Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Emily is a native to western North Carolina, growing up in the town of Sylva. She received her B.S. in 2016 and her M.S. in 2019 from Western Carolina University (WCU). Emily’s M.S. thesis addressed how the human oral microbiome changes during decomposition in the Southern Appalachian biome. She has served as an adjunct professor at WCU and is passionate about education and serving her community. In 2020, Emily began attending medical school at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. Her love for microbiology sparked her interest in pursuing a career in Infectious Diseases, which is the specialty she plans to enter following her training in Internal Medicine. Emily loves the collaborative atmosphere and diagnostic challenges of Internal Medicine and is most at home in the inpatient hospital setting where she applies her inquisitive nature and strives to help her patients understand their care.
From the beginning of my journey in medicine, my goal was to apply what I learned to serving the habitually underserved communities back home in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This meant I always knew I wanted to become a member of the amazing group of residents here at MAHEC, and I am so grateful to have that opportunity. In my free time I enjoy a wide variety of hobbies, including board games, dungeons and dragons, painting and drawing, reading, baking, and hunting for salamanders, all accompanied by my husband and best friend, Dr. Matthew Hooks. As luck would have it, Matt will also be joining the MAHEC family as a first-year resident in the Psychiatry program. We grew up in the same hometown and have been fortunate to have one another (and our two wonderful cats!) to look to for support throughout our medical training. I can’t wait to start my journey as a resident at MAHEC and continue serving those that call the mountains home!
Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
As a young kid, Sarah had only two career paths that ever came to mind that she wanted to pursue: either to sell toothpicks or to be a doctor. As a few years went by, the former choice quickly became a thought of the past, but the latter never went away. Before medical school, she thought about either becoming an orthopedic surgeon or a cardiologist. However, during her medical education, Sarah found herself particularly interested in every body system and rotation. It got to the point where she was unsure of what specialty she should choose for residency; therefore, she decided to pursue internal medicine since it encompassed everything she enjoyed.
When I have some down time, I love doing outdoor activities; I enjoy fishing in the pond behind my house, caring for my wildflowers, and ripping my dirtbike through the woods. I also have 3 wonderful dogs who love to play and have endless fun. Sometimes, however, I prefer to stay in the house cuddling with them while reading a good horror book. I chose MAHEC for residency because I knew it was the perfect place for me. It is located in the middle of a vast array of beautiful mountains that will provide a wonderful and peaceful view while working. I am excited to start my new chapter in healthcare in such an amazing setting.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus
Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa DeMutis, and I am so excited to join the MAHEC team. I grew up in Pennsylvania and lived there until I finished college. I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology at York College of Pennsylvania. I then had the opportunity to move to South Carolina to attend Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and there I fell in love with the Carolinas. I had the pleasure of moving to the western North Carolina area for my clinical rotations and developed a passion for working with rural populations. During my clinical rotations, I realized that internal medicine was the career path for me due to its challenging and rewarding qualities. I enjoy the mystery that often comes with internal medicine and the variety of cases that will be seen. My career interests include hospitalist medicine or hematology/oncology.
I became invested in the MAHEC internal medicine program when I was able to work with their residents at the Charles George VA in Asheville. The residents I worked with were passionate about providing quality care for their patients and they spoke very highly of their program. MAHEC seemed to offer a compassionate group of individuals whom I could see myself spending years with. I also knew the area was perfect for me with its beautiful scenery and ample opportunity for outdoor activities. My interests outside of medicine include hiking with my dog and husband, mountain biking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family/friends. I love to try new things and can't wait to see where the next three years take me!
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus
Elliott always gravitated toward the sciences throughout school and was inspired to pursue healthcare at an early age while sitting in the back of his mom’s classroom watching her paramedic students train. He acquired diverse and rich clinical experiences prior to medical school but ultimately chose to pursue Internal Medicine during his clerkship rotations. He was drawn to IM by a fascination with multi-system physiology, pathology, and pharmacology, but also its heavy emphasis on empathy, compassion, and the ability to level oneself with a patient to comfort and inform them about their health. He discovered that he thrived in the inpatient setting of the hospital and, aligning with his interests, realized that Hospitalist Medicine was his calling.
