Emergency Medicine Residency Program - Current Residency
Class of 2028
Sean C. Boyles, D.O.
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Undergrad: University of New Mexico, BS in EMS
Medical School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: EMS, Flight Medicine, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Video games, machining and making, cooking
Personal Motto: "It always seems impossible until it is done."- Nelson Mandela
Why I Choose Riverside: I was initially attracted to Riverside because of the location, my family knew we wanted to be close to the water and the ocean. During the pre-interview mixer the residents all had great things to say about the program, the faculty, and the hospital and in the interview, I really got a feeling of how committed the faculty was to teaching new physicians. As someone who is very hands on and interested in procedures, the high volume of trauma and acute patients that Riverside sees is comparable to any other university trauma center, without having to compete with other specialties residents and fellows. I also appreciate that Riverside is not-for-profit.
Advice: Identify your individual study habits that are most effective, stay consistent with your studying. Prioritize your hobbies and self-care so that you stay motivated to study. Build a support system of people that you are able to rely on consistently to help you through struggles. Never feel afraid to admit you don't know something, learning medicine is a lifelong process and none of us will ever know everything.
Undergrad: University of New Mexico, BS in EMS
Medical School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: EMS, Flight Medicine, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Video games, machining and making, cooking
Personal Motto: "It always seems impossible until it is done."- Nelson Mandela
Why I Choose Riverside: I was initially attracted to Riverside because of the location, my family knew we wanted to be close to the water and the ocean. During the pre-interview mixer the residents all had great things to say about the program, the faculty, and the hospital and in the interview, I really got a feeling of how committed the faculty was to teaching new physicians. As someone who is very hands on and interested in procedures, the high volume of trauma and acute patients that Riverside sees is comparable to any other university trauma center, without having to compete with other specialties residents and fellows. I also appreciate that Riverside is not-for-profit.
Advice: Identify your individual study habits that are most effective, stay consistent with your studying. Prioritize your hobbies and self-care so that you stay motivated to study. Build a support system of people that you are able to rely on consistently to help you through struggles. Never feel afraid to admit you don't know something, learning medicine is a lifelong process and none of us will ever know everything.
Kimbrly Martin, D.O.
Hometown: Moneta, VA
Undergrad: Old Dominion University, BS Biology
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - VA
Interest Area: EMS, Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Wakesurfing, Hiking, Playing harmonica, Wakeboarding, Reading
Personal Motto: "Progress, not perfection"
Why I Choose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside solidified my choice during medical school. The attendings, residents, and other staff welcomed my presence while also encouraging me to push further in my knowledge and skills as a future physician. Attendings and residents explained their thought processes and gave feedback quickly in order to learn from the experience. I knew Riverside would be my home for the next three years when I left my audition rotation ready to turn around and stay.
Advice: Help in ways that don't just include the attendings or residents. The entire emergency staff needs support, and if you're not actively seeking every possible route to learn, your scope will be very limited. Don't be so focused on the medicine that you forget patients are there experiencing what no one wants to be in the emergency department for.
Undergrad: Old Dominion University, BS Biology
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - VA
Interest Area: EMS, Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Wakesurfing, Hiking, Playing harmonica, Wakeboarding, Reading
Personal Motto: "Progress, not perfection"
Why I Choose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside solidified my choice during medical school. The attendings, residents, and other staff welcomed my presence while also encouraging me to push further in my knowledge and skills as a future physician. Attendings and residents explained their thought processes and gave feedback quickly in order to learn from the experience. I knew Riverside would be my home for the next three years when I left my audition rotation ready to turn around and stay.
Advice: Help in ways that don't just include the attendings or residents. The entire emergency staff needs support, and if you're not actively seeking every possible route to learn, your scope will be very limited. Don't be so focused on the medicine that you forget patients are there experiencing what no one wants to be in the emergency department for.
Clayton Moore, D.O., PharmD, MS-PAS
Hometown: New Bern, NC
Undergrad: Campbell University, Pre-Pharmacy
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Vascular Access, Ultrasound, Toxicology, Hospice and Palliative Care
Personal Hobbies: Golf, Hiking, Fishing, Military History
Personal Motto: Perfection is unobtainable but it should be an asymptote to which we are endlessly striving.
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the family environment. The smaller program size and genuine compassion and desire to better the residents was apparent from the faculty and staff. Residency is hard. Having a team that cares about you as a person is important.
Advice: Learn how to take criticism. You're never expected to have all the right answers. Try and make yourself uncomfortable. Failure often is the best teacher if utilized properly.
Undergrad: Campbell University, Pre-Pharmacy
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Vascular Access, Ultrasound, Toxicology, Hospice and Palliative Care
Personal Hobbies: Golf, Hiking, Fishing, Military History
Personal Motto: Perfection is unobtainable but it should be an asymptote to which we are endlessly striving.
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the family environment. The smaller program size and genuine compassion and desire to better the residents was apparent from the faculty and staff. Residency is hard. Having a team that cares about you as a person is important.
Advice: Learn how to take criticism. You're never expected to have all the right answers. Try and make yourself uncomfortable. Failure often is the best teacher if utilized properly.
Savannah Newton, M.D.
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Undergrad: California Baptist University (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Interest Area: Ultrasound, pain management, palliative care, tactical medicine, EMS
Personal Hobbies: Swing dance, musical theater, travel, anime, video gaming
Personal Motto: "Humans are amphibians—half spirit and half animal... As spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time... their bodies, passions, and imaginations are in continual change, for to be in time means to change. Their nearest approach to constancy, therefore, is undulation... a series of troughs and peaks." -- CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Why I Choose Riverside: Ever since starting medical school, I couldn't wait to get back into a community hospital setting. The opportunity to jump straight into community medicine, alongside the promise of overall unopposed procedure time and more exposure to ultrasound, pain management, and palliative care, really enticed me. After participating in a 5-hour shift on a second look, I found my people right here--in Newport News, Virginia.
Advice: For exams--do your practice questions early; learn something as if you were going to teach it!
- For exercise--find something simple and stick to it a little bit every day!
- For personal growth--always go above and beyond, even if you don't have to!
- Finally... never respond to a surgeon's question with another question!
Kaiser Jacob Nieman, D.O.
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Undergrad: University of Utah- Anthropology
Medical School: Rocky Vista University- Southern Utah
Interest Area: Sports medicine, Wilderness medicine, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Ice hockey, golf, fly fishing, camping
Personal Motto: "You can do anything once"
Why I Choose Riverside: During my Sub-I as a fourth-year at Riverside, I was impressed by the depth of knowledge demonstrated by the attendings. They were always eager to explore any topic I had questions about and encouraged me to research areas where my understanding needed improvement. The residents were equally well-versed in all aspects of emergency medicine, which spoke highly of the quality of training at Riverside. Additionally, the support staff went above and beyond to create a stress-free learning environment, allowing me to focus entirely on my work in the emergency department. I was thrilled to learn that I had matched at Riverside and couldn't wait to begin my training!
Advice: While much easier said than done, I recommend medical students explore as many specialties within medicine as they possibly can and not become fixated on one specialty they chose before they even started med school. Everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and you could be missing out on something that is a perfect fit for you!
Undergrad: University of Utah- Anthropology
Medical School: Rocky Vista University- Southern Utah
Interest Area: Sports medicine, Wilderness medicine, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Ice hockey, golf, fly fishing, camping
Personal Motto: "You can do anything once"
Why I Choose Riverside: During my Sub-I as a fourth-year at Riverside, I was impressed by the depth of knowledge demonstrated by the attendings. They were always eager to explore any topic I had questions about and encouraged me to research areas where my understanding needed improvement. The residents were equally well-versed in all aspects of emergency medicine, which spoke highly of the quality of training at Riverside. Additionally, the support staff went above and beyond to create a stress-free learning environment, allowing me to focus entirely on my work in the emergency department. I was thrilled to learn that I had matched at Riverside and couldn't wait to begin my training!
Advice: While much easier said than done, I recommend medical students explore as many specialties within medicine as they possibly can and not become fixated on one specialty they chose before they even started med school. Everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and you could be missing out on something that is a perfect fit for you!
Alex Orta, D.O.
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida - Biology
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Addiction Medicine, Health Policy, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Backpacking, Hiking, Baking, Coffee, Fungiculture
Personal Motto: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Why I Choose Riverside: While rotating at my home institution’s emergency department, I met a Riverside EM graduate who was an incredible clinician and had nothing but great things to say about the program. That got me interested, and the more I learned, the more I knew it was the right fit. The curriculum is intense in the best way possible, packing the depth of a four-year program into three, and the location was a perfect change of pace from Florida’s never-ending summer. But what truly sealed the deal was meeting the residents and attendings. It just felt right. Now, I couldn’t be happier to call Riverside my home!
Advice: Mistakes are the key to success. Stay humble, open to feedback, and ready to learn. Your patients will be your best teachers!
Undergrad: University of Florida - Biology
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Addiction Medicine, Health Policy, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Backpacking, Hiking, Baking, Coffee, Fungiculture
Personal Motto: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Why I Choose Riverside: While rotating at my home institution’s emergency department, I met a Riverside EM graduate who was an incredible clinician and had nothing but great things to say about the program. That got me interested, and the more I learned, the more I knew it was the right fit. The curriculum is intense in the best way possible, packing the depth of a four-year program into three, and the location was a perfect change of pace from Florida’s never-ending summer. But what truly sealed the deal was meeting the residents and attendings. It just felt right. Now, I couldn’t be happier to call Riverside my home!
Advice: Mistakes are the key to success. Stay humble, open to feedback, and ready to learn. Your patients will be your best teachers!
Adam Smith, D.O.
Hometown: Bel Air, MD
Undergrad: Frostburg State University, Health Science
Medical School: University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Sports Medicine, EMS
Personal Hobbies: pickle ball, lacrosse, golf, woodworking, cooking
Personal Motto: Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant – Robert Louis Stevenson
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it gave me one of my best experiences from medical school. The high-acuity environment really challenged me, and I learned a lot from the attendings and residents. Everyone was supportive, and I felt like it was the perfect place to develop my skills and grow as a doctor.
