Asheville Family Medicine Residency
Aya Abou-Jaoude, MD
Hi everyone! My name is Aya Abou-Jaoude and I am thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Program! I am originally from Lebanon but was born in Boston and moved around 11 times before graduating from high school. I completed my undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University, where I double majored in child studies and “medicine, health, and society.” In my gap year, I was lucky enough to join the Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s Hospital and worked on a study investigating the impact of toxic stress on early childhood development. I then attended UMass Chan for medical school, where my passion for family and community medicine flourished.
I am very much looking forward to moving to Asheville and becoming a part of the incredible community at MAHEC. The program’s strong mission and dedication to serving the community are what drew me in and I’m honored to be joining such a passionate team. My interests in family medicine include maternal-child health, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Outside of medicine, I cherish spending time with family, savoring ice cream and coffee, and immersing myself in all forms of music.
Julia Bielanin, MD
I'm Julia Bielanin, and I'm thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Asheville community!
I’m originally from the small town of Cabot, Arkansas. I’m a first-generation college student, so I didn’t travel too far from home for college at the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig!). I attended Vanderbilt for medical school where I discovered I love people of all ages, primary care, lifestyle medicine, and behavioral health. I also taught a cycling class at the Vanderbilt rec center. In my free time, I love to read (basically any genre), host various themed parties (think board games, Taylor Swift album release parties), and play with my dog, Violet.
I chose MAHEC Asheville because of its strong reputation, innovative curriculum, and ability to become board certified in lifestyle medicine. The 2+2 (2 weeks of inpatient alternating with 2 weeks of continuity clinic) schedule offers increased continuity with patients compared to the usual residency structure—a feature that resonates deeply with my desire to build meaningful relationships with patients from the start while reinforcing the range of clinical subjects regularly.
But beyond the professional appeal, my husband and I are excited to immerse ourselves in the mountain life. From scenic hikes to cozy evenings by the fireplace, we can't wait to explore all that Asheville has to offer and become active members of this vibrant community.
Alden “Jackson” Carr, MD
Hello! I’m Jackson Carr and I grew up in Spivey’s Corner, NC, which is a rural farming community in the eastern part of the state. After graduating high school, I attended the Honors College at UNCW for my undergraduate education. I still miss riding my bike to Wrightsville Beach on sunny days to surf or play Spikeball on the sand. My wife and I got married after graduation and moved to Greenville, NC so I could start medical school at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. During medical school, we had two boys who are 2 years apart from each other. In Greenville, we have enjoyed attending church, taking our kids to the park, and spending time with family.
I am excited to join the team at MAHEC to continue my training because I know I will receive excellent education and gain the skills necessary to provide for patients in need. My interests within Family Medicine include Global Health, Sports Medicine, and POCUS.
When I’m not at work, you can find me hiking a new trail, playing board games, or hitting pickleballs into the net. My family and I are very excited to get plugged into a church in Asheville and explore western NC!
Lindsey Clemson, DO
Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey Clemson and I’m very excited to join MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine! I am originally from Canton, Ohio, about an hour south of Cleveland. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Denison University, where I was also catcher on the varsity softball team. I then moved down to North Carolina to complete medical school at Campbell University.
The MAHEC Asheville program attracted me for a variety of reasons. It was immediately clear that the residents and faculty were committed to building a strong community, both within the program and the greater Asheville area. As I have an interest in pursuing outpatient medicine and preventative care after residency, I loved the idea of the 2+2 curriculum allowing for greater continuity of care within the resident clinic. I can’t wait to explore the area I will be privileged to serve!
In my free time, I love to read, hike, play pickleball, and watch movies. I’m really excited to move to Asheville and explore all of the nearby hiking trails and outdoor activities! Fun fact, I am related to Thomas Green Clemson, the founder of Clemson University! Go tigers!
Morgan Ferone Greenwood, MD, MPH
Hello everyone! My name is Morgan Greenwood. I grew up in Charlotte, NC. I went to UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad where I studied Biology (pre-med!), and Religious Studies (just for fun!). I then studied medicine at UNC. I completed my 3rd year clinic rotations at Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC, with a focus on healthcare for urban underserved populations. I completed a Master's degree in Public Health, during which I worked on projects related to menstrual education and the health care experiences of persons with limited English proficiency in the US. After medical school I spent a year as an Ob/Gyn resident at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont, where I discovered that I missed my NC community and the comprehensive care provided by FM physicians! When (re)applying to residency, I was drawn to MAHEC for the broad scope of FM practice, commitment to serving the Western NC community, and the supportive training environment.