As a native of The Foothills of North Carolina, the Appalachian region is my home. Outside of medicine, I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, traveling, reading, and trying new cuisines with friends and family. I have frequented Asheville many times over the years and found it to be an exciting place with plenty of good hikes, restaurants, breweries, and places to explore. So naturally, when I found MAHEC, it was an immediate fit for me. After learning about MAHEC’s program and meeting many of its staff and residents, I was drawn to the prospect of navigating the complexities of Internal Medicine in a setting that offers both academic rigor and a supportive, close-knit community environment. I am thankful for the opportunity to train here and live in an area I love.
George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Mariana became interested in medicine through a fascination with biology and chemistry; however, she really found her passion in health disparities and systemic issues in health care. She started medical school excited to learn which specialty most appealed to her. Quickly, Mariana learned she enjoyed learning about her patient’s complex social needs in relation to all their medical needs and how physicians can be advocates. This is why Mariana fell in love with Internal Medicine; it allows for her to see a patient as a whole person and not just focus on one organ system.
I grew up near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Greenville, SC which is just an hour south of Asheville. Growing up in this area taught me to love hiking and being in the outdoors. Now, I really enjoy gardening and grow zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins, corn, sugar snap peas (my favorite), and lots of leafy greens each summer. I also really enjoy spending time with animals. I have several dogs and cats, a cockatiel, a chameleon, and until recently, chickens. I am a bit of a home body, so in addition to being with my animals and gardening, I enjoy painting and reading. Asheville has always had an extensive outdoor life with a good balance of the arts and culture. I can’t wait to live and work in Asheville.
University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine
Sam first sparked an interest in medicine through a volunteer position at a clinic for the economically disadvantaged while attending the University of Central Florida. A few years later, he graduated cum laude with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and an acceptance to the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. There, he grew an appreciation for complex pathologies and decided to pursue a career in Internal Medicine. He realized that training at MAHEC would enable him to continue making a difference in the lives of others throughout his career.
Hi, I'm Sam and I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina before I took a hiatus in Florida for graduate studies. I'm excited to return home, where the leaves change and the rafting is white-water. I enjoy biking and rock climbing to stay active, but otherwise you can usually find me frequenting coffee shops, going to concerts, or playing video games with my friends. I'm looking forward to exploring Asheville's music scene and all the natural attractions of the mountains and the French Broad.
Andrea grew up in Coral Springs, Florida, and earned her medical degree from Indiana
University School of Medicine. She can’t wait to eat her way through Asheville and
explore the beautiful scenery, hopefully running into some wildlife!
Andrea always knew she wanted to become a physician since she was a young girl. She
quickly realized a career in internal medicine was where she belonged, as she loves
building connections with patients and managing complex clinical cases.
Andrea is an animal lover, and birds hold a special place in her heart. Her hobbies
include cooking, trying new restaurants, and watching thriller/mystery movies or TV series with her fiancé, Ben.
University of Texas SW Medical Center at Dallas SW Medical School
Jonathan was inspired by stories of his physician grandfather who had opened a clinic in South Korea during the time of the Korean War. He provided free medical care to those who could not afford it and firmly maintained a lifestyle of altruism throughout his practice. These stories of the grandfather he never had the chance to meet were the start of Jonathan’s medical journey. After experiencing how internal medicine often acts as the gateway to the rest of a patient’s medical care Jonathan decided to pursue internal medicine as his specialty.
I love being outdoors. Having had a taste of the incredible hiking trails at Asheville from my time at Duke for undergrad, I am excited to come back to this city. Outside of hiking, jogging, and exploring the outdoors, I also enjoy taking HIIT classes, kayaking, tennis, yoga, and hip hop. I am also a huge foodie and love checking out new restaurants and enjoy cooking. My biggest passion is finding deals at grocery stores. However, coming from Texas, anything below 60 degrees is parka weather. You will likely find me taking frequent naps at home during the winter and will find me again after hibernation in the spring.
Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Carielys discovered her interest in science as a child. She loved studying and was passionate about learning something new every day. Above all, she was passionate about helping others. When she reached high school, she realized that medicine was the perfect field for her. She completed her bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. After starting medical school, her interest in Internal Medicine was born from the discipline's complexity and the opportunity it provided to care for patients holistically. When she found MAHEC, she identified with the program because of her principles, values, and the kind of physician she wanted to become.
I love spending time with my family, playing with my baby dogs Paris and Chispi, watching movies, and going for walks outdoors. Having the opportunity to start this new adventure in Asheville and being able to call it my home makes me feel very blessed and excited. I am ready to start this new stage and am sure it will be a beautiful experience full of learning!
Praveena has wanted to be a doctor ever since she received a poster for Doctors Without Borders from her middle school job fair. While in undergrad on the East Coast, she sought to improve access to healthcare and medical supplies for local communities as well as hospitals abroad. After traveling to Brisbane and New Orleans as part of her medical program, she developed an interest in Internal Medicine due to their role in managing and coordinating care of patients admitted to hospital. In particular, she admired Internal Medicine’s role in educating patients on their medical diagnoses so they could be good self-advocates for future appointments. After reviewing MAHEC and Asheville’s charms, she was thrilled at the prospect of moving to North Carolina to practice what she loves.
When I am not in hospital, I will be out enjoying the wonderful botanical gardens Asheville has to offer. There are many hiking trails in Asheville that will provide different views with each season, and I hope to capture them all on my camera. I love winter on the East Coast and am happy to be back to my regular winter pastime of hearing the crunch of freshly fallen snow under my boots. When I want to stay warm, I hope to spend my time caring for my houseplants, playing video games and doing puzzles. Asheville even has a highly recommended restaurant scene that can address all palates, making the overall area a wonderful place to work, eat, and enjoy life.
Ben was fascinated by the field of internal medicine during his third year of medical school. He found it intriguing as it requires a holistic mindset and knowledge of every organ system, and it enables the creation of a strong patient-doctor relationship. During his time in medical school, he developed an interest in medical education and took the initiative to organize and lead Point-Of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) workshops. This made it easier for his peers to understand the clinical applications of POCUS. In residency, he plans to continue refining his POCUS skills and teach the basics of POCUS to medical students.
In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, weightlifting, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and most recently, PC gaming. I chose MAHEC due to the program's emphasis on the well-being of its residents, experienced faculty, and tight-knit community. I'm excited to explore Asheville alongside my fiancée Andrea, especially the hiking trails!
Sarah was quickly drawn to cardiology after spending time on inpatient cardiology service during M3,
she developed passion for the niche of women’s heart health and invested in learning more about topics
in cardiology uniquely impacting women, such as SCAD and MINOCA and other topics related to cardioobstetrics. She enjoyed surgery due to the challenge of mastering technical skills and elected to do a CT
surgery rotation during M4 to see and understand more about cardiac surgery, which has continued to
motivate her in pursuing interventional cardiology and being able to impact patient lives during high
stress situations in a hands on way.
I am so excited to begin this chapter in a beautiful, charming city alongside my spouse, Greg, a general
surgery resident whom I couples matched with. We were drawn to the mountainous landscapes of
Asheville as they remind us of our KY home. Additionally, after interviewing at MAHEC, there were
clearly countless opportunities for a unique, diverse training experience from both of our respective
programs. The incredibly experienced leadership and commitment to resident wellness was unmatched
along the interview trail! We enjoy playing pickleball, taking our golden retriever, Bailey, on new
adventures, and trying new foods and local shops!
I love academic internal medicine and seeing a variety of chief complaints and pathologies, so I am excited to start my career as a hospitalist. As a native North Carolinian, I have always cherished our mountainous region, but my love of travel took me to many different environments while completing my studies. At this stage of the journey, it is an honor to return home to serve the lovely people of North Carolina! When not working, I enjoy hikes with my dog and painting.