Advice: My advice is to stay present and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you are fully participating or just observing, there is always something to learn. Ask questions, take initiative, and be open to feedback because it is all part of the process. Don't forget to enjoy the journey; the more you are invested in the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
Undergrad: Frostburg State University, Health Science
Medical School: University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Sports Medicine, EMS
Personal Hobbies: pickle ball, lacrosse, golf, woodworking, cooking
Personal Motto: Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant – Robert Louis Stevenson
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it gave me one of my best experiences from medical school. The high-acuity environment really challenged me, and I learned a lot from the attendings and residents. Everyone was supportive, and I felt like it was the perfect place to develop my skills and grow as a doctor.
Advice: My advice is to stay present and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you are fully participating or just observing, there is always something to learn. Ask questions, take initiative, and be open to feedback because it is all part of the process. Don't forget to enjoy the journey; the more you are invested in the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
Sydney Triest, D.O.
Hometown: Dearborn, MI
Undergrad: Albion College, BA Anthropology and Sociology
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Disaster Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, traveling
Personal Motto: N/A
Why I Choose Riverside: I really enjoyed my interview with Riverside. I felt like the attendings and residents who I interacted with were very engaged with the conversation and asked questions that made me feel they wanted to get to know me. The personalities that I met during my interview made me feel that I had found my match.
Advice: As a medical student you are so busy worrying about your next exam, knowing you should be studying, trying to keep up with seeing patients, and writing notes. While all of those things are important, some of the best things that I did as a medical student were not medical at all. I would encourage you to hunt down a warm blanket for a patient or family member, take a few more moments in the room to make a patient feel heard, etc. It might take you a few extra minutes each time, but I promise you won't remember all of the times you could have gotten a little bit more time studying in or maybe even gotten out early. You will remember the few times that you actually made someone feel better with a simple smile or the time you held a patient's hand while they were in pain, and it will remind you of why you went into medicine in the first place.
Undergrad: Albion College, BA Anthropology and Sociology
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Disaster Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, traveling
Personal Motto: N/A
Why I Choose Riverside: I really enjoyed my interview with Riverside. I felt like the attendings and residents who I interacted with were very engaged with the conversation and asked questions that made me feel they wanted to get to know me. The personalities that I met during my interview made me feel that I had found my match.
Advice: As a medical student you are so busy worrying about your next exam, knowing you should be studying, trying to keep up with seeing patients, and writing notes. While all of those things are important, some of the best things that I did as a medical student were not medical at all. I would encourage you to hunt down a warm blanket for a patient or family member, take a few more moments in the room to make a patient feel heard, etc. It might take you a few extra minutes each time, but I promise you won't remember all of the times you could have gotten a little bit more time studying in or maybe even gotten out early. You will remember the few times that you actually made someone feel better with a simple smile or the time you held a patient's hand while they were in pain, and it will remind you of why you went into medicine in the first place.
Class of 2027
Russ Burgin, M.D.
Hometown: Floyd, VA
Undergraduate Education: United States Military Academy, Political Science
Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Fitness, Cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're D.O.ing it, you're probably D.O.ing it wrong." -Ted Lasso
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it offered me everything I was looking for in a residency program. Great team, great patients, and the ability to learn the craft of emergency medicine in a community setting with all the best parts of academic medicine (supportive faculty, high patient volume/acuity/complexity) without the worst parts (lots of other residents/fellows, etc.).
Advice to Medical Students: D.O.n't just think about what your life will be like in the residency program you choose during residency. Think about what your life will be like years later, with the addition of family, where you might want to live, and what you want your lifestyle to be.
Undergraduate Education: United States Military Academy, Political Science
Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Fitness, Cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're D.O.ing it, you're probably D.O.ing it wrong." -Ted Lasso
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it offered me everything I was looking for in a residency program. Great team, great patients, and the ability to learn the craft of emergency medicine in a community setting with all the best parts of academic medicine (supportive faculty, high patient volume/acuity/complexity) without the worst parts (lots of other residents/fellows, etc.).
Advice to Medical Students: D.O.n't just think about what your life will be like in the residency program you choose during residency. Think about what your life will be like years later, with the addition of family, where you might want to live, and what you want your lifestyle to be.
Marisela Davis, D.O.
Hometown: Ewa Beach, HI
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Biochemistry
Medical School: VCOM - VA
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, EMS
Personal Hobbies: Bouldering, Running, Being a Dog Mom, Caring for my House Plants
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Anyone can cook but only the fearless can be great." - Ratatouille
Why I chose Riverside: As a rotating medical student I had opportunities I wasn't able to get anywhere else. I had one on one time with attendings and close mentoring from staff that was incredibly valuable to me as third/fourth year medical student. All the faculty and residents I worked with were so happy to have me join their team and kept me involved every step of the way. I received meaningful feedback that helped me grow as a student and really wanted to be back in that environment for residency!
Advice to Medical Students: Go the extra mile, read up on things you saw on shifts, and be kind to yourself!
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Biochemistry
Medical School: VCOM - VA
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, EMS
Personal Hobbies: Bouldering, Running, Being a Dog Mom, Caring for my House Plants
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Anyone can cook but only the fearless can be great." - Ratatouille
Why I chose Riverside: As a rotating medical student I had opportunities I wasn't able to get anywhere else. I had one on one time with attendings and close mentoring from staff that was incredibly valuable to me as third/fourth year medical student. All the faculty and residents I worked with were so happy to have me join their team and kept me involved every step of the way. I received meaningful feedback that helped me grow as a student and really wanted to be back in that environment for residency!
Advice to Medical Students: Go the extra mile, read up on things you saw on shifts, and be kind to yourself!
Josh Gibson, D.O.
Hometown: Falls Church, VA
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Disaster, Tactical, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Family time and Outdoor Adventures
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We improve ourselves by victories over yourself. There must be contests, and you must win." -Edward Gibbon
Why I chose Riverside: Choosing the right residency program for a student with a large family requires a lot of research, which led me to Riverside. I am very happy to be back in Virginia, at place where my family can call home. The Williamsburg and Yorktown areas are rich with history. The schools are the best in the state. There is so much to do from beaches and theme parks to museums and battlefields. The program is well organized and focused on learning. There are no competing residencies for airways or procedures, an abundance of pathology, acuity and volume.
Advice to Medical Students: All education is a guide, to be an expert at something you need to actively devote serious effort to better yourself. Experience is not enough; we all drive everyday, yet NASCAR has called none of us for our expert advice. Studying medicine everyday will not make you any more of an expert in your field. Use your education and experience to guide your growth. Work hard, have fun, rise to challenges, try and fail, reflect and learn, work hard, try again.
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Disaster, Tactical, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Family time and Outdoor Adventures
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We improve ourselves by victories over yourself. There must be contests, and you must win." -Edward Gibbon
Why I chose Riverside: Choosing the right residency program for a student with a large family requires a lot of research, which led me to Riverside. I am very happy to be back in Virginia, at place where my family can call home. The Williamsburg and Yorktown areas are rich with history. The schools are the best in the state. There is so much to do from beaches and theme parks to museums and battlefields. The program is well organized and focused on learning. There are no competing residencies for airways or procedures, an abundance of pathology, acuity and volume.
Advice to Medical Students: All education is a guide, to be an expert at something you need to actively devote serious effort to better yourself. Experience is not enough; we all drive everyday, yet NASCAR has called none of us for our expert advice. Studying medicine everyday will not make you any more of an expert in your field. Use your education and experience to guide your growth. Work hard, have fun, rise to challenges, try and fail, reflect and learn, work hard, try again.
Patrick Lilburn, D.O.
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Undergraduate Education: Roanoke College, BS Biology
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Golf, Video Games, Snowboarding
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We march to victory, or we march to defeat, but we go forward, only forward." Stannis Baratheon, GOT
Why I chose Riverside: Residency is about learning, and honing your craft. The Riverside Emergency Medicine Program puts a strong emphasis on education in a high intensity environment and implements these goals in a deliberate fashion. Beyond the robust training, the camaraderie among residents, attendings and other hospital staff was apparent from my first day with Riverside as a medical student. Coming home to Virginia to step fully into the role of Physician under the guidance of the Riverside community is a decision I D.O.n't have to think twice about.
Advice to Medical Students: Show up early, ask any and all questions you have, and be a team player-you will lead the team someday. This journey is about learning not just medicine, but how to work effectively with others for the benefit of patients.
Undergraduate Education: Roanoke College, BS Biology
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Golf, Video Games, Snowboarding
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We march to victory, or we march to defeat, but we go forward, only forward." Stannis Baratheon, GOT
Why I chose Riverside: Residency is about learning, and honing your craft. The Riverside Emergency Medicine Program puts a strong emphasis on education in a high intensity environment and implements these goals in a deliberate fashion. Beyond the robust training, the camaraderie among residents, attendings and other hospital staff was apparent from my first day with Riverside as a medical student. Coming home to Virginia to step fully into the role of Physician under the guidance of the Riverside community is a decision I D.O.n't have to think twice about.
Advice to Medical Students: Show up early, ask any and all questions you have, and be a team player-you will lead the team someday. This journey is about learning not just medicine, but how to work effectively with others for the benefit of patients.
Sophia Mallari, D.O.
Hometown: Waterford, CT
Undergraduate Education: Smith College, Chemistry
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Not sure yet!
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, Surfing, Beach Combing, Playing Piano, Weightlifting
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
Why I chose Riverside: The Riverside family was a VIBE. The faculty and residents alike were so supportive, welcoming, and reassuring that I could make this my new home away from home. The patient population, proximity to the beach, and the feedback from residents were just icing on the cake.
Advice to Medical Students: It all works out. Follow your heart, find what you love, work hard, make connections, and the rest will fall in place.
Undergraduate Education: Smith College, Chemistry
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Not sure yet!
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, Surfing, Beach Combing, Playing Piano, Weightlifting
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
Why I chose Riverside: The Riverside family was a VIBE. The faculty and residents alike were so supportive, welcoming, and reassuring that I could make this my new home away from home. The patient population, proximity to the beach, and the feedback from residents were just icing on the cake.