I am thrilled to be home in NC with my partner Paul and my son, Noah, and I am looking forward to learning and serving with my fellow MAHEC residents.
Melissa Jenkins Soares, DO
Hello! My name is Melissa Jenkins, and I am thrilled to be back in the mountains of WNC serving my community as a MAHEC resident. I was born and raised in a small rural town in Illinois prior to relocating to Asheville in 2001. I received my undergraduate degree from UNC Asheville where I spent a summer at MAHEC shadowing physicians and assisting with the creation of the woman’s health assessment tool. It was then that I knew I wanted to be part of the MAHEC family. I went on to get my medical degree from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Buies Creek, NC. I believe growing up in a medically underserved area, seeing the impact the lack of primary care has on individuals and the community, and the difference compassionate physicians can make influenced my decision to pursue family medicine.
Before medical school, I studied midwifery, herbalism, nutrition, and massage therapy. My time as a massage therapist taught me the importance and gratification of building client relationships. I enjoyed getting to know my clients, listening to them, and tailoring plans to best meet their needs, which confirmed that family medicine is the perfect fit for me! I am passionate about weaving my past experiences with massage therapy, my osteopathic training in OMT, and preventative and lifestyle medicine principles into primary care as a way of taking a holistic approach to wellness.
When I am not in the clinic, I enjoy baking, hiking, playing board games with my husband and two children, and keeping myself grounded through my daily yoga practice.
Emilia Rose Kaslow-Zieve, MD
Hello! My name is Emilia Kaslow-Zieve, and I am excited to be heading to Asheville to join the MAHEC Family Medicine Program. I grew up in Washington, DC, and I went to college at Brown University. There I studied Health and Human Biology, a mix of biology and public health. After college, I worked on clinical research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston before moving back to my home city to attend medical school at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Throughout medical school, I was a leader of GW’s student-run free clinic for uninsured patients, Bridge to Care. I gained a deeper understanding of the barriers to care that individuals and families face as well as the challenges of overcoming them. My time at Bridge to Care reaffirmed my desire to be a physician in service of my community, to focus on expanding health access and reducing health disparities. I see my career in medicine as a career in public service, and when interviewing at MAHEC, it was instantly clear that the program’s values align nicely with my own.
I also am excited about opportunities at MAHEC to pursue my interest in women’s health. I am particularly passionate about reproductive health and justice and look forward to developing more clinical and advocacy skills in this area.
Outside of medicine, I love being outdoors, whether running, hiking, biking, or traveling. I also enjoy reading, cooking, and crocheting. Asheville seems to be an amazing place to live, with such great proximity to the outdoors and a lively community. I am excited to explore!
Jordan “Joe” Alec King, MD
Howdy! I'm Joe King (he/him). I grew up in central Florida and initially went to college pursuing psychology. After falling in love with both psychosocial and biological aspects of health, I realized medicine was a perfect fit. I attended medical school at FSU at Tallahassee and the Orlando Regional Campus. My goal is to be an actively inclusive physician. Psychology is still near and dear to my heart: I aim to be a mental health resource and advocate for my patients.
If I'm not on the clock, I'm either knee-deep in a bog or reading in a cafe. I'm anavid naturalist, always photographing and drawing plants, birds, and mushrooms. I love citizen science and volunteering with native plant societies. My favorite plants are the carnivores, especially blue butterworts! I'm not ashamed to admit I researched whether they are native to North Carolina while deciding on a residency program...(They are!)
My husband and I are so excited to put down roots in Asheville!
Nichole Moore, MD, MPH
Hi there! My name is Nichole Moore. I grew up in Southern Maine and spent summers in Atlanta (a reverse snow bird). I majored in International Studies at Boston College, which led me to volunteer with the Peace Corps in Senegal for two years. There, I fostered a love for maternal child health and community-based research. I attended Tufts University School of Medicine in their Maine Track, where I was able to connect back with my own community and understand the intricacies of caring for those at the margins of society. For my MPH coursework, I participated in research about the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness - and discovered that Family Medicine was the best route to a career rooted in advocacy and systemic change.
MAHEC is the perfect program for me to continue pursuing my career and research interests while learning full-spectrum family medicine in a community-based program surrounded by supportive faculty and co-residents.
Outside of the hospital you can find me outdoors - I love hiking, camping, snowboarding, gardening, and so much more! On rainy days I love cooking veggie meals with my partner Jackson, reading, and snuggling up with Netflix and my kitty Leo. I cannot wait to join the MAHEC family and be living in beautiful Asheville, checking off breweries and seeing as much live music as humanly possible.