Eduardo was always interested in science but his true passion was in helping others. Medicine marries these two domains and once he decided to pursue it, he never looked back. While working as a medical scribe before medical school, he met his mentor that inspired him to pursue internal medicine and ultimately, hematology/oncology. Eduardo completed his undergraduate studies at University of Central Florida, and his medical degree at Florida State University and greatly enjoyed his time. After discovering MAHEC and meeting current residents, Eduardo knew his passions aligned with their mission and is happy to call Asheville home.
I enjoy being outside and trying new things and Asheville does not disappoint in that department with all sorts of outdoor activities. Living in an area with cold winters and mountainous terrain has been a happy adjustment. If I’m not outside, I love spending time playing board or video games with loved ones. I have a puppy who is a sweetheart and is very affectionate, and the same could be said about my partner. Asheville is nothing short of amazing and I am thrilled to be here to serve for many years to come.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus
Hi everybody! My name is Robert Tuosto. I grew up in Radford, Virginia before earning my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!). I was able to continue my education in the Blacksburg area as I went to medical school at VCOM-Virginia. I am very excited to continue my medical journey at MAHEC and to explore a different part of the Blue Ridge Mountains that I have enjoyed so much in Virginia.
Outside of medicine I enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, playing golf, soccer and trying new restaurants. I am interested in pursing a Pulm/Critical Care fellowship, but I will see what interest me the most in my time in Asheville!
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
I enjoyed my internal medicine rotations and considering the patient as a whole, as well as the
multidisciplinary approach taken by physicians. These rotations also made me believe that internal
medicine would be a good fit that would allow me to also experience subspecialties.
Growing up in NC,
Asheville allows me to be closer to family and has among the best scenery in the state. In my free time, I
enjoy watching movies, playing tennis, and watching hockey.
Ebraheem pursued medicine to combine his passion for science with a deep commitment to helping others. Originally from Kuwait, he left home to study in the United States, completing his undergraduate biology and medical degree at West Virginia University. During his 3rd year of medical school, Internal medicine was especially fulfilling due to its comprehensive approach to patient care and broad medical knowledge. During a fourth-year elective, he developed a strong interest in gastroenterology, drawn to its diagnostic challenges and procedural variety. Ebraheem enjoys working in a team-based setting with a patient-centered approach.
In my free time, I like to watch and play sports, including Padel, Pickleball, Tennis, and Soccer. I also love to travel, explore new places, and learn about different cultures. I chose MAHEC due to the tight-knit community nature of the program, which emphasizes well-being and serving the community in Western North Carolina. I look forward to exploring Asheville’s beautiful nature, especially the hiking trails!
After obtaining her degree in Chemistry from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Camila began her career in medicine with a drive to understand each patient’s story and the factors influencing their health. Internal medicine became the perfect avenue for discovery, and Camila quickly realized how much she enjoyed connecting with patients while incorporating her problem-solving skills. In addition to her medical training, she has participated in numerous extracurricular and volunteer efforts- both locally and globally- to better understand and serve her community. During her training, she found herself drawn to various aspects of internal medicine, particularly hospital medicine and nephrology.
While I grew up in Kansas, known for its beautiful plains, I could not help but be drawn to the stunning mountainous scenery of Asheville. Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and working with rescue dogs -though on a lazy day, you can find me watching early 2000s comedies or crime shows. As someone who enjoys connecting with nature but also values the amenities of city life, Asheville felt like a perfect fit. During my residency search, I was impressed by the strong sense of community at MAHEC and in Asheville as a whole. I also admire how the program encourages both patients and providers to actively engage with their community. Learning from and collaborating with diverse populations is something I deeply value. After learning more about MAHEC’s curriculum and its dedication to underserved communities, I knew I would feel right at home. I am truly excited to continue my medical training in such a supportive and mission-driven environment.
Brett’s interest in medicine came about through a number of ways, including his undergraduate studies in the social sciences (focusing on social determinants of health), and growing up under a long line of nurses. He fell in love with internal medicine due to its broad scope and the emphasis on working closely with patients.
