POST GRADUATE YEAR 3

Class of 2024
5
JUSTIN DE LA GUERRA, M.D.
Chief Resident
University of Connecticut School of Medicine

“There are many reasons why I liked SR-AHEC, but my biggest would have to be the incredible, integrated approach to the care of the patients: from access to behavioral health, clinical pharmacy, OMT, a nutritionist, and to labs and imaging all in one setting. This integrative care makes it an amazing place to treat patients and to grow as a physician. I know this is Family Medicine, but SR-AHEC is a program that genuinely feels like a Family. The support and camaraderie of the staff is so tangible and I couldn't be happier to have been given the opportunity to become a part of this wonderful family."

6
NNEKA PHILLIPS, M.D.
SUNY at Syracuse Health Science College of Medicine

“I'm so glad to have found a home at SR-AHEC. Getting to know everyone has been great! Faculty, administration, and staff are so supportive and invested in, not only my training, but my success as well.”

1
DEEPA RAMASWAMY, D.O.
Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

“I chose SR-AHEC because when I auditioned here as an OMS IV I was impressed with how kind the faculty, staff, residents, patients, and facility was. Everyone was eager to teach and give me exposure to what Family Medicine was like on the day-to-day basis. The faculty and residents gave constant feedback and encouraged my growth daily. The curriculum is well-rounded and during my month here, SR-AHEC demonstrated their integrated care approach to medicine. Everyone immediately made me feel like I was part of their family and team and it was for that reason I am both grateful and proud to be a part of the SR-AHEC family!”

8
ELIZABETH RUMI, M.D.
Howard University College of Medicine

When looking for residency programs, the most important thing for me was finding an area with a diverse underserved population. Having grown up in an area where many faced a variety of disparities in healthcare, I have had the desire to help address those disparities instilled within me. Ultimately, I would like to practice in an environment similar to the one I grew up in and Fayetteville definitely meets that criteria for me. Furthermore, once I started orientation I began to realize just how well supported I will be throughout residency, not only from staff but from my co-residents. After getting to know my team, I feel very lucky to be here and to have such an amazing and diverse group of residents to work with.

4
APRIL SMITH, D.O.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

“So far during my time at SR-AHEC, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. The program is very well established so there are so many things in place to help you and make sure you succeed. The faculty all love to teach, but never make any of their teaching opportunities high pressure or condescending. The residents are also very encouraging and give you tips and tricks for how to excel. In intern year, you are always given an upper level resident for many of your in-patient rotations to guide you through your new learning atmosphere. Overall, they try to give you every tool you can think of to help you be the excellent physician you are trained to become.”

2
ALLI SULIMAN, M.D.
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

“The program’s commitment to diversity & inclusion and improving health outcomes in an underserved community is what initially attracted me to the program. I chose SRAHEC because the mission of the program aligns with the type of physician I want to develop into. During the interview process, I felt so welcomed and respected. I ultimately wanted to train at a program where I was supported and encouraged to grow. The support staff goes above and beyond to ensure that we excel both personally and professionally.”

3
NETSANET WOLDEGERIMA, M.D.
University of Maryland School of Medicine

“I chose this program for its vision of medicine — weaving in new innovations with the age old traditions of the Family Physician — and the dedicated staff, whose commitment to my success is a reminder of how to lose oneself in service to others.”