Afreen Siddiqui, MD
Hello everyone! My name is Afreen Siddiqui and I could not be more excited to be a part of the MAHEC Asheville family. I was born in Queens, New York and ended up moving all over North America – I’m also a Canadian citizen! I completed my undergraduate education at the University at Buffalo, and completed my Masters at Rutgers. I did my medical training back in Buffalo (go Bills!), where I was a board member of the Human Rights Initiative, an organization that provides free medical and psychological evaluations for asylum seekers that are victims of torture.
Through my travels, I learned about the importance of community and how it affects our health. I fell in love with family medicine when I realized it encompassed nearly everything I loved about medicine: integrated, preventative, community-oriented care. I knew MAHEC was the program for me during my interview when I saw my core values echoed, and knew that my training here would allow me to be a full-scope, well-equipped, compassionate family physician. I knew I had found my new community.
My interests include obstetrics and women’s health, including reproductive justice and perinatal mental health. I’m deeply passionate about providing individualized care to marginalized communities, including refugee, indigenous and correctional populations.
Outside of medicine, you will find me enjoying all the arts and all that nature has to offer. I love to cook, collect antique furniture, and pretend to be a film critic. My partner, cat and I are ecstatic to be trading the Buffalo snow for the Carolina mountains!
Jordan Soupiset, MD
Hey y’all! My name is Jordan Soupiset, and I am so excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency program in Asheville. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and spent much of my childhood in the surrounding Texas Hill Country. I studied Medical Humanities at Baylor University during undergrad, after which I worked as a medical scribe at an orthopedic surgery practice in Waco, TX for a couple of years. In 2020, I married my magnificent partner Olive shortly before we moved to Galveston so I could begin medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch.
My persistently wandering path and broad set of interests steadily led me toward Family Medicine as my specialty of choice, where I can best pursue my dreams of practicing full scope primary care in a rural community. I am beyond honored to become part of the MAHEC family, where I am excited to further my studies and involvement in rural health, reproductive health, sports medicine, patient advocacy through policy engagement, and palliative care, among many others. I am very excited to help meet the health needs of Western North Carolina with MAHEC, joining so many who have come before me.
In our free time, Olive and I enjoy hanging out with our Carolina dog, Lady Bird, and sweet cat, Nimbus. We treasure spending time in nature, meeting new people, and hearing their stories. I also play Ultimate as much as possible and have a great appreciation for the community-centered nature of the sport. We couldn’t be happier to be in Asheville for residency and cannot wait to make lifelong friends in Western NC.
Claire Chastain, MD
Howdy howdy! My name is Claire Chastain (she/her) and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine team! I have spent my entire life in Alabama so far (Florence -> Huntsville -> Auburn, War Eagle! -> Mobile), but I am super excited to be calling North Carolina my new home for myself and my two pups!
I fell in love with family medicine because of the continuity of care and large scope it offers, from pediatrics and obstetrics to addiction medicine. What drew me to MAHEC Asheville were the many training opportunities this program provides, including many things I am particularly passionate about. Another important factor for me was definitely the people! Have you ever visited an area and instantly felt at home? That was how I felt when I first visited Asheville, and it went beyond the faculty and residents at MAHEC. Every interaction I had with members of the Asheville community was so special, and I am excited to help care for the people here! I am passionate about family planning, public health, patient advocacy, and education.
On my days off, if I’m outdoors you may find me hiking or camping with my pups Nikko and Nova. If I’m indoors, you may find me with a good book (romantasy of course), video game (any Skyrim fans?), or finding some new artistic hobby to pick up (shoutout to wheel-thrown pottery and rug tufting).
Anicka Gajar, DO
Hello! My name is Anicka Gajar, and I am excited to be a part of the Asheville MAHEC FM residency! I am originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I grew up with two younger brothers. I went to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) for undergrad where I majored in Biology and Spanish (todavía hablo español!). After undergrad, I worked as a medical scribe and a Resident Care Assistant and volunteered at a women’s shelter. I completed my medical training at Rocky Vista University’s Colorado campus.
Throughout medical school, I worked to pursue my passions, such as trauma informed care, global medicine, mentoring, and teaching Spanish to my fellow students. I hope to continue furthering these passions during my time at MAHEC.
During my free time, I enjoy building Lego sets, hiking, learning new recipes, and playing games with friends and family. I am looking forward to exploring more of the state I grew up vacationing in, especially getting to experience a new set of mountains during my time at MAHEC!
Ellen Guyer, MD
Hi there! My name is Ellen Guyer (sounds like gwire), and I am so excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency! I grew up outside the prairie town of Ekalaka, Montana, where neighbors are often more than a mile away and the cows outnumber the people 70 to 1. In this setting, the community watches out for everyone, and I knew I wanted a career where I could also be of service!