I chose MAHEC because it’s such a unique program, with outstanding faculty in a large tertiary community hospital. Despite growing up in the remarkably flat state of Florida, I’ve come to love the mountains and hope to spend much of my free time hiking. I also enjoy pickleball, reading, and walking my dogs.
Tony’s journey into medicine began with an accounting degree and a brief career in public accounting. After about a year in the corporate world, he took a chance and decided to transition to a career in medicine. While taking prerequisite classes, Tony worked multiple jobs and volunteered as an adult GED teacher, where he developed his passion for teaching and community involvement. At the Medical University of South Carolina, Tony enjoyed and was interested in each of his clinical rotations, which sparked a strong interest in the diverse pathologies and meaningful patient relationships found in internal medicine.
I am very excited to live in Asheville and train at MAHEC. While at Clemson, I often took trips to WNC with my friends to enjoy the beautiful nature, incredible food and drinks, and more. I love spending time with my wife and young daughters and can’t wait to take advantage of everything Asheville has to offer with them. I grew up in a rural town in Maryland, and while I have recently enjoyed the warm weather and beaches in Charleston, SC, I can’t wait to switch to mountain life and experience all four seasons again!
Lincoln Memorial University-Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Victoria Colon is a native of western North Carolina, having grown up in Waynesville, NC. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Alabama, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Marine Science and Biology. During her time there, she excelled in researching the environmental effects of pollutants on the mangrove rivulus fish and discovered a passion for mentorship through her role as a Camp 1831 counselor. She realized early on that she wanted a career in medicine—one that would allow her to build meaningful relationships with patients and support them through challenging times. Victoria went on to attend medical school at LMU-DCOM, where her commitment to serving rural and underserved communities as a physician deepened.
I’m so excited to give back to the mountain community that raised me. Joining MAHEC allows me to serve the people of western North Carolina while also enjoying all the unique experiences Asheville has to offer. Some of my favorite things to do in Asheville include trying new restaurants, walking around the Biltmore Estate, and catching a good movie. I’m truly grateful to be starting this next chapter of my journey as an internal medicine resident in a place that feels like home. Internal medicine aligns perfectly with my passion for building long-term relationships with patients and providing comprehensive, thoughtful care. I can’t wait to grow as a physician while serving the community I love.
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Josh developed an interest in medicine by observing his grandparents, both pediatric ophthalmologists, care for patients in the Bay Area where he grew up. Inspired by their ability to profoundly impact lives, he decided early on to pursue a career in medicine. He studied Microbiology at the University of Alabama and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester, where he discovered a passion for education-focused, holistic care during his internal medicine rotation.
I was drawn to MAHEC for its commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to vulnerable populations in a supportive, collegial environment. During my interview, I also fell in love with the beauty of Asheville and the welcoming spirit of the MAHEC community. Throughout my medical education, I developed a strong passion for inpatient hospital medicine. I find the collaborative, team-based environment and the focus on treating the whole patient deeply fulfilling and central to the physician I aspire to become. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two cats, Sage and Rosie, and exploring the outdoors. I am excited to explore the trails, rivers, and lakes around Asheville during my time at MAHEC.
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Neil attended UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad, where he majored in Business Administration while taking courses on the pre-med track. After finalizing his decision to pursue a career in medicine, he earned a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences from Tufts University in Boston, MA. While in Boston, Neil joined a clinical research lab at Tufts Medical Center focused on cardiogenic shock management. He remained involved with the lab throughout medical school and has contributed to numerous publications and presented multiple posters.
Next, Neil earned a Certificate in Health Professions Preparation at Nova Southeastern in Clearwater, FL before beginning medical school at Campbell University in Lillington, NC in 2021. He has been consistently drawn to internal medicine for its complexity and the breadth of knowledge it encompasses. Despite similarities in diagnoses, Neil approaches each patient encounter as a unique puzzle where one’s medical condition, social situation, and environmental factors intertwine.