Advice to Medical Students: It all works out. Follow your heart, find what you love, work hard, make connections, and the rest will fall in place.
Trevor Parrett, D.O.
Hometown: Norton Shores, MI
Undergraduate Education: Hope College, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: A.T. Still University
EM Interest Areas: Wilderness Medicine, Event, Tactical, Disaster
Personal Hobbies: Boating, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Tubing, Climbing, Backpacking, Soccer, Travel, Golf
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place." -Mark Twain
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside is dedicated to resident wellness and performance. The program is family friendly, cares for a diverse patient population and prepares residents to practice emergency medicine in any setting.
Advice to Medical Students: Be your own advocate. Find opportunities and take advantage of them when they present themselves.
Undergraduate Education: Hope College, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: A.T. Still University
EM Interest Areas: Wilderness Medicine, Event, Tactical, Disaster
Personal Hobbies: Boating, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Tubing, Climbing, Backpacking, Soccer, Travel, Golf
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place." -Mark Twain
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside is dedicated to resident wellness and performance. The program is family friendly, cares for a diverse patient population and prepares residents to practice emergency medicine in any setting.
Advice to Medical Students: Be your own advocate. Find opportunities and take advantage of them when they present themselves.
Christopher Paulo, D.O.
Hometown: Salinas, CA
Undergraduate Education: CSU, Chico, BS Cell/Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word
EM Interest Areas: Mass Casualty, Wilderness medicine
Personal Hobbies: Writing, MMA/Jiu Jitsu, Overlanding, Being a Father
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and learn to put your head down and hammer nails. When you feel you have hammered enough, put your head D.O.wn and hammer more. One day you will look up and realize you have built an entire house.
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the culture. Simply put, I could feel the love. I had a faculty member during medical school who warned often of the value of great culture in a residency and the horrors that accompany toxic environments. Never once did I feel out of place or unwelcome while rotating at Riverside. From the program director to the admin and support staff, the entire program at Riverside is built to ensure the success of the student and resident. This meant more to me than any words could express.
Advice to Medical Students: 1000 no's for 1 yes. Hammer nails and know in your heart you are capable. Remember your why. On this long road, there will be moments of self-D.O.ubt and unrelenting feelings of uncertainty. Remember your why and always circle back to this when those moments seem to last forever. The world will still turn, tomorrow will come, the light will shine again, and you WILL be a physician.
Undergraduate Education: CSU, Chico, BS Cell/Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word
EM Interest Areas: Mass Casualty, Wilderness medicine
Personal Hobbies: Writing, MMA/Jiu Jitsu, Overlanding, Being a Father
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and learn to put your head down and hammer nails. When you feel you have hammered enough, put your head D.O.wn and hammer more. One day you will look up and realize you have built an entire house.
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the culture. Simply put, I could feel the love. I had a faculty member during medical school who warned often of the value of great culture in a residency and the horrors that accompany toxic environments. Never once did I feel out of place or unwelcome while rotating at Riverside. From the program director to the admin and support staff, the entire program at Riverside is built to ensure the success of the student and resident. This meant more to me than any words could express.
Advice to Medical Students: 1000 no's for 1 yes. Hammer nails and know in your heart you are capable. Remember your why. On this long road, there will be moments of self-D.O.ubt and unrelenting feelings of uncertainty. Remember your why and always circle back to this when those moments seem to last forever. The world will still turn, tomorrow will come, the light will shine again, and you WILL be a physician.
Carlo Zamora, D.O.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Education: University of Illinois Chicago, BS Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Sepsis Care, Design Thinking in Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Music, Reading, Gym, Sports, Theological and Biblical Topics, Watch Collecting, Fashion
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you don't learn how to laugh, you'll cry"
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was an easy choice not only because of the quality of training offered, but because I discovered how much everyone wanted me to be the best and most genuine version of myself during my virtual interview day. I was faced with the hilariously unfortunate dilemma of having construction occur directly above me at a hotel which accidentally activated fire alarms twice during my interview with Dr. Polsinelli. I was forced to run out of my room as firetrucks arrived and finished my interview day from the parking lot. Thinking I blew my interview, I was reassured of the opposite and was encouraged by how I handled the situation.
Advice to Medical Students: Genuine kindness and humility goes a long way. Everyone is carrying some sort of burden when they show up for work, yet we do our best to come together with one unified goal to provide, hopefully, the best care possible to our patients. Extend that care to your attendings, residents, fellow students, staff and families of patients. Offer a thoughtful gesture if someone is having a hard time, pick up an extra task to help with efficiency, set up the incoming shift's workers for success, be able to receive feedback with humility, bring a blanket or cup of water for family members waiting at the bedside of their loved one, etc.
Undergraduate Education: University of Illinois Chicago, BS Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Sepsis Care, Design Thinking in Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Music, Reading, Gym, Sports, Theological and Biblical Topics, Watch Collecting, Fashion
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you don't learn how to laugh, you'll cry"
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was an easy choice not only because of the quality of training offered, but because I discovered how much everyone wanted me to be the best and most genuine version of myself during my virtual interview day. I was faced with the hilariously unfortunate dilemma of having construction occur directly above me at a hotel which accidentally activated fire alarms twice during my interview with Dr. Polsinelli. I was forced to run out of my room as firetrucks arrived and finished my interview day from the parking lot. Thinking I blew my interview, I was reassured of the opposite and was encouraged by how I handled the situation.
Advice to Medical Students: Genuine kindness and humility goes a long way. Everyone is carrying some sort of burden when they show up for work, yet we do our best to come together with one unified goal to provide, hopefully, the best care possible to our patients. Extend that care to your attendings, residents, fellow students, staff and families of patients. Offer a thoughtful gesture if someone is having a hard time, pick up an extra task to help with efficiency, set up the incoming shift's workers for success, be able to receive feedback with humility, bring a blanket or cup of water for family members waiting at the bedside of their loved one, etc.
Class of 2026
Christopher Anderson, D.O.
Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Microbiology
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Hiking, Sailing
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Economy of effort. Never stand up when you can sit D.O.wn, and never sit D.O.wn when you can lie D.O.wn." - Winston Churchill
Why I chose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside was by far the best experience that I had in medical school. The attendings and residents actively went out of their way to involve me in patient care and procedures as well as explain their thought processes in a constructive and easily digestible manner. The residents were extremely welcoming and had a culture of positivity and support for each other that I had not seen anywhere else. I knew that Riverside was where I wanted to be for the next three years of my medical training.
Advice to Medical Student: Being present is the best thing for a medical student, especially one interested in EM. Ask questions, volunteer for procedures or ask to watch, and try to improve patient interactions in the department. Always be on the search for something to D.O. no matter how small you think it is. You would be surprised how far something as simple as getting a blanket will improve both the patient's stay and the hospital staff's perception of you.
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Microbiology
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Hiking, Sailing
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Economy of effort. Never stand up when you can sit D.O.wn, and never sit D.O.wn when you can lie D.O.wn." - Winston Churchill
Why I chose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside was by far the best experience that I had in medical school. The attendings and residents actively went out of their way to involve me in patient care and procedures as well as explain their thought processes in a constructive and easily digestible manner. The residents were extremely welcoming and had a culture of positivity and support for each other that I had not seen anywhere else. I knew that Riverside was where I wanted to be for the next three years of my medical training.
Advice to Medical Student: Being present is the best thing for a medical student, especially one interested in EM. Ask questions, volunteer for procedures or ask to watch, and try to improve patient interactions in the department. Always be on the search for something to D.O. no matter how small you think it is. You would be surprised how far something as simple as getting a blanket will improve both the patient's stay and the hospital staff's perception of you.
Abigail Cole, D.O.
Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia, B.S. in Chemistry
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Too many!!! But if I had to narrow it down, it would be global health, wilderness medicine, and ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Traveling (one day I will have traveled the world – I may be 99 years old when it happens, but it will happen), hiking, scuba diving, gardening, and beekeeping
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Elegant in its simplicity"
Why I chose Riverside: It was my audition here that sold me. I was able to see how Riverside is such an amazing community hospital with extremely knowledgeable and skilled faculty. You see an extremely diverse patient population with a high level of acuity and never run out of procedures.
Advice to Medical Student: Show up early, recheck your patients, and always look for ways to improve/learn.
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia, B.S. in Chemistry
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Too many!!! But if I had to narrow it down, it would be global health, wilderness medicine, and ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Traveling (one day I will have traveled the world – I may be 99 years old when it happens, but it will happen), hiking, scuba diving, gardening, and beekeeping
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Elegant in its simplicity"
Why I chose Riverside: It was my audition here that sold me. I was able to see how Riverside is such an amazing community hospital with extremely knowledgeable and skilled faculty. You see an extremely diverse patient population with a high level of acuity and never run out of procedures.
Advice to Medical Student: Show up early, recheck your patients, and always look for ways to improve/learn.
Alexandra (Alexx) Dunk, D.O.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach – BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global medicine, medical education
Personal Hobbies: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cooking, watching cooking competition shows, skateboarding, snowboarding, metal concerts, eating shabu shabu, traveling
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you’re interested in something, go try it! You never know if you’ll fall in love with it."
Why I chose Riverside: The mission of Riverside and the personalities of all the current residents and attendings I met aligned with my values. It is easy to tell that everyone is happy working here, and that is evident now with how many residents have chosen to stay on as attendings.
Advice to Medical Student: Showing up early does not go unnoticed, be engaged and always recheck your patients. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and research the answer when you can.
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach – BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global medicine, medical education
Personal Hobbies: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cooking, watching cooking competition shows, skateboarding, snowboarding, metal concerts, eating shabu shabu, traveling
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you’re interested in something, go try it! You never know if you’ll fall in love with it."
Why I chose Riverside: The mission of Riverside and the personalities of all the current residents and attendings I met aligned with my values. It is easy to tell that everyone is happy working here, and that is evident now with how many residents have chosen to stay on as attendings.
Advice to Medical Student: Showing up early does not go unnoticed, be engaged and always recheck your patients. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and research the answer when you can.
John Kerber, D.O.