After undergrad at Montana State University, I spent a year in AmeriCorps, dedicated to child abuse and neglect prevention in rural Montana. I then worked as a medical assistant in a family health center, which confirmed that community-centered healthcare was the right path for me. I later attended the University of Washington School of Medicine and fell in love with family medicine. My particular interests include health equity, social determinants of health, and planetary health.
In my free time, I love to hike, read, explore new places (hello NC), and enjoy live music (hello again, NC!!). I’m honored to become part of your community and look forward to meeting you all soon!
Amanda Husein, MD
Hi! My name is Amanda Husein. I am so excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Program!
I was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I went to Louisiana State University for undergrad, where I double majored in Biology and French (Biology for my pre-med pursuits and French because I wanted to enhance my language skills from high school and have the cultural experience of studying abroad).
I then attended LSU School of Medicine. I quickly recognized the value in the holistic care of a patient, rather than solely targeting one specific system or disease. I became involved with my school’s lifestyle medicine group, solidifying my passion for preventative care. With my parents both originating from Palestine, I was also exposed at a young age to the many barriers involved in healthcare, planting my seed of interest in the social aspects of medicine and in global health.
I hope to practice full-spectrum family medicine, focusing on holistic care that incorporates reproductive health, lifestyle medicine, and global health. The MAHEC program immediately stood out to me, not only for its all-encompassing curriculum but for its people. The passionate and genuine personalities of the faculty and residents truly resonated with me during my interview. I knew instantly that I would receive incredible training at MAHEC and be surrounded by people I could call family, with of course, the cherry on top of such a uniquely beautiful and fun location. I am so happy to now be a part of the MAHEC family!
In my free time, I enjoy yoga, live music events, hiking, reading, crocheting, traveling, forever expanding my movie/ TV- show checklist, and trying every coffee shop near me.
Caroline Jonsson, DO
Hey there! My name is Caroline Jonsson and I am incredibly happy about joining MAHEC family medicine in Asheville. I am from WV and have lived throughout Appalachia. I graduated from Guilford College and at this time went plant based and haven’t turned back since. I have a passion for the outdoors and choose to live life as an adventure. l was a raft guide turned video kayaker on the New and Gauley Rivers. I kayaked/backpacked through Chile and volunteered with the Futaleufu River Keepers. Moved by their intention for river health I wanted to explore what health meant to me. Our environment and community is directly related to our personal health. Osteopathy speaks to me- seeing health through connection of mind, body, spirit. I studied Buddhism at Naropa University and enjoyed bringing people together to talk about belief systems and practicing meditation. Community is important to me so I worked as caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities and Chaffee County Public Health in Colorado during the Covid-19 pandemic. I attended medical school at Rocky Vista University in Utah. I enjoyed being a part of the Global Medicine Track and was interested in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) because it shed light on the social implications of disease. I organized a medical trip to Ekwendeni Mission Hospital in Malawi and noticed how access to care directly impacted quality of care and I want to be a doc who can help to bridge these gaps.
I am interested in lifestyle, addiction medicine, mental health, and osteopathic manipulative medicine. I have a passion for helping people faced with stigmatization or limitations to access of care. I enjoy spending time outside, especially in Pisgah Forest with my dog - there are so many swimming holes and places to explore! During my time off you can catch me mountain biking, trail running, or hiking my favorite local trails. I am so excited for this next adventure at MAHEC!
Christopher “Chris” Lee, MD
Hey y’all! My name is Christopher Lee. I am honored to be able to join the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency team. I am a Navy brat and moved around a bit as a kid. But primarily grew up in Currituck County in northeastern North Carolina. I attended East Carolina University for undergrad and received a Bachelors in both Biology and Philosophy, Go Pirates! I also got a Masters in Physiology from NC State University and attended medical School at Virginia Commonwealth University. Where I was a part of their Family Medicine Scholars Training and admission program (FMSTAT), through which I had the privilege to learn more about some of the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities specific to Family Medicine.
My interest in family medicine began when I was a child due to being born with a condition called Hydrocephalus which involved regular appointments and surgeries to address throughout my childhood. I always found the calm and empathetic approach of my primary care providers during this difficult period to be inspiring. This was further crystallized for me in undergrad when I worked with many wonderful and very motivated physicians and volunteers who focused on serving those who are often left underserved in our communities. My passions professionally include rural medicine, as well as preventive medicine and health education, as I believe empowering patients with knowledge of their own bodies and local resources is the best path to achieving and maintaining health. I am excited to work with a program who aligns so well with these goals and can help further my experience and understanding of these issues.