As a nearly lifelong resident of North Carolina, I am excited to stay in-state and close to friends and family during my internal medicine training. I have loved my trips to Asheville over the years, and my fiancée and I are thrilled to move to the city for at least the next three years. In our free time, we love to travel and try new restaurants. We can’t wait to explore Asheville’s food scene and take advantage of all the outdoor activities Western NC has to offer. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, ping pong, and pool, and I look forward to some healthy competition with my new co-residents!
University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matthew is a from Murfreesboro, TN, having spent most of his life there. He received his B.S. in 2021 from Middle Tennessee State University. Later that year, he began attending medical school at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville. From the very beginning of medical school, he enjoyed the thought of Internal medicine as the scope of practice was very broad, allowing him to become as knowledgeable of a physician as possible. This fits perfectly with the goals of the residency program here at MAHEC. He hopes to one day practice as a hospitalist or subspecialize as a cardiologist.
In my free time, I enjoy hobbies such as golfing, reading, and working out. None of this would be possible without the continued support of my wife, Abigail. We were high school sweethearts, who got married in between 1st and 2nd years of medical school. We enjoy spending time outdoors with our dog, Molly, and our son, Noah. This will be such a wonderful coming home opportunity, as I was born at Mission Hospital in Asheville! We look forward to this new opportunity and making friends along the way.
Alec Knupp began his interest in pursuing a medical education while majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology at UCONN. He was able to participate in a research laboratory that focused on nuclear reprogramming of pluripotent stem cells and was quickly exposed to the potential of this topic within the field of regenerative medicine. It was also at this time while scribing in an emergency department that he realized his path was best suited interacting directly with patients. During medical school, his passion for internal medicine blossomed after studying the physiology of each organ system and how they dynamically work together to support each and every human being. He has an immense respect for the physiology of the human body and how malleable that functionality is, particularly once pathology is introduced to this delicate balance. Alec’s long-term goals are to complete his internal medicine training and pursue a sub-specialty in either Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine or Cardiology with an emphasis in structural cardiology. His philosophy of care centers around evidence-based medicine, and intertwining patient care with the most recent studies published within his field.
Hello to anyone reading! My name is Alec and I am an energetic and extroverted person that has been fortunate enough to earn a place in the career path I truly believe I was meant for. My interests in medicine are essentially never-ending, but I am also devoted to my life outside of my career as well. A hobby in itself of mine is constantly finding new hobbies, whether that be wood-carving, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, cooking with my significant other, learning about different historical periods, etc. I chose MAHEC because of the opportunity to train in an academic training settled within a rural location, the exceptional program leadership and staff, remarkable residents trained here to date, as well as for the responsibility that comes from covering healthcare for such a large region. I am prepared to embrace this role within the community and apply myself to the best of my abilities to practice patient-centered medicine while incorporating every current standard of care as they are continually updated.
Kevin’s journey in medicine started off with EMS at Guilford County. During this experience, he found his calling in serving his local community and pursed medicine at Campbell School of Osteopathic Medicine. He plans on pursing a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care.
When I have the time, I enjoy spending time with my family who are in Greensboro, North Carolina. I like to hike and enjoy nature and I am really excited to take advantage of the scenery that Ashville, North Carolina has to offer!
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana Campus
Dr. Nikki Mehta earned her medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine after completing her undergraduate studies at Towson University. Throughout her clinical training, she gained hands-on experience in a wide range of inpatient settings, including trauma-level hospitals and community-based care. These experiences solidified her interest in hospital medicine and critical care, where she thrives in fast-paced environments that require both clinical precision and empathetic care. She was honored with the "Student Doctor of the Year" award in recognition of her dedication, leadership, and excellence in patient care. Nikki believes in a holistic, patient-centered approach and is committed to serving underserved communities.