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate Education: Denison University: Biology
Graduate University and major: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Pediatrics, Wilderness
Personal Hobbies: Traveling the World, Hiking, Wine, Flying
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."
Why I chose Riverside: Unique location, caring teaching staff, and diverse patient pathology.
Advice to Medical Student: Don't be a fly on the wall. The best learning comes from getting your hands dirty as part of the treatment team.
Undergraduate Education: Denison University: Biology
Graduate University and major: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Pediatrics, Wilderness
Personal Hobbies: Traveling the World, Hiking, Wine, Flying
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."
Why I chose Riverside: Unique location, caring teaching staff, and diverse patient pathology.
Advice to Medical Student: Don't be a fly on the wall. The best learning comes from getting your hands dirty as part of the treatment team.
Monika Krzak, D.O.
Hometown: Farmington, Connecticut
Undergraduate Education: University At Buffalo, Biology
Medical School: Kansas City University School of Medicine and Biosciences
EM Interest Areas: Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: I have a diverse set of hobbies including working out, hanging out with my two dogs Axel and Peach, reading a good book, cooking, and I have my artsy pursuits for when I really have the energy. I also live for hikes, paddle boarding, and anything outdoors.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "What is done in love is done well" - Vincent van Gogh
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for its abundance of pathology (seriously this place is a gold mine), closer distance to my family, and the proximity to a large body of water where I could pursue some of my watersport hobbies. When I interviewed here in person, I felt at home and that I would be nurtured and supported here as an adult learner by faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Just be yourself...not who you think we want you to be.
Undergraduate Education: University At Buffalo, Biology
Medical School: Kansas City University School of Medicine and Biosciences
EM Interest Areas: Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: I have a diverse set of hobbies including working out, hanging out with my two dogs Axel and Peach, reading a good book, cooking, and I have my artsy pursuits for when I really have the energy. I also live for hikes, paddle boarding, and anything outdoors.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "What is done in love is done well" - Vincent van Gogh
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for its abundance of pathology (seriously this place is a gold mine), closer distance to my family, and the proximity to a large body of water where I could pursue some of my watersport hobbies. When I interviewed here in person, I felt at home and that I would be nurtured and supported here as an adult learner by faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Just be yourself...not who you think we want you to be.
Julia Lerner, M.D., MA
Hometown: Melville, NY
Undergraduate Education: Arcadia University, Scientific and Pre-Medical Illustration
Graduate Education: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Master’s in Medical and Biological Illustration
Medical School: Alpert Medical School of Brown University
EM Interest Areas: Simulation and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Knitting, playing music, cooking (eating)
Why I chose Riverside: Amazing location, high acuity, happy residents, great clinical experience, and fantastic vibes.
Advice to Medical Students: "Keep an open mind. Choose some rotations outside of your specialty of interest."
Undergraduate Education: Arcadia University, Scientific and Pre-Medical Illustration
Graduate Education: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Master’s in Medical and Biological Illustration
Medical School: Alpert Medical School of Brown University
EM Interest Areas: Simulation and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Knitting, playing music, cooking (eating)
Why I chose Riverside: Amazing location, high acuity, happy residents, great clinical experience, and fantastic vibes.
Advice to Medical Students: "Keep an open mind. Choose some rotations outside of your specialty of interest."
Garrett Peak, D.O.
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Undergraduate Education: Randolph-Macon College, Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Motorcycle Riding, Camping, Hiking, Iaido
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was home to me, and a place I very easily could have made home had it not been.
Advice to Medical Student: Find where you fit, go on away rotations, and stress much less.
Undergraduate Education: Randolph-Macon College, Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Motorcycle Riding, Camping, Hiking, Iaido
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was home to me, and a place I very easily could have made home had it not been.
Advice to Medical Student: Find where you fit, go on away rotations, and stress much less.
Austin Shanks, M.D.
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Undergraduate Education: University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Biochemical and Cellular and Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
EM Interest Areas: Emergency Medical Services
Personal Hobbies: Avid gardener, above average BBQ chef, history buff, and hiker
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive."
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because I believe in the critical mission of medicine: enhance patient well-being through high-quality care, committed providers, and organizational collaboration.
Advice to Medical Student: Practicing medicine is the best job in the world, but 4th year is the best year of your life.
Undergraduate Education: University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Biochemical and Cellular and Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
EM Interest Areas: Emergency Medical Services
Personal Hobbies: Avid gardener, above average BBQ chef, history buff, and hiker
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive."
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because I believe in the critical mission of medicine: enhance patient well-being through high-quality care, committed providers, and organizational collaboration.
Advice to Medical Student: Practicing medicine is the best job in the world, but 4th year is the best year of your life.
Class of 2025
Chandler Davis, D.O.
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech
Medical School: VCOM - Virginia
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, tactical medicine, wilderness medicine, disaster medicine.
Personal Hobbies: Weightlifting, golf, boxing, reading, hiking with my dog
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing”
Why I chose Riverside: My experience on my audition here sold me on the program. The faculty was extremely welcoming and supportive. The learning environment here is unparalleled. I could not think of a better place to spend my three years of training.
Advice to Medical Student: Do not be afraid of failure. Never be late and absorb as much as you can.
Kerilyn Kimball, D.O.
Hometown: Portland, CT
Undergraduate Education: University of Connecticut
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Wilderness medicine and disaster relief international
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Kayaking, live music, and eating…lots of eating
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "You don’t know unless you try”
Why I chose Riverside: Hands down, the people. From the patient population to the faculty and staff. The learning opportunities are endless, and it is in an environment designed to train excellent physicians while fostering lasting relationships between co-workers.
Advice to Medical Student: Ask the question. Be kind. Love what you are doing (one bad day, is just one day)
Dana Page, D.O.
Hometown: Okemos, MI
Undergraduate Education: Kalamazoo College
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global Health, AirCare/EMS, Sports Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking with my Aussie, snowboarding, mountain biking – and falling off my mountain bike, Disc golf, slow pitch softball, spike ball and volleyball.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”
Why I chose Riverside: I immediately felt a sense of belonging here. I love that this program is focused on making it the best learning experience possible. The opportunities here are unmatched.
Advice to Medical Student: My advice would be to trust yourself and know that everything will work out. You are meant to be here.
Undergraduate Education: Kalamazoo College
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global Health, AirCare/EMS, Sports Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking with my Aussie, snowboarding, mountain biking – and falling off my mountain bike, Disc golf, slow pitch softball, spike ball and volleyball.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”
Why I chose Riverside: I immediately felt a sense of belonging here. I love that this program is focused on making it the best learning experience possible. The opportunities here are unmatched.
Advice to Medical Student: My advice would be to trust yourself and know that everything will work out. You are meant to be here.
Jason Prater, D.O.
Hometown: Grundy, VA
Undergraduate Education: Radford University
Medical School: LECOM
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, critical care, rural EM
Personal Hobbies: Fishing, watching/playing sports, spending time with my wife and son.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "It is never too late to be what you might have been”
Why I chose Riverside: High level of acuity. Only trauma center on the peninsula. Strong community program. Great faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Be on time. Be interested. Always offer to help.
Undergraduate Education: Radford University
Medical School: LECOM
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, critical care, rural EM
Personal Hobbies: Fishing, watching/playing sports, spending time with my wife and son.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "It is never too late to be what you might have been”
Why I chose Riverside: High level of acuity. Only trauma center on the peninsula. Strong community program. Great faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Be on time. Be interested. Always offer to help.
Michael Shallcross, M.D.
Hometown: Oakton, VA
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia – B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Critical Care and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Golf, downhill and Backcountry Skiing, Weight Training, Tenor/Bass Trombone, and Washington D.C. Sports
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference". — Robert Frost
Why I chose Riverside: I have already had the wonderful opportunity to complete a residency in Family Medicine at Riverside, and the decision to continue my training at Riverside was easy. The program's focus on academic medicine and continued support from the attending faculty in training resident physicians is unmatched. Our diverse patient demographic with high acuity in a community hospital setting allows for ample opportunities to learn and grow to become a competent and confident EM physician.
Advice to Medical Student: 1. Showing up early, being respectful to everyone you interact with daily and maintaining a positive attitude will take you far. 2. Always reassess your patients, as this will lead to continued learning and better patient-centered care. 3. Communication is key!
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia – B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Critical Care and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Golf, downhill and Backcountry Skiing, Weight Training, Tenor/Bass Trombone, and Washington D.C. Sports
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference". — Robert Frost
Why I chose Riverside: I have already had the wonderful opportunity to complete a residency in Family Medicine at Riverside, and the decision to continue my training at Riverside was easy. The program's focus on academic medicine and continued support from the attending faculty in training resident physicians is unmatched. Our diverse patient demographic with high acuity in a community hospital setting allows for ample opportunities to learn and grow to become a competent and confident EM physician.
Advice to Medical Student: 1. Showing up early, being respectful to everyone you interact with daily and maintaining a positive attitude will take you far. 2. Always reassess your patients, as this will lead to continued learning and better patient-centered care. 3. Communication is key!
Zachary Smith, M.D.
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Undergraduate Education: Christopher Newport University
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound and EMS
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, painting, lapel pin collecting, and cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "This is the greatest challenge to being alive to witness the injustice of this world, and not allow it to consume our light”
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for the people. I always wanted a residency program that felt like family and here it does.
Advice to Medical Student: Always be yourself, study hard, but in the end remember we are treating a person not a disease. Lastly, never give up. There will be tough days but lean on those around you.
Undergraduate Education: Christopher Newport University
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound and EMS
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, painting, lapel pin collecting, and cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "This is the greatest challenge to being alive to witness the injustice of this world, and not allow it to consume our light”
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for the people. I always wanted a residency program that felt like family and here it does.
Advice to Medical Student: Always be yourself, study hard, but in the end remember we are treating a person not a disease. Lastly, never give up. There will be tough days but lean on those around you.
Brandon Snyder, D.O.
Hometown: Corning, OH
Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Research, Medical Education, Addiction Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Woodworking, Baking, Knitting, playing with my cat Mocha, Watching movies
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" – Carl Sagan
Why I chose Riverside: Opportunity to be part of a growing residency, amazing faculty, high acuity
Advice to Medical Student: Always take advantage of the opportunities that are presented, but do not forget to take care of yourself outside of medicine.
Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Research, Medical Education, Addiction Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Woodworking, Baking, Knitting, playing with my cat Mocha, Watching movies
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" – Carl Sagan
Why I chose Riverside: Opportunity to be part of a growing residency, amazing faculty, high acuity
Advice to Medical Student: Always take advantage of the opportunities that are presented, but do not forget to take care of yourself outside of medicine.
Kyle Tarro, D.O.
Hometown: Centreville, VA
Undergraduate Education: George Mason University
Medical School: VCOM - Virginia
EM Interest Areas: Resuscitation, critical care, quality improvement
Personal Hobbies: Soccer, weightlifting, SCUBA diving, hang gliding, backpacking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Too often we judge others by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions"
Why I chose Riverside: I auditioned here and was amazed by the cohesiveness and welcoming atmosphere of the residency and entire hospital. People truly care about one another and show that every day.
Advice to Medical Student: Trust the process, trust yourself, be engaged with the team.
Undergraduate Education: George Mason University
Medical School: VCOM - Virginia
EM Interest Areas: Resuscitation, critical care, quality improvement
Personal Hobbies: Soccer, weightlifting, SCUBA diving, hang gliding, backpacking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Too often we judge others by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions"
Why I chose Riverside: I auditioned here and was amazed by the cohesiveness and welcoming atmosphere of the residency and entire hospital. People truly care about one another and show that every day.
Advice to Medical Student: Trust the process, trust yourself, be engaged with the team.
Sean C. Boyles, D.O.
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Undergrad: University of New Mexico, BS in EMS
Medical School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: EMS, Flight Medicine, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Video games, machining and making, cooking
Personal Motto: "It always seems impossible until it is done."- Nelson Mandela
Why I Choose Riverside: I was initially attracted to Riverside because of the location, my family knew we wanted to be close to the water and the ocean. During the pre-interview mixer the residents all had great things to say about the program, the faculty, and the hospital and in the interview, I really got a feeling of how committed the faculty was to teaching new physicians. As someone who is very hands on and interested in procedures, the high volume of trauma and acute patients that Riverside sees is comparable to any other university trauma center, without having to compete with other specialties residents and fellows. I also appreciate that Riverside is not-for-profit.
Advice: Identify your individual study habits that are most effective, stay consistent with your studying. Prioritize your hobbies and self-care so that you stay motivated to study. Build a support system of people that you are able to rely on consistently to help you through struggles. Never feel afraid to admit you don't know something, learning medicine is a lifelong process and none of us will ever know everything.
Undergrad: University of New Mexico, BS in EMS
Medical School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: EMS, Flight Medicine, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Video games, machining and making, cooking
Personal Motto: "It always seems impossible until it is done."- Nelson Mandela
Why I Choose Riverside: I was initially attracted to Riverside because of the location, my family knew we wanted to be close to the water and the ocean. During the pre-interview mixer the residents all had great things to say about the program, the faculty, and the hospital and in the interview, I really got a feeling of how committed the faculty was to teaching new physicians. As someone who is very hands on and interested in procedures, the high volume of trauma and acute patients that Riverside sees is comparable to any other university trauma center, without having to compete with other specialties residents and fellows. I also appreciate that Riverside is not-for-profit.
Advice: Identify your individual study habits that are most effective, stay consistent with your studying. Prioritize your hobbies and self-care so that you stay motivated to study. Build a support system of people that you are able to rely on consistently to help you through struggles. Never feel afraid to admit you don't know something, learning medicine is a lifelong process and none of us will ever know everything.
Kimbrly Martin, D.O.
Hometown: Moneta, VA
Undergrad: Old Dominion University, BS Biology
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - VA
Interest Area: EMS, Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Wakesurfing, Hiking, Playing harmonica, Wakeboarding, Reading
Personal Motto: "Progress, not perfection"
Why I Choose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside solidified my choice during medical school. The attendings, residents, and other staff welcomed my presence while also encouraging me to push further in my knowledge and skills as a future physician. Attendings and residents explained their thought processes and gave feedback quickly in order to learn from the experience. I knew Riverside would be my home for the next three years when I left my audition rotation ready to turn around and stay.
Advice: Help in ways that don't just include the attendings or residents. The entire emergency staff needs support, and if you're not actively seeking every possible route to learn, your scope will be very limited. Don't be so focused on the medicine that you forget patients are there experiencing what no one wants to be in the emergency department for.
Undergrad: Old Dominion University, BS Biology
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - VA
Interest Area: EMS, Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Wakesurfing, Hiking, Playing harmonica, Wakeboarding, Reading
Personal Motto: "Progress, not perfection"
Why I Choose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside solidified my choice during medical school. The attendings, residents, and other staff welcomed my presence while also encouraging me to push further in my knowledge and skills as a future physician. Attendings and residents explained their thought processes and gave feedback quickly in order to learn from the experience. I knew Riverside would be my home for the next three years when I left my audition rotation ready to turn around and stay.
Advice: Help in ways that don't just include the attendings or residents. The entire emergency staff needs support, and if you're not actively seeking every possible route to learn, your scope will be very limited. Don't be so focused on the medicine that you forget patients are there experiencing what no one wants to be in the emergency department for.
Clayton Moore, D.O., PharmD, MS-PAS
Hometown: New Bern, NC
Undergrad: Campbell University, Pre-Pharmacy
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Vascular Access, Ultrasound, Toxicology, Hospice and Palliative Care
Personal Hobbies: Golf, Hiking, Fishing, Military History
Personal Motto: Perfection is unobtainable but it should be an asymptote to which we are endlessly striving.
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the family environment. The smaller program size and genuine compassion and desire to better the residents was apparent from the faculty and staff. Residency is hard. Having a team that cares about you as a person is important.
Advice: Learn how to take criticism. You're never expected to have all the right answers. Try and make yourself uncomfortable. Failure often is the best teacher if utilized properly.
Undergrad: Campbell University, Pre-Pharmacy
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Vascular Access, Ultrasound, Toxicology, Hospice and Palliative Care
Personal Hobbies: Golf, Hiking, Fishing, Military History
Personal Motto: Perfection is unobtainable but it should be an asymptote to which we are endlessly striving.
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the family environment. The smaller program size and genuine compassion and desire to better the residents was apparent from the faculty and staff. Residency is hard. Having a team that cares about you as a person is important.
Advice: Learn how to take criticism. You're never expected to have all the right answers. Try and make yourself uncomfortable. Failure often is the best teacher if utilized properly.
Savannah Newton, M.D.
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Undergrad: California Baptist University (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Interest Area: Ultrasound, pain management, palliative care, tactical medicine, EMS
Personal Hobbies: Swing dance, musical theater, travel, anime, video gaming
Personal Motto: "Humans are amphibians—half spirit and half animal... As spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time... their bodies, passions, and imaginations are in continual change, for to be in time means to change. Their nearest approach to constancy, therefore, is undulation... a series of troughs and peaks." -- CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Why I Choose Riverside: Ever since starting medical school, I couldn't wait to get back into a community hospital setting. The opportunity to jump straight into community medicine, alongside the promise of overall unopposed procedure time and more exposure to ultrasound, pain management, and palliative care, really enticed me. After participating in a 5-hour shift on a second look, I found my people right here--in Newport News, Virginia.
Advice: For exams--do your practice questions early; learn something as if you were going to teach it!
- For exercise--find something simple and stick to it a little bit every day!
- For personal growth--always go above and beyond, even if you don't have to!
- Finally... never respond to a surgeon's question with another question!
Kaiser Jacob Nieman, D.O.
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Undergrad: University of Utah- Anthropology
Medical School: Rocky Vista University- Southern Utah
Interest Area: Sports medicine, Wilderness medicine, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Ice hockey, golf, fly fishing, camping
Personal Motto: "You can do anything once"
Why I Choose Riverside: During my Sub-I as a fourth-year at Riverside, I was impressed by the depth of knowledge demonstrated by the attendings. They were always eager to explore any topic I had questions about and encouraged me to research areas where my understanding needed improvement. The residents were equally well-versed in all aspects of emergency medicine, which spoke highly of the quality of training at Riverside. Additionally, the support staff went above and beyond to create a stress-free learning environment, allowing me to focus entirely on my work in the emergency department. I was thrilled to learn that I had matched at Riverside and couldn't wait to begin my training!
Advice: While much easier said than done, I recommend medical students explore as many specialties within medicine as they possibly can and not become fixated on one specialty they chose before they even started med school. Everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and you could be missing out on something that is a perfect fit for you!
Undergrad: University of Utah- Anthropology
Medical School: Rocky Vista University- Southern Utah
Interest Area: Sports medicine, Wilderness medicine, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Ice hockey, golf, fly fishing, camping
Personal Motto: "You can do anything once"
Why I Choose Riverside: During my Sub-I as a fourth-year at Riverside, I was impressed by the depth of knowledge demonstrated by the attendings. They were always eager to explore any topic I had questions about and encouraged me to research areas where my understanding needed improvement. The residents were equally well-versed in all aspects of emergency medicine, which spoke highly of the quality of training at Riverside. Additionally, the support staff went above and beyond to create a stress-free learning environment, allowing me to focus entirely on my work in the emergency department. I was thrilled to learn that I had matched at Riverside and couldn't wait to begin my training!
Advice: While much easier said than done, I recommend medical students explore as many specialties within medicine as they possibly can and not become fixated on one specialty they chose before they even started med school. Everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and you could be missing out on something that is a perfect fit for you!
Alex Orta, D.O.
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Undergrad: University of Florida - Biology
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Addiction Medicine, Health Policy, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Backpacking, Hiking, Baking, Coffee, Fungiculture
Personal Motto: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Why I Choose Riverside: While rotating at my home institution’s emergency department, I met a Riverside EM graduate who was an incredible clinician and had nothing but great things to say about the program. That got me interested, and the more I learned, the more I knew it was the right fit. The curriculum is intense in the best way possible, packing the depth of a four-year program into three, and the location was a perfect change of pace from Florida’s never-ending summer. But what truly sealed the deal was meeting the residents and attendings. It just felt right. Now, I couldn’t be happier to call Riverside my home!