Personally, my hobbies include hiking, white water rafting, paintball, and video as well as board games. I am ecstatic about coming to an area of such natural beauty and working with people capable of such deep compassion and empathy. Thank you to the program and to the local community for trusting myself and my fellow residents with your care, it means the world to us.
Nicole Phan, DO
Hi there! I'm Nicole Phan, and I’m thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Program in Asheville, NC. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, where I spent countless hours in the pool playing water polo and swimming. I later headed down the coast to Orange County to earn my undergraduate degree in Public Health Sciences at University of California, Irvine.
Before diving into medicine, I worked as a medical device sales representative for orthopedic spinal implants and volunteered as an occupational therapy assistant for a karate based OT program. A few years later, my now husband and I moved out to Ivins, Utah, where I earned my medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Southern Utah. While there, I was honored to serve as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Fellow, which gave me the opportunity to sharpen my OMM skills and teach fellow medical students—an experience I truly cherished.
My clinical interests include OMM, lifestyle medicine, palliative care, and integrative medicine. MAHEC captured my heart during the interview process with its incredibly supportive community, focus on physician well-being, and genuine excitement for the areas of medicine I’m passionate about. I knew right away it was the perfect place to grow into the kind of physician I strive to be.
Outside my wonderful world of medicine, you’ll find me in a Buti yoga class, experimenting in the kitchen (and behind the bar), or turning our home into an ever-growing indoor jungle. You can always find a puzzle and crochet project in progress around our house. During the winters my husband and I enjoy snowboarding different mountains (yeww!) and taking our dog Sakaeda on snowy adventures. During the summers I love a good lounge in the sun or flopping around in the water. We can’t wait to explore all that Asheville has to offer and call this place home!
Omar Saad, MD
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and went on to attend medical school at Emory University School of Medicine. I was drawn to Family Medicine for its breadth and the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients. I’m especially passionate about preventive care and helping patients stay healthy over time.
Outside of medicine, I love being outdoors and spending time in nature whether that is hiking, snowboarding, or exploring new places. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and watching sports, especially baseball and hockey. I’m thrilled to be part of this program because of its strong impact within the community, the close-knit group of residents, and the opportunity to live in such a beautiful city surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Meghan Sadler, DO
Hey there friends! My name is Meghan Sadler, and I am beyond excited to join the MAHEC team. I grew up in the small town of Blandon in eastern Pennsylvania and have been slowly moving south ever since. In my undergrad years, I attended McDaniel College, a small liberal arts college in Maryland, where I studied biology and played field hockey.
For my gap year, I worked as an EMT at a correctional facility, which sparked my interest in family medicine. I learned what it looks like to struggle with addiction and how far compassion can go when working in medicine. This experience fueled my desire to practice holistically and address social determinants of health wherever possible. I then headed to Virginia for medical school where I studied at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Volunteering with people of all ages reminded me why I chose this career and solidified my interest in family medicine.
I was lucky enough to rotate at MAHEC during my fourth year of med school and fell in love with the program and Asheville. The residents and staff immediately made me feel valued and I could see myself fitting right in! I’m most excited about the Lifestyle Medicine curriculum, reproductive health, and advocating for our underserved populations.
When I’m not working, you can probably find me cooking, reading, at a farmer’s market, or generally spending time outdoors. I’m always looking for new adventures and take my mission of finding Asheville’s best food spots very seriously!
Cameron “Camie” Sanchez, MD
Hi everyone! I was raised in San Antonio and went to UT Austin for undergrad. While there, I studied Biology and was part of the Longhorn Marching Band. After college, I headed back down to my hometown for medical school at UT Health San Antonio.
I’m so excited to be joining MAHEC, especially with its strong sense of community. I’m passionate about health equity and strive to ensure my patients feel heard, understood, and supported. Some of my interests include preventative care, lifestyle medicine, maternal and child health, and palliative care. In my free time, I love arts and crafts, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and exploring thrift stores!
Alexis Thomas, MD
Hi there! My name is Alexis Thomas, and I’m super excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program in Asheville. I was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. I moved to Carbondale to attend Southern Illinois University (go dawgs!) and obtain my undergraduate degree in Microbiology. I chose to stay within the SIU family to receive my medical degree, which provided me with a great opportunity to move back closer to my support system in Springfield for a while.
