fellowship)

Jim LePage, D.O.

Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee

College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan

Residency: University of South Alabama College of Medicine/USA Health

Bio info: I served as treasurer of my medical school class and was co-founder and president of the Neuro/Psych Student Interest Group at my medical school. While in medical school, I served as president of the national organization PsychSIGN, the Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network. While a psychiatry resident, I served as the resident-fellow member representative for Area 5 (Southeast) in the American Psychiatric Association Assembly and later as the chair of the APA Assembly Committee of Resident-Fellow Members. My wife and I enjoy life in the Mobile area and plan to settle in the area with our two children. My academic interests include childhood trauma and the treatment of addiction in adolescence.

Hobbies: Computers, electronics, amateur radio and gadgets of all kinds

Fun fact: I was a champion in the Juniors category at a Triple-Crown Dancesport (ballroom dance) event during high school.

Career prior to residency: I worked for several years as a high school math teacher prior to medical school.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I’m looking forward to helping recruit and meet with potential applicants to the fellowship.

 

Hays Todd, M.D.

Hometown: Daphne, Alabama

College: Tulane University, New Orleans

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Residency: Tulane University School of Medicine (General Psychiatry)

Bio info: My wife and I moved to midtown Mobile after living in New Orleans on and off for several years, most recently for my general psychiatry residency. It has been good to be back home and closer to the beach, and family and friends, and great to be back at USA.

Hobbies: Good food, cooking, travel, sports and coffee

Fun fact: David Copperfield made me “disappear” on stage when I was 8

Career prior to residency: Transportation for a logistics company at the Port of Mobile

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Getting to interact with a variety of people from the training and administration side of things

 

Emergency Medicine

Alex Angelidis, D.O. 

Hometown: Highland, Maryland 

College: Towson University, Towson, Maryland 

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Bio Info: I was born and raised in Maryland. I accepted an Army HPSP scholarship after college and moved to south Florida for medical school. I then moved to San Antonio, Texas, and did a transitional internship at Brooke Army Medical Center. After that, I moved to Savannah, Georgia, for three years and worked as the flight surgeon for the 4-3 Assault Helicopter Battalion. After that, I made my move to Alabama. I live in west Mobile and am happily married. I have a 1-year-old son, a dog and two cats. I currently am on active duty, and after residency, I will resume a position at an Army hospital.

Hobbies: Golf, exercise, spending time with my family

Fun Fact: My wife and I hiked to Machu Picchu for our honeymoon. 

Career prior to residency: Flight surgeon

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Leading from the front. Providing structure and organization. Advocating for and improving the lives of my fellow emergency medicine residents. 

 

Christopher Musselwhite, M.D.

Hometown:  Ocean Springs, Mississippi

College: United States Coast Guard Academy

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Bio info:  Married with three boys ages 8, 5 and 5 (twins)

Hobbies:  Fishing, smoking cigars

Career prior to residency:  Officer (LT: O-3) in the United States Coast Guard, served two years on 270-foot Coast Guard Cutter (CGC LEGARE) out of Portsmouth, Virginia, and three years at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

What I enjoy about serving as chief:  Helping guide our new program through its first year with a full complement of residents  

 

Family Medicine

Richelle A. Jefferson, M.D.

Hometown: New Orleans 

College: Louisiana State University

Medical School:  University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 

Hobbies: Singing and spending time with family 

Career prior to residency: Teacher 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: In addition to being able to help residents on a more consistent basis, as a family medicine chief, I enjoy being a part of improving and ensuring quality healthcare for people of diverse, ages and backgrounds. 

 

Jared M. Jones, M.D.

Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana

College: Louisiana State University in Shreveport

Medical School: LSU Health Shreveport

Bio info:  I’m married with two kids. Born and raised in Shreveport, and now likely a permanent transplant to Baldwin County.

Hobbies:  Fishing, kids’ sports

Career prior to residency: Mechanic

 

Gynecologic Oncology (Fellowship)

Annelise Wilhite, M.D.