I chose MAHEC because Asheville already felt like home. I completed my clinical rotations here and was drawn to the sense of community, natural beauty, and MAHEC’s commitment to providing high-quality care to all patients. The program’s supportive environment and emphasis on whole-person care made it the perfect place for me to grow as a physician. Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, staying active at the gym, and playing pickleball. I also have a deep passion for dance, it’s one of my greatest joys and a way I stay grounded and expressive. I’m so excited to continue my training in such an inspiring and welcoming place.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
Inspired by his pediatric neurologist, Saahir knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine since he was very young. In medical school, Saahir loved comprehending various pathophysiologic mechanisms, disease states, and learning how to improve his clinical decision-making. This in addition to his desire to interact with patients of various backgrounds and beliefs led Saahir to pursue a career in Internal Medicine. Saahir looks forward to training with MAHEC and is excited to receive a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience.
Outside of medicine, I love walking, trying out new restaurants, and watching my favorite NBA team: the Orlando Magic. I am interested in exploring the various parks and hiking trails in Asheville, as well as trying out the amazing restaurants in the area. I am also very excited to live in an area with seasons for the first time! I look forward to receiving phenomenal training with MAHEC and am excited for my next three years here in Asheville!
Hello everyone! My name is Dan Pattarozzi, and I am honored to join the Internal Medicine team at MAHEC Asheville and Cherokee! I am originally from Las Cruces, in southern New Mexico, where I practiced Respiratory Care for many years. I completed my Masters in Public Health at New Mexico State University before attending Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, NM.
I have spent all of my professional life working in and around hospitals; from the ICU and ED to patient’s homes and clinics. I have been privileged to help care for many people in my home community, and to share in their lives and stories at impactful moments in time. My passion to improve my ability to aide in those moments inspired me to continue my education. MAHEC appealed to me specifically because the community and its needs are extremely similar to those of southern New Mexico. Additionally, I am so honored to have been chosen for the rural IM track, where I get to learn more about the specific culture and health needs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Being from the desert, I love to hike in the dusty Organ Mountains of Las Cruces, and I am looking forward to hiking in the green Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville. I love spending time with family, and am looking forward to being closer to my grandmother’s family here in North Carolina. I also enjoy reading science fiction, playing music (trying to pick up the mandolin currently), and practicing yoga.
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia, SC
James's spark to pursue Internal Medicine began with assisting during an emergency in coastal South Carolina. While obtaining his bachelor's degree in chemistry, he began further exploring medicine through volunteer work on a Neurological ICU at AnMed Medical Center, where he then worked as a Patient Care/Monitor Technician. He uncovered a genuine interest in his patients' stories and a fascination for the vast field of medicine. He embarked on his medical career at USCSOM, where he continued to show his intellectual curiosity and diligence in forming rapport with patients. He also continued his love of teaching, which originated from his time at Clemson University. At USCSOM, he served as a medical student mentor and now joins Mountain Area Health Education Center as an Internal Medicine resident, where he hopes to pursue Academic Medicine in the area of Pulmonary Critical Care or hospitalist medicine.
In my free time, you can most likely find me outside in the mountains, kayaking, or rock climbing. While attending Clemson, on weekends I would drive to the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains to be in nature and escape the stresses of life for a bit. Asheville is a special place for my fiancé and me. We have frequently visited the area over the past seven years for the waterfalls, hiking, food scene, breweries, and Dobra Tea. One thing I am super excited about is exploring the outdoor rock climbing in the area and continuing to build my skills. I also have two wonderful dogs, with a combined total weight of 150 pounds. I love dog training and going on long walks with them. My other hobbies include tinkering with film cameras, cooking, and weightlifting. Although I was born a beach boy, I have now become a mountain man. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Western North Carolina and am ready to explore this amazing area.
Mark’s journey to medicine began over 30 years ago, as he grew up in an immunocompromised
household. Originally pursuing careers in international diplomacy, education, and healthcare
management, Mark has always strived to understand the walks of life of those around him and
implement change to promote wellbeing and a sense of community. He received two SPIRIT awards
during his tenure at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for educating his patients on their
surgical procedures and aiding with their outpatient medications and follow-up appointments. His
calling to medicine is centered on demystifying medicine and helping his patients become the best
versions of themselves that they choose to be. Simply put, his medical philosophy is “awkward
conversations don’t have to be awkward.”