I always knew I wanted a career in primary care, but it wasn’t until medical school that I truly appreciated my passion for the Family Medicine specialty. I fell in love with this field because of the unique opportunity it provides to form meaningful and long-lasting relationships with patients of all ages and backgrounds. The continuity of care and emphasis on social determinants of health really resonated with me. While I enjoy many facets of Family Medicine, my passions are in women’s health, global health, and medical education. I was drawn to MAHEC, specifically, because of its strong commitment to serving the local community and its diverse clinical experiences.
Outside of medicine, you’ll find me reading, indoor gardening, exploring local coffee shops, and trying my hand at new puzzles. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking with my husband Jeff and our two dogs, Bruno and Kodak. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue my training at MAHEC. I look forward to joining the western North Carolina community and enjoying everything the area has to offer!
Carlisle Washburne, MD, MPH
Hey Asheville! My name is Carlisle Washburne, and I am so excited to be joining the Family Medicine residency program at MAHEC.
I grew up in Hattiesburg, MS, in a house divided between LSU and Ole Miss fans. When I graduated high school, I left all that petty drama behind to attend college at the University of Alabama. There, I graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the Honors College with minors in Psychology and Anthropology. SEC sports (and tailgates) have been part of my life forever, and I will talk at length about college football to anyone who is interested. Roll Tide!
I attended medical school in the beautiful city of New Orleans, LA, at Tulane University School of Medicine. I also received my Master’s in Public Health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine while completing my medical degree. In New Orleans, I gravitated toward community service projects in public health and student-run health screening clinics, particularly in food-centered community spaces like food banks and farmers markets. In these settings, I took every chance I could get to develop healthy, long-term patient relationships. I knew I was meant for a career in primary care.
I am thrilled to be starting this next chapter at MAHEC and honored to be able to provide high quality care to the people of western NC. I am passionate about lifestyle medicine, its intersection with public health, and the power of whole foods and movement. Outside of the clinic, you will catch me on a (light) hike, jamming at a live music show, or catching the newest A24 flick at your local AMC movie theater.
Mackenzie Attwell, DO
Hi everyone! My name is Mackenzie Attwell, and I am so excited to be joining MAHEC as a Family Medicine resident! I was born and raised in Delafield, Wisconsin; however, most of my extended family is from Ohio, so I spent a lot of time there growing up. I attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where I studied biochemistry. After graduation, I completed a really fun gap year in Nashville, Tennessee, working as a research assistant at Vanderbilt. I then returned to Ohio to attend medical school at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (Dublin campus). I had a great experience at OUHCOM, where I discovered my passion for family medicine and working with populations in downtown Columbus.
My interests within family medicine are broad (typical!). I enjoy caring for patients across the lifespan, from newborns to geriatric populations. I am also particularly interested in behavioral health and addiction medicine, and I hope to continue working with those communities throughout my career. One of my favorite aspects of MAHEC is how supportive the program is in helping residents explore their individual interests. The wide variety of training experiences, along with exposure to both urban and rural communities, really stood out to me.
I am so excited to move to Asheville with my fiancé and our sweet dog. We enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and spending time on the water, as well as trying new foods and local breweries. Asheville has everything we love, and we are so excited to become part of the MAHEC community!
Jessica “Jessi” Barnes, MD
Hi there! My name is Jessi Barnes (Greene) and I am from the small town of Gray, GA. I attended Geogia College and State University for undergrad and went to medical school at Mercer University. I am the first in my family to graduate from college and was drawn to medicine through my own personal experiences navigating the healthcare system as my mom and brother faced their cancer journey.
I am so excited to join MAHEC as a family medicine resident this year! I have always had a passion for serving rural communities in need, coming from one myself. I was drawn to the program by their dedication to community, and the full scope training I was looking for in a residency program. It also aligns with my special interest which include lifestyle medicine, rural medicine and women’s health. I could feel the dedication MAHEC has to their mission with every interaction throughout the interview process.
My interests outside of medicine include all things outdoors (Asheville is a dream), riding motorcycles with my family, cooking and doing life with my husband and spoiling our two puppy dogs Woodie and Watson.
Anna Caffrey-Bottoms, MD
Hi! I’m Anna, originally from Waynesville, North Carolina, and I’m thrilled to be returning to Western North Carolina to join the MAHEC Family Medicine team! I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in mathematics, then spent a few years working in the tech industry. During that time, I discovered my passion for medicine through both professional experiences and volunteer work within hospital systems. I returned to UNC for medical school, where I developed a strong interest in rural family medicine and women’s health. I was drawn to MAHEC for its commitment to full-spectrum training and its dedication to serving communities across Western North Carolina.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband, children, and dog, exploring the outdoors, running, and baking.