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

College: University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina

Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Residency: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Bio info: I moved to Mobile to complete a post-doctoral research year with the Gynecology Oncology lab in anticipation of becoming the first gyn oncology fellow. Now I am officially starting my first year of fellowship!

Hobbies: Riding horses, yoga, running, walking my dogs, spending time with family and friends

Fun fact:  I let some of the OB-GYN residents use Kool-Aid to dye my hair rainbow for June. 

Career prior to residency: I worked on a horse farm for a hunter/jumper trainer in Savannah before medical school. 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I love working with residents and taking care of patients. There is so much to learn every day.  

 

Internal Medicine

John Anaya II, M.D.

Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia

College: Penn State University

Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Hobbies: Playing guitar, working out, spending time with family and friends

Fun fact: I read and watch more Batman comics and cartoons than most 9-year-olds

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Being able to teach interns, residents and students.

 

Farheen Surtie, M.D.

Hometown: Ficksburg, South Africa, and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 

College: University of Regina 

Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts  

Hobbies: Traveling, shopping 

Fun Fact: I have lived in five countries on two continents, was a competitive gymnast, field hockey player and rugby player  

What I enjoy about serving as a chief: Being able to teach the residents and getting to know the faculty as colleagues 

 

Justin Ellerman, M.D.

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

College: North Carolina State University

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina 

Bio info: I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. I pursued chemical engineering and chemistry at North Carolina State University. After graduation, I began to pursue a medical career working for a year with a retinal surgeon and taking EMT classes. After getting into medical school, I joined the Air Force Health Professionals Scholarship Program. After applying to ENT, the Air Force chose trauma surgery, where I began residency in Greenville, South Carolina. I then was quickly pulled to active duty as a special operations flight surgeon based in New Mexico. I served for three years, traveling the United States for training, and being deployed mostly to Southeast Asia. After the Air Force, I worked in rural Iowa in small hospitals as an emergency medicine physician and hospitalist before getting into internal medicine at USA Health. 

Hobbies: Cooking, acoustic guitar, updating my midtown house

Career prior to residency: Flight surgeon, United States Air Force Special Forces

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I can effect change through the residency program as well as hospital-wide policy. I also advocate for our residents with the housestaff, program director, and hospital administration. This year also provides an opportunity to be on staff at an academic institution to experience life as an academic attending. 

 

Internal Medicine/Pediatrics

Alaa Zaied, M.D.

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama 

College: Auburn University at Montgomery 

Medical School: Windsor University School of Medicine 

Hobbies: Party planning, watching “Law and Order SVU,” spoken-word poetry on YouTube, and painting 

Fun fact: I love, love, love CAKE! 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Having the opportunity to help the junior residents adapt to the rigors of residency while cheering them on and learning from them as well!

 

Henry Coker, D.O.

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

College: Samford University

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies: Reading, soccer, rock climbing and spending time with my 1-year-old daughter

Career prior to residency: I chose special education as my first career path. It was not until after I received my master’s degree and was teaching children with autism that the idea of going into medicine came to mind.

 

Rusty Davis, D.O.

Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona

College: Arizona State University

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Career prior to residency: U.S. Army, air-conditioning and heating

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Helping my fellow residents.

 

Medical Oncology (Fellowship)

Zach Trisel, M.D.

Hometown: Hilliard, Ohio

College: University of Cincinnati 

Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, New York

Residency: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia – internal medicine

Bio info: I have been at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute for over a year. My prior leadership roles include serving as president of the Medical Journal Society at the University of Cincinnati and president of the Oncology Club at Drexel University. I enjoy the practice of general oncology as it allows me to see a broad range of cases in the ever-evolving cancer landscape and the recent development of smarter treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy. I naturally gravitate toward the clinical aspects of oncology as I enjoy interacting and assisting patients and their families with major medical decisions, which are each unique based on the circumstances. 

