Interview Criteria | Family Medicine Residency Program

Residents

Deepa Nagaraju, MD - PGY-3

I was born and raised in small agricultural town in southern part of India. At a young age I realized helping people made me happy and wanted to become a doctor, and was blessed to be the first physician in the family!After completing medical school at J.J.M. Medical college in India, I worked in a rural underserved area in India, witnessed lack of access imposed on both patients and physicians and was inspired to deliver care to those in need. I moved to the United States after marrying my wonderful husband and continued to pursue my passion in the field of medicine. I cherish my range of clinical experiences gathered in multiple environments including volunteering opportunities, shadowing primary care physicians, specialists, working in Urgent care to conducting clinical, academic and pharmaceutical research trials as a full-time research coordinator at University of Florida, and have some of my work published in scientific journals. During my transitional year residency at Southeast Health, in Dothan, AL, I continued to be drawn to the field of Family Medicine because of its focus on the patient-provider relationship through all stages of life. My interests within the Family Medicine include women health, preventative medicine and outpatient procedures. I feel incredibly fortunate to join the Jackson hospital and clinic family to develop the skills necessary to provide quality healthcare to diverse set of patients.

When I am not at hospital, I enjoy cooking, playing board games, binge-watching mystery/thriller shows on Netflix and spending time with my family. After residency, I envision myself working in a full-spectrum family practice and being a significant resource for the well-being of the community.

Jacob Mathai, MD - PGY-3

I was born and raised in Long Island, New York. After graduating from Stony Brook School of Medicine, I spent three years in General Surgery residency at Stony Brook University Hospital. After enduring several months of emergency COVID are, I took a research break that eventually led me to get married to my amazing wife, move with her to Montgomery, and transition to Family Medicine. I am deeply honored to be part of the Jackson Hospital & Clinic Family Medicine Residency program and excited to bring my previous clinical and research experience to provide excellent patient care to this community.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, eating a wide variety of cuisine, and spending time with my family. In addition, I am involved with my church and will occasionally make a few kids laugh with my ventriloquism.

Rekha Shrestha, MD - PGY-2

I was born and brought up in the beautiful country, Nepal. Where I graduated medical school and gained experience as a medical officer. Seeking to further my medical education and be with my family, I moved to the United States. This journey, though tough, interesting, and rewarding, slowly but surely allowed me to explore various roles in both research and clinical settings. I worked as a research extern at the University of Maryland, where I was involved in significant research projects, and completed several clinical rotations as opportunities arose. I also participated in a clinical research program at Harvard Medical School, which enriched my knowledge and skills. During my transitional year at Hackensack Palisade Medical Center, I developed a strong interest in Family medicine.

As I now continue as a second-year Resident, my passion for family medicine has deepened. I am drawn to this field because of its unique capacity to care for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Family medicine offers the opportunity to build long-lasting and meaningful relationships with patients throughout their lives. The belief that "A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal" has been central to my commitment to serving underserved communities and engaging in community outreach. I am dedicated to forming strong, trusting connections with my patients, ensuring they receive the compassionate care they need. Being at Jackson Hospital feels like a perfect fit for me, as the values here align closely with my own, and I am very happy to be part of such a supportive and compassionate environment. Outside of my studies and clinical work, I find balance and inspiration in spending quality time with my friends and family.

Minh Nguyen, MD - PGY-2

I was born in Vietnam. At the age of nine, my family and I moved to the Philippines and eventually settling in the United States. Growing up in California, I pursued a degree in biology and had the opportunity to participate in free clinics. It was there that I developed a keen interest in medicine.

I attended the Medical University of Lublin in Poland for medical school, where I learned the value of caring for underserved populations. This passion stayed with me as I returned to the United States, traveling to various rural and suburb communities to volunteer my time and gain experience. I also became a crisis counselor, providing support to individuals struggling with acute mental health challenges.

Ultimately, I chose to specialize in family medicine because of its commitment to serving those in need. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and I am dedicated to doing my part in making that a reality.

In my free time, I enjoy watching basketball games with my pet bunny. I also like taking walks with my wife and trying out new types of food.

Rose Honor, MD - PGY-2

Lifelong learning and caring for patients are what I have always wanted for my life. I am a graduate of the University of Medicine, Mandalay, Burma. I also attended Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana and received a Master of Science in Clinical Research Methods. I choose family medicine because I enjoy building long-lasting relationships with patients and their families. I have a passion for underserved population as I was born and raised in a rural area. I am incredibly fortunate and very excited to be a part of the JHCFMR family. During my residency, I hope to learn how to become a fully capable family physician who will provide evidence-based quality care and informed decisions to patients and their loved ones. I cannot wait to make a difference in this community.

I love gardening, running and traveling during my free time. These activities help me relieve my stress, maintain a positive mindset and improve my concentration.

Anthony Chukwurah, MD - PGY-2

I grew up in Nigeria, where I did most of my education but moved to the US about two years ago. I fell in love with Jackson Hospital Family Medicine because of its dedication to serving the community through both community-based preventive and in-hospital curative measures. I equally loved the set-up of the program, its fine faculty, and the cultural diversity. It’s one of the greatest programs to be a part of as it will build your clinical skills and knowledge, leading you to pursue a successful career and eventually making you a great physician.

After residency, I intend to bridge the gap and provide care to the underprivileged. Caring wholeheartedly for your patients and bringing a smile across their faces is the true success of a physician.