Sidney Caudell, MD
Hi friends! My name is Sidney Caudell, and I'm excited to join the MAHEC-Asheville family medicine residency program. I was born in Dearborn, Michigan, and spent most of my childhood growing up in Metro Detroit (Go Lions!). I completed my undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI, and returned to the east side of the state for medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit.
I knew when I started medical school that I enjoyed learning about women’s health and spent the rest of medical school discerning how I could incorporate that into my future specialty. During my third-year clerkship, I discovered how much family medicine aligned with my career goals. I was drawn to MAHEC's program because of its excellent training in FM-OB and, of course, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, crafting, Pilates, yoga, trying new coffee shops, and going on hikes! My life goal is to travel to all the national parks! I’m really looking forward to getting to know the Asheville community by joining local running clubs and exploring the beautiful nature that Western North Carolina has to offer!
Makayla Chrismon, DO
Hi everyone! My name is Makayla Chrismon, and I am thrilled to be joining the Family Medicine Residency Program at MAHEC. I grew up in Alpharetta, GA, a suburb just outside of Atlanta. While much of my family is spread across the Midwest, North Carolina, and Georgia, I have always dreamed of living in North Carolina, so calling Asheville home is truly a dream come true. I completed my undergraduate studies at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduation, I worked as an ophthalmology technician for a retina specialist. During that time, I developed a deeper appreciation for preventive medicine and the importance of primary care. Before medical school, I spent several years exploring Atlanta, taking additional coursework, and working as a bartender. I then moved to Alabama to attend the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed my pre-clinical training in Dothan, AL, and spent my third and fourth years in Florence, AL, where I completed my clinical rotations.
I am excited to become part of the incredible MAHEC and Asheville communities. I am passionate about improving access to healthcare, addressing health concerns, and creating small steps for success. My goal is to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients and work alongside them as a team through shared decision making.
Outside of medicine, I can usually be found walking my dog Ziva, spending time with my husband Alex, or playing with my cat Perloo. I love being outdoors, trying new recipes, exploring local restaurants, discovering live music venues, and reading whenever I get the chance. Playing sports, especially volleyball, is also one of my favorite things to do.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be completing my residency at MAHEC and am excited to grow both as a physician and as a member of the Asheville community.
Christina Hoover, MD
Hello! My name is Christina Hoover, and I grew up in Summerville, SC just outside of Charleston. I eventually left behind the SC Lowcountry to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia where I earned my undergraduate degree in biology. In between college and medical school, I spent time back in my hometown working as a scribe at a family medicine clinic which is when I first discovered my love for this specialty and its emphasis on building longstanding relationships with patients and taking a holistic approach to care. A couple years later, I journeyed back to Columbia, SC to begin my medical education at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
I am so thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Asheville team! I was immediately drawn to the supportive atmosphere at this program, its commitment to the community, the strong curriculum, and the multitudes of opportunities MAHEC offers that align with my goals. My specific interests within family medicine include women’s health, reproductive health, and POCUS.
In my free time outside of medicine, I’m often trying new recipes, gardening, playing video games with friends, or working on a new drawing! I can’t wait to explore Asheville, take in the beautiful mountains, and call western NC home.
Anna Jones, MD
Hello! My name is Anna Jones, and I am thrilled to be at MAHEC for residency. Though I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, I have called North Carolina home for over 10 years now. Before medical school, I spent two years as an AmeriCorps MedServe fellow in Polk County, where I was immersed in full-scope family medicine at a rural federally qualified health center. There, I developed my passion for primary care. I attended medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, and I am deeply honored to continue serving the WNC community throughout residency. Within family medicine, I am especially excited to provide healthcare access to patients without insurance, patients in rural areas, patients with substance use disorders, and those seeking reproductive healthcare.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading a good book, and spending time with family and friends over food.
Bailey Mims, DO
Hey y’all! I’m so excited to be joining MAHEC Asheville FM. I grew up in Holly Springs and am excited to call NC home again! I graduated from LMU DCOM in Knoxville TN, where I fell in love with family medicine, as well as two-stepping and bluegrass music.
I love building lasting relationships and supporting patients through all stages of life. I aim to create a sense of peace wherever I am, and this program felt like the right place to learn how to do that as a physician. My special interests include childhood advocacy and global medicine. I hope to contribute to the healing of whole communities. My ~dream~ is to help start a community veggie garden at a clinic.
Outside of medicine, I’m an embroiderer, gardener, camper, and aspiring children’s book author. My husband is a potter, woodworker and engineer (yes…he is so cool), and we’ve been together since high school. We have a sweet and silly two year old child who keeps us on our toes. I can’t wait to meet you!