Advice: Mistakes are the key to success. Stay humble, open to feedback, and ready to learn. Your patients will be your best teachers!
Undergrad: University of Florida - Biology
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Addiction Medicine, Health Policy, Ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Backpacking, Hiking, Baking, Coffee, Fungiculture
Personal Motto: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Why I Choose Riverside: While rotating at my home institution’s emergency department, I met a Riverside EM graduate who was an incredible clinician and had nothing but great things to say about the program. That got me interested, and the more I learned, the more I knew it was the right fit. The curriculum is intense in the best way possible, packing the depth of a four-year program into three, and the location was a perfect change of pace from Florida’s never-ending summer. But what truly sealed the deal was meeting the residents and attendings. It just felt right. Now, I couldn’t be happier to call Riverside my home!
Advice: Mistakes are the key to success. Stay humble, open to feedback, and ready to learn. Your patients will be your best teachers!
Adam Smith, D.O.
Hometown: Bel Air, MD
Undergrad: Frostburg State University, Health Science
Medical School: University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Sports Medicine, EMS
Personal Hobbies: pickle ball, lacrosse, golf, woodworking, cooking
Personal Motto: Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant – Robert Louis Stevenson
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it gave me one of my best experiences from medical school. The high-acuity environment really challenged me, and I learned a lot from the attendings and residents. Everyone was supportive, and I felt like it was the perfect place to develop my skills and grow as a doctor.
Advice: My advice is to stay present and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you are fully participating or just observing, there is always something to learn. Ask questions, take initiative, and be open to feedback because it is all part of the process. Don't forget to enjoy the journey; the more you are invested in the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
Undergrad: Frostburg State University, Health Science
Medical School: University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Sports Medicine, EMS
Personal Hobbies: pickle ball, lacrosse, golf, woodworking, cooking
Personal Motto: Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant – Robert Louis Stevenson
Why I Choose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it gave me one of my best experiences from medical school. The high-acuity environment really challenged me, and I learned a lot from the attendings and residents. Everyone was supportive, and I felt like it was the perfect place to develop my skills and grow as a doctor.
Advice: My advice is to stay present and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you are fully participating or just observing, there is always something to learn. Ask questions, take initiative, and be open to feedback because it is all part of the process. Don't forget to enjoy the journey; the more you are invested in the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
Sydney Triest, D.O.
Hometown: Dearborn, MI
Undergrad: Albion College, BA Anthropology and Sociology
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Disaster Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, traveling
Personal Motto: N/A
Why I Choose Riverside: I really enjoyed my interview with Riverside. I felt like the attendings and residents who I interacted with were very engaged with the conversation and asked questions that made me feel they wanted to get to know me. The personalities that I met during my interview made me feel that I had found my match.
Advice: As a medical student you are so busy worrying about your next exam, knowing you should be studying, trying to keep up with seeing patients, and writing notes. While all of those things are important, some of the best things that I did as a medical student were not medical at all. I would encourage you to hunt down a warm blanket for a patient or family member, take a few more moments in the room to make a patient feel heard, etc. It might take you a few extra minutes each time, but I promise you won't remember all of the times you could have gotten a little bit more time studying in or maybe even gotten out early. You will remember the few times that you actually made someone feel better with a simple smile or the time you held a patient's hand while they were in pain, and it will remind you of why you went into medicine in the first place.
Undergrad: Albion College, BA Anthropology and Sociology
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interest Area: Disaster Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, traveling
Personal Motto: N/A
Why I Choose Riverside: I really enjoyed my interview with Riverside. I felt like the attendings and residents who I interacted with were very engaged with the conversation and asked questions that made me feel they wanted to get to know me. The personalities that I met during my interview made me feel that I had found my match.
Advice: As a medical student you are so busy worrying about your next exam, knowing you should be studying, trying to keep up with seeing patients, and writing notes. While all of those things are important, some of the best things that I did as a medical student were not medical at all. I would encourage you to hunt down a warm blanket for a patient or family member, take a few more moments in the room to make a patient feel heard, etc. It might take you a few extra minutes each time, but I promise you won't remember all of the times you could have gotten a little bit more time studying in or maybe even gotten out early. You will remember the few times that you actually made someone feel better with a simple smile or the time you held a patient's hand while they were in pain, and it will remind you of why you went into medicine in the first place.
Russ Burgin, M.D.
Hometown: Floyd, VA
Undergraduate Education: United States Military Academy, Political Science
Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Fitness, Cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're D.O.ing it, you're probably D.O.ing it wrong." -Ted Lasso
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it offered me everything I was looking for in a residency program. Great team, great patients, and the ability to learn the craft of emergency medicine in a community setting with all the best parts of academic medicine (supportive faculty, high patient volume/acuity/complexity) without the worst parts (lots of other residents/fellows, etc.).
Advice to Medical Students: D.O.n't just think about what your life will be like in the residency program you choose during residency. Think about what your life will be like years later, with the addition of family, where you might want to live, and what you want your lifestyle to be.
Undergraduate Education: United States Military Academy, Political Science
Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Fitness, Cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're D.O.ing it, you're probably D.O.ing it wrong." -Ted Lasso
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because it offered me everything I was looking for in a residency program. Great team, great patients, and the ability to learn the craft of emergency medicine in a community setting with all the best parts of academic medicine (supportive faculty, high patient volume/acuity/complexity) without the worst parts (lots of other residents/fellows, etc.).
Advice to Medical Students: D.O.n't just think about what your life will be like in the residency program you choose during residency. Think about what your life will be like years later, with the addition of family, where you might want to live, and what you want your lifestyle to be.
Marisela Davis, D.O.
Hometown: Ewa Beach, HI
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Biochemistry
Medical School: VCOM - VA
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, EMS
Personal Hobbies: Bouldering, Running, Being a Dog Mom, Caring for my House Plants
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Anyone can cook but only the fearless can be great." - Ratatouille
Why I chose Riverside: As a rotating medical student I had opportunities I wasn't able to get anywhere else. I had one on one time with attendings and close mentoring from staff that was incredibly valuable to me as third/fourth year medical student. All the faculty and residents I worked with were so happy to have me join their team and kept me involved every step of the way. I received meaningful feedback that helped me grow as a student and really wanted to be back in that environment for residency!
Advice to Medical Students: Go the extra mile, read up on things you saw on shifts, and be kind to yourself!
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Biochemistry
Medical School: VCOM - VA
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, EMS
Personal Hobbies: Bouldering, Running, Being a Dog Mom, Caring for my House Plants
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Anyone can cook but only the fearless can be great." - Ratatouille
Why I chose Riverside: As a rotating medical student I had opportunities I wasn't able to get anywhere else. I had one on one time with attendings and close mentoring from staff that was incredibly valuable to me as third/fourth year medical student. All the faculty and residents I worked with were so happy to have me join their team and kept me involved every step of the way. I received meaningful feedback that helped me grow as a student and really wanted to be back in that environment for residency!
Advice to Medical Students: Go the extra mile, read up on things you saw on shifts, and be kind to yourself!
Josh Gibson, D.O.
Hometown: Falls Church, VA
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Disaster, Tactical, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Family time and Outdoor Adventures
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We improve ourselves by victories over yourself. There must be contests, and you must win." -Edward Gibbon
Why I chose Riverside: Choosing the right residency program for a student with a large family requires a lot of research, which led me to Riverside. I am very happy to be back in Virginia, at place where my family can call home. The Williamsburg and Yorktown areas are rich with history. The schools are the best in the state. There is so much to do from beaches and theme parks to museums and battlefields. The program is well organized and focused on learning. There are no competing residencies for airways or procedures, an abundance of pathology, acuity and volume.
Advice to Medical Students: All education is a guide, to be an expert at something you need to actively devote serious effort to better yourself. Experience is not enough; we all drive everyday, yet NASCAR has called none of us for our expert advice. Studying medicine everyday will not make you any more of an expert in your field. Use your education and experience to guide your growth. Work hard, have fun, rise to challenges, try and fail, reflect and learn, work hard, try again.
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Disaster, Tactical, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Family time and Outdoor Adventures
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We improve ourselves by victories over yourself. There must be contests, and you must win." -Edward Gibbon
Why I chose Riverside: Choosing the right residency program for a student with a large family requires a lot of research, which led me to Riverside. I am very happy to be back in Virginia, at place where my family can call home. The Williamsburg and Yorktown areas are rich with history. The schools are the best in the state. There is so much to do from beaches and theme parks to museums and battlefields. The program is well organized and focused on learning. There are no competing residencies for airways or procedures, an abundance of pathology, acuity and volume.
Advice to Medical Students: All education is a guide, to be an expert at something you need to actively devote serious effort to better yourself. Experience is not enough; we all drive everyday, yet NASCAR has called none of us for our expert advice. Studying medicine everyday will not make you any more of an expert in your field. Use your education and experience to guide your growth. Work hard, have fun, rise to challenges, try and fail, reflect and learn, work hard, try again.
Patrick Lilburn, D.O.
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Undergraduate Education: Roanoke College, BS Biology
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Golf, Video Games, Snowboarding
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We march to victory, or we march to defeat, but we go forward, only forward." Stannis Baratheon, GOT
Why I chose Riverside: Residency is about learning, and honing your craft. The Riverside Emergency Medicine Program puts a strong emphasis on education in a high intensity environment and implements these goals in a deliberate fashion. Beyond the robust training, the camaraderie among residents, attendings and other hospital staff was apparent from my first day with Riverside as a medical student. Coming home to Virginia to step fully into the role of Physician under the guidance of the Riverside community is a decision I D.O.n't have to think twice about.
Advice to Medical Students: Show up early, ask any and all questions you have, and be a team player-you will lead the team someday. This journey is about learning not just medicine, but how to work effectively with others for the benefit of patients.