Hobbies and Interest outside of Medicine: I love playing table tennis, and I am a current member of the USATT, playing/watching soccer, and exploring nature.

Tehreem Khalid, MD - PGY-2

I was born and raised in Pakistan, graduated from Shifa College of Me in Islamabad, Pakistan. My particular interests are in preventive medicine, women’s health, infectious and chronic disease epidemiology and treatment. Outside of medicine, I like to cook, travel, spend time with my toddler and follow sports like tennis and cricket. My future goals are to practice full scope family medicine in an outpatient setting.

Valerie Smith, MD - PGY-2

I have a strong dedication to my patients and take that responsibility to heart; treating each patient like a family member while I help them navigate their health care needs. I have a priority to help people understand their conditions, treatment plans and expectations. Being that physician who is able to put the puzzle together for the patient and allow them to see the whole picture is very fulfilling.

I am strongly driven by my faith and commitment to my family. I enjoy traveling and having adventures with my family. I am very active and quick to jump into any sport; soccer, tennis, basketball, etc… Hiking to waterfalls is a very special passion for me. I also love cooking and having family meals.

I am a friendly, knowledgeable physician who will take the time to ensure that my patients get the best care they deserve. I have over 18 years of experience in a variety of medical settings and geographies. After graduating from Warner Pacific College with bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Developmental Psychology; I obtained my medical degree from Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed an internship in General Surgery at St John Oakland in Michigan and received training in Internal Medicine at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Virginia. I have practiced medicine in Washington, Texas, Arkansas, California, New Zealand and Florida. I am now finishing my residency here in Montgomery, Alabama.

Kathleen Hansen, DO - PGY-1

Raised in Spartanburg, SC, I decided to join the Army where I was introduced into medicine as a combat medic. Later, I transitioned to drone operations, but realized I missed medicine. After my tour was completed, I enrolled into USC-Upstate graduating Magna Cum Laude in Biology, then decided to complete my medical education at CUSOM in Buies Creek, NC. As a person with deep roots in the South, it was important to me to stay in the area for residency. However, what ultimately attracted me to the Jackson Family Medicine Residency Program was the genuine hospitality and kindness shown to me. I could not ask for better peers, staff, or attendings. Working in a severely underserved area provides a resident with a unique opportunity to participate in helping complex patients. When I’m not working, I enjoy taking hikes with my German Shepherd, Kaiser and gardening.

Agatha Akinsete, MD - PGY-1

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, I am a first-generation medical doctor, a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. I grew up with the passion to serve humanity and volunteered in multiple environments in the community. I worked at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital as Emergency Department Physician before relocating to the US to join my spouse.

Early in my medical career, I worked in the underserved region of northern Nigeria, where I was exposed to stack health disparities, a lack of awareness regarding common diseases, deep seated myth about orthodox medicine and malnutrition. This experience further solidified my resolve to care for the vulnerable population.I chose to pursue my training at Jackson Hospital & Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program because of the program’s renowned compassionate patient centered care and desire to be a well-rounded family physician with an integrated approach to patient care through evidence-based medicine and cultural competency.

On my down time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, watching mystery movies and listening to inspirational songs.

Jawad Hassan, MD - PGY-1

I was born and raised in New York and moved to Michigan later in life. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in various settings, gaining a range of experiences. I’ve volunteered at free medical clinics in both rural and urban areas of Michigan, coordinated clinical research in academia, and served as a medical assistant in the program where I’m currently a resident physician. Working closely with the unique population in Montgomery has been invaluable, and I’m grateful to continue my training here. My goal is to practice in an outpatient setting, where I can have a lasting, positive impact on my patients' lives.

Lina Terzian, DO - PGY-1

I always had a passion for serving underserved communities. My diverse experience in different countries as Armenia and Syria where I completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program. I also worked in rural areas where I delivered babies at home and served Syrian Iraqi refugees. Then moving to the USA where I continued serving in different areas in USA and traveling to El Salvador on a medical mission.

I am very grateful for the opportunity that has led me to where I am today. I am excited to continue learning and growing as a physician at Jackson Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program.

Chris Towery, MD - PGY-1

I was born in Kansas and moved to California during my childhood. I took a nontraditional path to medicine by first becoming a physician assistant, a journey that allowed me to gain invaluable experience across various medical specialties. This hands-on experience deepened my passion for healthcare and ultimately led me to pursue a medical degree. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Jackson Hospital & Clinic Family Medicine Residency program, where I am excited to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to the local community. My diverse background and dedication to medicine equip me to serve patients with both compassion and empathy.

Temidayo Odugbesan, MD - PGY-1

I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where I was born. Where is, in my opinion, the greatest city on Earth. It was also in this city that I knew my life's work would involve advocacy and service through medicine. My passion for family medicine therefore began.

After traveling from Nigeria to St. Kitts for medical school, I moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 2015. I joined a number of NGOs there and provided community health services to South Chicago, rural Illinois, and rural Alabama. In addition, I simultaneously held the position of surgical first assistant at three Chicago safety net hospitals.

I was drawn to family medicine because of my lifelong passion for preventative care, advocacy, and rural health. Hence, I'm also thrilled to be a member of the Jackson Hospital Family Medicine Residency program. I found it to be everything I wanted. My desire to help the community one family at a time is greatly fulfilled.

Most of my leisure time is spent with my kid, who is my entire world, and watching soccer, especially Chelsea Football Club. I also sometimes practice to become the next Usher in the shower, much to my wife's disapproval.