Hobbies: Boating, skiing, mountaineering, ATV trails, home renovation

Fun fact: I have lived in nine states

Career prior to fellowship: Hospitalist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Molding a relatively young fellowship program’s educational curriculum in the ever-dynamic field of oncology, assisting colleagues and helping to create a cordial training environment. 

 

Neurology

Shant Peter Afarian, M.D.

Hometown: Fort Lee, New Jersey 

College: Rutgers University 

Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine 

Bio: The seeds for a career in neurology were planted in my mind at a young age after exposure to a variety of neurological illnesses in multiple family members. Even before medical school, I had my sights set on the three brain specialties: neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Years later, I find myself nearing the end of a neurology residency, and I have matched into a vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Rochester. 

Hobbies: Reading, health and fitness 

Fun fact: I climb about 60 flights of stairs daily on average 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Being in a supervisory position, teaching the junior residents and teaching the medical students

 

Christopher Carey, M.D.

Hometown: Mobile

College: Spring Hill College

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Hobbies: Racquetball, Tai Chi, amateur programing and networking, chess and family life.

Fun fact: I have six siblings, none of whom were born in the same state.

Career prior to residency: Was planning on a Ph.D. in physical chemistry but found bench research isolating and embarked on a master's degree. I was an adjunct professor in chemistry while completing requirements for medical school.

What I enjoy about serving as chief:  Assisting my fellow residents

 

John Soltys, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Victor, New York

College: University of Vermont

Medical School: University of Colorado

Graduate School: University of Colorado

Hobbies: Woodworking, ukulele, vinyl records, paddle boarding

Fun fact: I am a Lego master

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Learning from all employees of USA Health and appreciating the diversity of career paths that our residents and fellows pursue

 

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Lauren Cooper, M.D.

Hometown: Cape Coral, Florida

College: Auburn University 

Medical School: Meharry Medical College, Nashville

Hobbies: Biking, boating and spending time with family

Fun fact: My dream career as a kid was to be a college football coach.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Passing on tips and tricks that I was taught as a lower level

 

Ashley Easterwood, M.D.

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

College: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Science Center

Bio info: I moved to Alabama shortly after getting married to start a new life as a resident and a wife. I have learned and grown a lot in both categories. I’m very thankful for the USA family that has supported both me and my husband. I have really enjoyed being a part of my OB-GYN family and have made wonderful memories and friends that will last a life a time. 

Hobbies: Boating with my hubby and Australian shepherd fur babies, and hanging out with friends

Fun fact: I miss playing the guitar and look forward to having more time to do that soon. 

Career prior to residency: Molecular biologist

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Helping and supporting my fellow residents 

 

Taylor Twiggs, M.D.

Hometown: Terre Haute, Indiana 

College: Indiana University

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Bio info: I plan to practice as an OB-GYN generalist after residency. 

Hobbies: Boating and yoga 

Fun fact: I worked as a dance camp instructor in college. 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Teaching our interns how to deliver babies. Their enthusiasm is inspiring! 

 

Orthopaedic Surgery

William Cutchen, M.D.

Hometown:  Hoover, Alabama

College: Auburn University

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Bio info: Married my wife, Hope, on Jan. 18, 2020. Our son, Todd William Cutchen, was born on Oct. 2, 2020. My undergraduate degree is in chemical engineering.

Hobbies: Following Auburn athletics, CrossFit, golf, spending time with family and friends

Fun fact: Most Outstanding Wrestler at 2005 Alabama state wrestling tournament

Career prior to residency: High school football coach

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Working together with other residents and faculty to improve the program

 

Scott Glenzer, M.D.

Hometown: Mobile

College: University of South Alabama

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Bio info: I was born in a small town, Shawnee, Oklahoma, but raised in Mobile. I’m an OU fan, so Boomer Sooner! If I weren’t in medicine, I would probably be a meteorologist and chase hurricanes and tornadoes. I’ll be doing a hand and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center next year. 