Undergraduate Education: Roanoke College, BS Biology
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Critical Care
Personal Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Golf, Video Games, Snowboarding
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "We march to victory, or we march to defeat, but we go forward, only forward." Stannis Baratheon, GOT
Why I chose Riverside: Residency is about learning, and honing your craft. The Riverside Emergency Medicine Program puts a strong emphasis on education in a high intensity environment and implements these goals in a deliberate fashion. Beyond the robust training, the camaraderie among residents, attendings and other hospital staff was apparent from my first day with Riverside as a medical student. Coming home to Virginia to step fully into the role of Physician under the guidance of the Riverside community is a decision I D.O.n't have to think twice about.
Advice to Medical Students: Show up early, ask any and all questions you have, and be a team player-you will lead the team someday. This journey is about learning not just medicine, but how to work effectively with others for the benefit of patients.
Sophia Mallari, D.O.
Hometown: Waterford, CT
Undergraduate Education: Smith College, Chemistry
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Not sure yet!
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, Surfing, Beach Combing, Playing Piano, Weightlifting
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
Why I chose Riverside: The Riverside family was a VIBE. The faculty and residents alike were so supportive, welcoming, and reassuring that I could make this my new home away from home. The patient population, proximity to the beach, and the feedback from residents were just icing on the cake.
Advice to Medical Students: It all works out. Follow your heart, find what you love, work hard, make connections, and the rest will fall in place.
Undergraduate Education: Smith College, Chemistry
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Not sure yet!
Personal Hobbies: Cooking, Surfing, Beach Combing, Playing Piano, Weightlifting
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
Why I chose Riverside: The Riverside family was a VIBE. The faculty and residents alike were so supportive, welcoming, and reassuring that I could make this my new home away from home. The patient population, proximity to the beach, and the feedback from residents were just icing on the cake.
Advice to Medical Students: It all works out. Follow your heart, find what you love, work hard, make connections, and the rest will fall in place.
Trevor Parrett, D.O.
Hometown: Norton Shores, MI
Undergraduate Education: Hope College, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: A.T. Still University
EM Interest Areas: Wilderness Medicine, Event, Tactical, Disaster
Personal Hobbies: Boating, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Tubing, Climbing, Backpacking, Soccer, Travel, Golf
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place." -Mark Twain
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside is dedicated to resident wellness and performance. The program is family friendly, cares for a diverse patient population and prepares residents to practice emergency medicine in any setting.
Advice to Medical Students: Be your own advocate. Find opportunities and take advantage of them when they present themselves.
Undergraduate Education: Hope College, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: A.T. Still University
EM Interest Areas: Wilderness Medicine, Event, Tactical, Disaster
Personal Hobbies: Boating, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Tubing, Climbing, Backpacking, Soccer, Travel, Golf
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place." -Mark Twain
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside is dedicated to resident wellness and performance. The program is family friendly, cares for a diverse patient population and prepares residents to practice emergency medicine in any setting.
Advice to Medical Students: Be your own advocate. Find opportunities and take advantage of them when they present themselves.
Christopher Paulo, D.O.
Hometown: Salinas, CA
Undergraduate Education: CSU, Chico, BS Cell/Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word
EM Interest Areas: Mass Casualty, Wilderness medicine
Personal Hobbies: Writing, MMA/Jiu Jitsu, Overlanding, Being a Father
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and learn to put your head down and hammer nails. When you feel you have hammered enough, put your head D.O.wn and hammer more. One day you will look up and realize you have built an entire house.
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the culture. Simply put, I could feel the love. I had a faculty member during medical school who warned often of the value of great culture in a residency and the horrors that accompany toxic environments. Never once did I feel out of place or unwelcome while rotating at Riverside. From the program director to the admin and support staff, the entire program at Riverside is built to ensure the success of the student and resident. This meant more to me than any words could express.
Advice to Medical Students: 1000 no's for 1 yes. Hammer nails and know in your heart you are capable. Remember your why. On this long road, there will be moments of self-D.O.ubt and unrelenting feelings of uncertainty. Remember your why and always circle back to this when those moments seem to last forever. The world will still turn, tomorrow will come, the light will shine again, and you WILL be a physician.
Undergraduate Education: CSU, Chico, BS Cell/Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word
EM Interest Areas: Mass Casualty, Wilderness medicine
Personal Hobbies: Writing, MMA/Jiu Jitsu, Overlanding, Being a Father
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and learn to put your head down and hammer nails. When you feel you have hammered enough, put your head D.O.wn and hammer more. One day you will look up and realize you have built an entire house.
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because of the culture. Simply put, I could feel the love. I had a faculty member during medical school who warned often of the value of great culture in a residency and the horrors that accompany toxic environments. Never once did I feel out of place or unwelcome while rotating at Riverside. From the program director to the admin and support staff, the entire program at Riverside is built to ensure the success of the student and resident. This meant more to me than any words could express.
Advice to Medical Students: 1000 no's for 1 yes. Hammer nails and know in your heart you are capable. Remember your why. On this long road, there will be moments of self-D.O.ubt and unrelenting feelings of uncertainty. Remember your why and always circle back to this when those moments seem to last forever. The world will still turn, tomorrow will come, the light will shine again, and you WILL be a physician.
Carlo Zamora, D.O.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Education: University of Illinois Chicago, BS Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Sepsis Care, Design Thinking in Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Music, Reading, Gym, Sports, Theological and Biblical Topics, Watch Collecting, Fashion
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you don't learn how to laugh, you'll cry"
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was an easy choice not only because of the quality of training offered, but because I discovered how much everyone wanted me to be the best and most genuine version of myself during my virtual interview day. I was faced with the hilariously unfortunate dilemma of having construction occur directly above me at a hotel which accidentally activated fire alarms twice during my interview with Dr. Polsinelli. I was forced to run out of my room as firetrucks arrived and finished my interview day from the parking lot. Thinking I blew my interview, I was reassured of the opposite and was encouraged by how I handled the situation.
Advice to Medical Students: Genuine kindness and humility goes a long way. Everyone is carrying some sort of burden when they show up for work, yet we do our best to come together with one unified goal to provide, hopefully, the best care possible to our patients. Extend that care to your attendings, residents, fellow students, staff and families of patients. Offer a thoughtful gesture if someone is having a hard time, pick up an extra task to help with efficiency, set up the incoming shift's workers for success, be able to receive feedback with humility, bring a blanket or cup of water for family members waiting at the bedside of their loved one, etc.
Undergraduate Education: University of Illinois Chicago, BS Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Sepsis Care, Design Thinking in Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Music, Reading, Gym, Sports, Theological and Biblical Topics, Watch Collecting, Fashion
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you don't learn how to laugh, you'll cry"
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was an easy choice not only because of the quality of training offered, but because I discovered how much everyone wanted me to be the best and most genuine version of myself during my virtual interview day. I was faced with the hilariously unfortunate dilemma of having construction occur directly above me at a hotel which accidentally activated fire alarms twice during my interview with Dr. Polsinelli. I was forced to run out of my room as firetrucks arrived and finished my interview day from the parking lot. Thinking I blew my interview, I was reassured of the opposite and was encouraged by how I handled the situation.
Advice to Medical Students: Genuine kindness and humility goes a long way. Everyone is carrying some sort of burden when they show up for work, yet we do our best to come together with one unified goal to provide, hopefully, the best care possible to our patients. Extend that care to your attendings, residents, fellow students, staff and families of patients. Offer a thoughtful gesture if someone is having a hard time, pick up an extra task to help with efficiency, set up the incoming shift's workers for success, be able to receive feedback with humility, bring a blanket or cup of water for family members waiting at the bedside of their loved one, etc.
Christopher Anderson, D.O.
Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Microbiology
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Hiking, Sailing
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Economy of effort. Never stand up when you can sit D.O.wn, and never sit D.O.wn when you can lie D.O.wn." - Winston Churchill
Why I chose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside was by far the best experience that I had in medical school. The attendings and residents actively went out of their way to involve me in patient care and procedures as well as explain their thought processes in a constructive and easily digestible manner. The residents were extremely welcoming and had a culture of positivity and support for each other that I had not seen anywhere else. I knew that Riverside was where I wanted to be for the next three years of my medical training.
Advice to Medical Student: Being present is the best thing for a medical student, especially one interested in EM. Ask questions, volunteer for procedures or ask to watch, and try to improve patient interactions in the department. Always be on the search for something to D.O. no matter how small you think it is. You would be surprised how far something as simple as getting a blanket will improve both the patient's stay and the hospital staff's perception of you.
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech, BS Microbiology
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Fly Fishing, Hiking, Sailing
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Economy of effort. Never stand up when you can sit D.O.wn, and never sit D.O.wn when you can lie D.O.wn." - Winston Churchill
Why I chose Riverside: My audition rotation at Riverside was by far the best experience that I had in medical school. The attendings and residents actively went out of their way to involve me in patient care and procedures as well as explain their thought processes in a constructive and easily digestible manner. The residents were extremely welcoming and had a culture of positivity and support for each other that I had not seen anywhere else. I knew that Riverside was where I wanted to be for the next three years of my medical training.
Advice to Medical Student: Being present is the best thing for a medical student, especially one interested in EM. Ask questions, volunteer for procedures or ask to watch, and try to improve patient interactions in the department. Always be on the search for something to D.O. no matter how small you think it is. You would be surprised how far something as simple as getting a blanket will improve both the patient's stay and the hospital staff's perception of you.
Abigail Cole, D.O.
Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia, B.S. in Chemistry
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Too many!!! But if I had to narrow it down, it would be global health, wilderness medicine, and ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Traveling (one day I will have traveled the world – I may be 99 years old when it happens, but it will happen), hiking, scuba diving, gardening, and beekeeping
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Elegant in its simplicity"
Why I chose Riverside: It was my audition here that sold me. I was able to see how Riverside is such an amazing community hospital with extremely knowledgeable and skilled faculty. You see an extremely diverse patient population with a high level of acuity and never run out of procedures.
Advice to Medical Student: Show up early, recheck your patients, and always look for ways to improve/learn.