Coming from a long line of educators, I’m excited to expand my clinical knowledge at MAHEC and
share what I have learned with my friends, family, and community at large. I’m passionate about
community development and caring for people as fully realized individuals, not just their diagnoses.
After living in multiple countries and large cities such as Washington, DC, Miami, and New York City,
I’m excited to be closer to my West Virginia family and playing a larger role in life’s journey with them.
Outside of the hospital, I enjoy building furniture, comic books, my growing record collection, and
exploring Asheville with my dog, Ruby.
Victoria Soriano is originally from a small town in Western Kentucky and has lived in Kentucky her whole life. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry with a minor in Music Performance at the University of Kentucky. She completed medical school at the University of Kentucky – Bowling Green campus which allowed her to work with the underserved population of Western Kentucky. She is passionate about community-focused care and is currently exploring career paths within Internal medicine, with interests in hospital medicine and infectious disease.
I chose Asheville and MAHEC because of the program’s strong commitment to community-based care along with the energy and culture of the mountains. I’ve visited Asheville a few times and have always felt a deep connection to the area and the outdoors that surround it. Outside of medicine, I love my wide variety of hobbies! This includes activities that get me outdoors, such as hiking, kayaking, picnicking, running, and rock climbing. I also love to crochet, read, explore new local food spots, and play board games with my husband. One of our biggest shared goals is to visit every U.S. National Park, and we are fully committed to making it happen! I got married in Switzerland before the start of my residency to my amazing husband, and we are so excited to begin this next chapter in the beautiful city of Asheville!
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Prior to matriculating to LKSOM at Temple University in Philadelphia, Maxwell worked as a clinical research coordinator for two years at the University of Utah. Upon graduating, he spent a year as a surgical intern at his home institution of Temple prior to his transition to Internal medicine at MAHEC. He has a wide variety of interests including Gastroenterology and Hospital Medicine and is excited to improve his procedural skills and be hands on whenever possible.
In my free time, I love to rock climb and trail run. I am incredibly excited to discover the outdoors of Asheville; I hope to find time to go on long hikes to climbable areas with anyone else who wants to explore and find some great top rope and lead climbing routes. I also enjoy trying new cooking and cocktail recipes, discovering new dishes and concoctions to add to my repertoire for when I host dinners for friends.
While I have been all over for college, jobs, and graduate school, I will always consider Southern California my first home. I love to visit southern California and spend time with my siblings and parents there, visit my favorite restaurants, and swim and surf in the ocean.
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Greg was raised in Sanford, NC a small and quiet town in central North Carolina. He always envisioned becoming a physician. His family always say that he played doctor as three years old. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergrad where he majored in Biochemistry and Biology followed by a two-year master’s degree from North Carolina State University in Physiology. After graduate school he worked for two years at UNC-Chapel Hill Hospitals as a nursing assistant. He then went to medical school at the Brody School of Medicine at ECU. During both his time working at UNC and as medical student at ECU, Greg was praised for his excellent bedside manner as well as his ability to develop excellent patient rapport. Greg is interested in pursuing fellowship in either Cardiology of Gastroenterology. However, he has not disregarded the possibility of endocrinology.
I had always envisioned myself becoming a physician from a young age. Growing up, I was intrigued about how the human body. Now the question arises, why did I decide to become a doctor? I made that decision at the age of six and never changed my mind. It is simple as that. In addition, I had an outstanding pediatrician who also precepted medical students from UNC. She would take the time to explain to me how the human body worked. It was during my sophomore year of college when I was paired with a mentor, an internist, where I grew a strong interest to internal medicine. I am passionate about addressing health disparities through patient education. I see health literacy as essential to patient care. What drew me to MAHEC was its focus on addressing health disparities in the western part of my home state. On my free time, I enjoy watching science documentaries or just enjoy a walk in the park. I look forward to experiencing living in a picturesque mountain community!