Hobbies: Sports, the beach and fishing

Fun fact: I was a junior meteorologist for NBC 15 when I was 9 years old. 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: The opportunity to mentor junior residents

 

Nate Sbravati, M.D.

Hometown: Brookhaven, Mississippi

College: Mississippi State University 

Medical School: University of Mississippi Medical Center 

Bio info: I am married to Mallory Sbravati, and we have two children: Ruth Ann, 5, and Thad, 1. 

Hobbies: Pumpkin farming 

Fun fact: I grew a whole glove size since starting residency.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I find it rewarding to not only help patients but also to share my experiences with my fellow junior residents.

 

Pathology

Zan Ahmed, M.D.

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Medical School: Dow International Medical College

Bio info: My interests include institution-wide team collaboration to optimize patient safety and efficiency through a quality improvement lens.  As the vice-chair of the USA Health House Staff Quality and Safety Council, I assist in managing projects in the development pipeline. I plan to pursue a career in laboratory administration and transfusion medicine. 

Hobbies: Exploring the outdoors, hiking, strolling the beach, kayaking and learning how to saltwater fish. I am a member of the Mobile Jeep Club; I enjoy driving my jeep on the local trails. 

Fun fact: Humans are not as symmetrical as one would think. 

Career prior to residency: Family medicine assistant physician 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Serving as chief allows me to advocate and cheer for my residents. I can engage and connect on a level that allows for the celebration of successes and opportunities for growth. I enjoy fostering a collaborative environment among residents, faculty and administration. Chief year promotes an educational aspect beyond conventional training. It’s the commitment to learning the managerial, leadership and educational aspects that cultivates true joy. 

 

Pediatrics

J.C. Gonzalez, D.O.

Hometown: Miami

College: University of South Florida

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan

Bio info: I plan to visit every state in the United States (currently at 25 of 50). I also have a goal of visiting at least 50 world countries for which I am currently at 18. 

Hobbies: Bowling, golfing, cooking, playing video games

Fun fact: I was a three-year starter for the University of South Florida bowling team.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I enjoy being able to serve our residents in a more education-forward role this year. I also enjoy being a mentor and one of their biggest supporters for success!

 

Aishah Najam, D.O.

Hometowns: Window Rock and Phoenix, Arizona 

College: University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 

Medical School: Rocky Vista University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado  

Bio info:  I grew up on a Native American reservation, which sparked my interest in providing healthcare to underserved populations. 

Hobbies: Crafts (anything to do with my Cricut), hanging out with my nephew, watching horror movies 

Fun fact: I love birds and have an Electus Parrot named Jinkx.  

What I enjoy about serving as chief:  Making changes in real time based on my experience and resident feedback to make our residents' time here a memorable one.  

 

Psychiatry

Derick Brown, D.O.

Hometown: Las Vegas

College: University of Nevada Las Vegas

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan 

Bio info: I was born in San Diego and raised in the Las Vegas area. I attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where I studied biology with a concentration in integrative physiology, followed by the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. After falling in love with the charm and warmth of the South, I was excited to find out that I matched at the USA College of Medicine for residency. During these past three years, I have had a truly amazing time learning from our awesome faculty, cultivating friendships with my co-residents, meeting my fiancé and treating the wonderful people of Mobile. When not at work, you can find me spending time with my fiancé, walking my dog, hiking, escaping to our beautiful gulf coast beaches, working out, and watching mixed martial arts. 

Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, camping, traveling, MMA and beating co-chief Dr. Suggs at golf

Fun fact: I have an identical twin brother. 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I look forward to working with my co-chiefs to foster a sense of support, community and encouragement. 

 

Grant Anthony DeFrancisco, D.O.

Hometown: Brewton, Alabama

College: University of South Alabama

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan

Residency: LewisGale Hospital Systems in Blacksburg, Virginia (family medicine), then transferred to this one!