Megan Offutt, MD
Hi there! My name is Megan, and I am so thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency program this year!
I grew up in the beautiful Texas Hill Country before moving to Southern California to attend Pepperdine University for my undergraduate studies. I spent a year studying in Heidelberg, Germany where I enjoyed learning the German language and immersing myself in world history and humanities studies. After college I moved to sunny San Diego, where I fell in love with medicine and the intricacies of human anatomy while working for an orthopedist. I later returned to Texas to attend medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where I pursued a concentration in Community-Engaged Public Health. Through this training, I gained a deeper understanding of the significant need for primary care physicians in rural communities and felt called to pursue broad-spectrum family medicine. Along the way, I also developed interests in global health—participating in international rotations in rural Kenya and the Himalayas—as well as in preventive and lifestyle medicine, all of which I look forward to incorporating into my future practice of family medicine.
On my days off you’ll find me outside soaking up the sunshine, on a trail run or walking with my beagle pup, working on my latte art skills, cozied up with a good book, or enjoying live music events. I can’t wait to get to know the Asheville community and look forward to learning how to best serve the people of Western NC!
Cecilia L. Pankau, MD
Hi everyone! My name is Cecilia and I feel so fortunate to be in western North Carolina caring for the people who call these beautiful mountains and valleys home. I am originally from the Chicago area, and have slowly made my way south since high school, first attending the University of Kentucky where I studied neuroscience and Spanish, and then the University of North Carolina for medical school. Before starting medical school, I spent a year teaching English in Teruel, Spain.
I’m drawn to family medicine because it enables me to build long-term relationships with patients, allowing me to connect them with the treatments and resources that best fit them and their goals. My interests within medicine are broad, with a particular interest in rural healthcare, sports medicine, women’s health, and the treatment of substance use disorders. I’m also passionate about working with Spanish-speaking populations and plan to continue improving my medical Spanish throughout training, hoping to one day become a bilingual provider.
Outside of medicine, I love traveling near and far to spend time with the people who matter most to me—my family, my partner, and the friends I’ve met through different stages of my life. I love spending as much time as I can outdoors, whether that be drinking coffee on my porch, hiking, rock climbing, gardening, running, or playing soccer or volleyball.
Elizabeth “Bess” Renjilian, MD
Hey y’all! My name is Bess, and I’m so excited to be moving to Asheville and joining the MAHEC family! I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and went to Brown University, where I studied Biology. After graduating, I spent a year in rural Alabama as a Community Health Fellow, where I fell in love with building relationships with patients and supporting all biopsychosocial aspects of health – aka, that’s where I got the bug for Family Medicine!
I went to medical school at University of Virginia in beautiful Charlottesville. There, I learned that a small city in the mountains with lots of hikes and cideries is a perfect home for me (sound familiar?)
When I’m not in the hospital, you’re pretty likely to find me out on the Ultimate Frisbee field, where I’ve been a player, coach, and fan for over 13 years. I love Ultimate for the community, sportsmanship, and the simple joy of running and catching. Otherwise, I’ll be with my cat Frankie, cooking, or doing whatever craft is my passion at the time (Ceramics? Yarn punching? Paper making?). I’d love to hear your recommendations for favorite restaurants, local concerts and bands, and the best farmers market in town!
Genevieve N. Saliuk, MD
Hi friends! I am so excited to be at the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency! I am a mama of 2 crazy boys and a wife to the sweetest soul. Becoming a family physician and having the opportunity to train at MAHEC is a seal on my dream life coming true. I was born and raised in Uganda and spent my formative years in Ohio, Kansas, and Texas (SMU in Dallas for undergrad and John Sealy at UTMB Galveston for medical school). Asheville has been the first place I have chosen to call home because of its amazing community, beautiful, nature-centered life, and literally the best heart-matched residency for me.
MAHEC came to my attention during my first year of medical school for its very strong, integrated Lifestyle Medicine curriculum and full-spectrum curriculum that is particularly strong in the populations and focus areas I love in family medicine: Pediatrics, Women’s health, and mental health. The icing on the top was that MAHEC also has some of the kindest people I have met throughout my medical career. As someone who became a mother in medical school AND had a different approach to medicine, I haven’t felt as welcome in many spaces. Here, I was embraced, encouraged, and felt right at home.
Outside of work, I love being silly, dancing/singing, and spending time outside with my family – my favorite is just sitting/relaxing in our yard while my boys and husband climb trees. We are also looking forward to planting lots of vegetables and fruit trees in our new home. I also LOVE to cook and feed people yummy African and European-inspired plant-based dishes, so come hungry when you come over.