Bio info: Born and raised in Alabama on the Gulf Coast. I studied history and decided to pursue medicine instead. I started in family medicine but found I had a passion for psychiatry. There is a lot of overlap!

Hobbies: Baseball, board games, singing and history

Fun fact: I speak a second language and try to visit family abroad whenever I can.

Career prior to residency: Tutoring/IT lab supervisor

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Being a mentor to the new residents and the chance to facilitate positive change to our program

 

Michael Marshall, M.D.

Hometown: Mobile

College: Auburn University

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Hobbies: Tennis, guitar, hunting, biking and chasing after my two young sons

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Guiding our junior residents and collaborating with faculty on policies and procedures

 

Matthew Suggs, D.O.

Hometown: San Diego

College: San Diego State University 

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies: Beating the rest of the psychiatry chiefs and attendings at golf

Career prior to residency: Janitor, bank teller, social work with San Diego’s homeless population 

 

Pulmonary Critical Care (Fellowship)

Nida Ahmed, M.D.

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

College: In Pakistan, we go from 12th grade to medical school

Medical School: Dow Medical College

Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham-Montgomery

Hobbies: Cooking, gardening and doing all sorts of DIY projects

 

Robert Petrossian, M.D.

Hometown: Queens, New York

College: Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia

Medical School: Yerevan State Medical University

Residency: Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Hobbies: Playing sports, travelling 

Fun fact: I am a huge hockey fan. 

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Teaching

 

Radiology

Anam Chouhdry, M.D.

Hometown: Queens, New York

College: Temple University

Medical School: American University of the Caribbean

Bio info: I’m heading to New York University for a breast fellowship next year.

Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, drawing

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Getting to know all the new residents and being a source of support for them.

 

Danny McAndrews, M.D.

Hometown: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

College: University of South Alabama

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Internship: Atlanta Medical Center (general surgery)

Bio Info: I have a special interest in sports injury imaging. I have been accepted to Emory University for a musculoskeletal imaging fellowship in 2022.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two dogs, Marley and Goose. I also like golf, boating and guitar.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Having the confidence of my colleagues and collaborating with fellow residents and staff to advance the program

 

Surgery

Lindsay Buono, M.D.

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

College: Western Kentucky University 

Medical School: University of Kentucky 

Bio info: I am 31 and was born and raised in Kentucky. I grew up playing soccer and riding horses. I’m the poster child for all things Kentucky -- bourbon, horses and basketball. I’m planning on going straight into general surgery practice after graduation. 

Hobbies: Drinking bourbon, running, playing soccer, watching sports, traveling and painting/drawing.

Fun fact: I was married in October 2020 and am expecting my first child in November.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I enjoy the camaraderie with all my co-chiefs and attendings as well as the ability to rely on all the relationships I’ve made along the last four years with nursing staff, OR staff, custodians, administrators, etc. and knowing that they trust me. I enjoy the increase in autonomy and taking full ownership of the services I’m running and the patients I get to take care of. I love watching the younger residents grow and love to give them a hard time. 

 

Deepa Cherla, M.D.

Hometown: Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Medical School: New Jersey Medical School (now Rutgers) 

Hobbies: Jogging and traveling 

Fun fact: I studied abroad as an undergraduate in Cape Town, South Africa.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I enjoy operating and managing complex patients.

 

Parker Mullen, M.D.

Hometown: Jasper, Alabama

College: University of Alabama

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Bio info: I am married and have one son.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and the beach

Fun fact: I have two Great Danes.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: Mentoring junior residents

 

Kenny Quang, M.D.

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

College: University of Oklahoma 

Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Bio info: Married 

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, traveling, eating and taking naps.

Fun fact: I can fall asleep anywhere.

What I enjoy about serving as chief: I can sleep now.

 

William Ricks, M.D.

Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama

College: Samford University

Medical School: USA College of Medicine

Bio info: I am married with three kids.

Hobbies: Running

What I enjoy about serving as chief: The opportunity to serve my fellow residents