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia, B.S. in Chemistry
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Too many!!! But if I had to narrow it down, it would be global health, wilderness medicine, and ultrasound
Personal Hobbies: Traveling (one day I will have traveled the world – I may be 99 years old when it happens, but it will happen), hiking, scuba diving, gardening, and beekeeping
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Elegant in its simplicity"
Why I chose Riverside: It was my audition here that sold me. I was able to see how Riverside is such an amazing community hospital with extremely knowledgeable and skilled faculty. You see an extremely diverse patient population with a high level of acuity and never run out of procedures.
Advice to Medical Student: Show up early, recheck your patients, and always look for ways to improve/learn.
Alexandra (Alexx) Dunk, D.O.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach – BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global medicine, medical education
Personal Hobbies: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cooking, watching cooking competition shows, skateboarding, snowboarding, metal concerts, eating shabu shabu, traveling
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you’re interested in something, go try it! You never know if you’ll fall in love with it."
Why I chose Riverside: The mission of Riverside and the personalities of all the current residents and attendings I met aligned with my values. It is easy to tell that everyone is happy working here, and that is evident now with how many residents have chosen to stay on as attendings.
Advice to Medical Student: Showing up early does not go unnoticed, be engaged and always recheck your patients. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and research the answer when you can.
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach – BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global medicine, medical education
Personal Hobbies: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cooking, watching cooking competition shows, skateboarding, snowboarding, metal concerts, eating shabu shabu, traveling
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If you’re interested in something, go try it! You never know if you’ll fall in love with it."
Why I chose Riverside: The mission of Riverside and the personalities of all the current residents and attendings I met aligned with my values. It is easy to tell that everyone is happy working here, and that is evident now with how many residents have chosen to stay on as attendings.
Advice to Medical Student: Showing up early does not go unnoticed, be engaged and always recheck your patients. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and research the answer when you can.
John Kerber, D.O.
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate Education: Denison University: Biology
Graduate University and major: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Pediatrics, Wilderness
Personal Hobbies: Traveling the World, Hiking, Wine, Flying
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."
Why I chose Riverside: Unique location, caring teaching staff, and diverse patient pathology.
Advice to Medical Student: Don't be a fly on the wall. The best learning comes from getting your hands dirty as part of the treatment team.
Undergraduate Education: Denison University: Biology
Graduate University and major: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, Pediatrics, Wilderness
Personal Hobbies: Traveling the World, Hiking, Wine, Flying
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."
Why I chose Riverside: Unique location, caring teaching staff, and diverse patient pathology.
Advice to Medical Student: Don't be a fly on the wall. The best learning comes from getting your hands dirty as part of the treatment team.
Monika Krzak, D.O.
Hometown: Farmington, Connecticut
Undergraduate Education: University At Buffalo, Biology
Medical School: Kansas City University School of Medicine and Biosciences
EM Interest Areas: Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: I have a diverse set of hobbies including working out, hanging out with my two dogs Axel and Peach, reading a good book, cooking, and I have my artsy pursuits for when I really have the energy. I also live for hikes, paddle boarding, and anything outdoors.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "What is done in love is done well" - Vincent van Gogh
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for its abundance of pathology (seriously this place is a gold mine), closer distance to my family, and the proximity to a large body of water where I could pursue some of my watersport hobbies. When I interviewed here in person, I felt at home and that I would be nurtured and supported here as an adult learner by faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Just be yourself...not who you think we want you to be.
Undergraduate Education: University At Buffalo, Biology
Medical School: Kansas City University School of Medicine and Biosciences
EM Interest Areas: Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: I have a diverse set of hobbies including working out, hanging out with my two dogs Axel and Peach, reading a good book, cooking, and I have my artsy pursuits for when I really have the energy. I also live for hikes, paddle boarding, and anything outdoors.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "What is done in love is done well" - Vincent van Gogh
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for its abundance of pathology (seriously this place is a gold mine), closer distance to my family, and the proximity to a large body of water where I could pursue some of my watersport hobbies. When I interviewed here in person, I felt at home and that I would be nurtured and supported here as an adult learner by faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Just be yourself...not who you think we want you to be.
Julia Lerner, M.D., MA
Hometown: Melville, NY
Undergraduate Education: Arcadia University, Scientific and Pre-Medical Illustration
Graduate Education: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Master’s in Medical and Biological Illustration
Medical School: Alpert Medical School of Brown University
EM Interest Areas: Simulation and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Knitting, playing music, cooking (eating)
Why I chose Riverside: Amazing location, high acuity, happy residents, great clinical experience, and fantastic vibes.
Advice to Medical Students: "Keep an open mind. Choose some rotations outside of your specialty of interest."
Undergraduate Education: Arcadia University, Scientific and Pre-Medical Illustration
Graduate Education: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Master’s in Medical and Biological Illustration
Medical School: Alpert Medical School of Brown University
EM Interest Areas: Simulation and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Knitting, playing music, cooking (eating)
Why I chose Riverside: Amazing location, high acuity, happy residents, great clinical experience, and fantastic vibes.
Advice to Medical Students: "Keep an open mind. Choose some rotations outside of your specialty of interest."
Garrett Peak, D.O.
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Undergraduate Education: Randolph-Macon College, Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Motorcycle Riding, Camping, Hiking, Iaido
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was home to me, and a place I very easily could have made home had it not been.
Advice to Medical Student: Find where you fit, go on away rotations, and stress much less.
Undergraduate Education: Randolph-Macon College, Biology
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: EMS, Wilderness Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Motorcycle Riding, Camping, Hiking, Iaido
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Why I chose Riverside: Riverside was home to me, and a place I very easily could have made home had it not been.
Advice to Medical Student: Find where you fit, go on away rotations, and stress much less.
Austin Shanks, M.D.
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Undergraduate Education: University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Biochemical and Cellular and Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
EM Interest Areas: Emergency Medical Services
Personal Hobbies: Avid gardener, above average BBQ chef, history buff, and hiker
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive."
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because I believe in the critical mission of medicine: enhance patient well-being through high-quality care, committed providers, and organizational collaboration.
Advice to Medical Student: Practicing medicine is the best job in the world, but 4th year is the best year of your life.
Undergraduate Education: University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Biochemical and Cellular and Molecular Biology
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center
EM Interest Areas: Emergency Medical Services
Personal Hobbies: Avid gardener, above average BBQ chef, history buff, and hiker
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive."
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside because I believe in the critical mission of medicine: enhance patient well-being through high-quality care, committed providers, and organizational collaboration.
Advice to Medical Student: Practicing medicine is the best job in the world, but 4th year is the best year of your life.
Chandler Davis, D.O.
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech
Medical School: VCOM - Virginia
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, tactical medicine, wilderness medicine, disaster medicine.
Personal Hobbies: Weightlifting, golf, boxing, reading, hiking with my dog
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing”
Why I chose Riverside: My experience on my audition here sold me on the program. The faculty was extremely welcoming and supportive. The learning environment here is unparalleled. I could not think of a better place to spend my three years of training.
Advice to Medical Student: Do not be afraid of failure. Never be late and absorb as much as you can.
Kerilyn Kimball, D.O.
Hometown: Portland, CT
Undergraduate Education: University of Connecticut
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Wilderness medicine and disaster relief international
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, Kayaking, live music, and eating…lots of eating
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "You don’t know unless you try”
Why I chose Riverside: Hands down, the people. From the patient population to the faculty and staff. The learning opportunities are endless, and it is in an environment designed to train excellent physicians while fostering lasting relationships between co-workers.
Advice to Medical Student: Ask the question. Be kind. Love what you are doing (one bad day, is just one day)
Dana Page, D.O.
Hometown: Okemos, MI
Undergraduate Education: Kalamazoo College
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global Health, AirCare/EMS, Sports Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking with my Aussie, snowboarding, mountain biking – and falling off my mountain bike, Disc golf, slow pitch softball, spike ball and volleyball.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”
Why I chose Riverside: I immediately felt a sense of belonging here. I love that this program is focused on making it the best learning experience possible. The opportunities here are unmatched.
Advice to Medical Student: My advice would be to trust yourself and know that everything will work out. You are meant to be here.
Undergraduate Education: Kalamazoo College
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Global Health, AirCare/EMS, Sports Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Hiking with my Aussie, snowboarding, mountain biking – and falling off my mountain bike, Disc golf, slow pitch softball, spike ball and volleyball.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”
Why I chose Riverside: I immediately felt a sense of belonging here. I love that this program is focused on making it the best learning experience possible. The opportunities here are unmatched.
Advice to Medical Student: My advice would be to trust yourself and know that everything will work out. You are meant to be here.
Jason Prater, D.O.
Hometown: Grundy, VA
Undergraduate Education: Radford University
Medical School: LECOM
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, critical care, rural EM
Personal Hobbies: Fishing, watching/playing sports, spending time with my wife and son.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "It is never too late to be what you might have been”
Why I chose Riverside: High level of acuity. Only trauma center on the peninsula. Strong community program. Great faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Be on time. Be interested. Always offer to help.
Undergraduate Education: Radford University
Medical School: LECOM
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound, critical care, rural EM
Personal Hobbies: Fishing, watching/playing sports, spending time with my wife and son.
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "It is never too late to be what you might have been”
Why I chose Riverside: High level of acuity. Only trauma center on the peninsula. Strong community program. Great faculty.
Advice to Medical Student: Be on time. Be interested. Always offer to help.
Michael Shallcross, M.D.
Hometown: Oakton, VA
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia – B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Critical Care and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Golf, downhill and Backcountry Skiing, Weight Training, Tenor/Bass Trombone, and Washington D.C. Sports
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference". — Robert Frost
Why I chose Riverside: I have already had the wonderful opportunity to complete a residency in Family Medicine at Riverside, and the decision to continue my training at Riverside was easy. The program's focus on academic medicine and continued support from the attending faculty in training resident physicians is unmatched. Our diverse patient demographic with high acuity in a community hospital setting allows for ample opportunities to learn and grow to become a competent and confident EM physician.
Advice to Medical Student: 1. Showing up early, being respectful to everyone you interact with daily and maintaining a positive attitude will take you far. 2. Always reassess your patients, as this will lead to continued learning and better patient-centered care. 3. Communication is key!
Undergraduate Education: University of Virginia – B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Critical Care and Medical Education
Personal Hobbies: Golf, downhill and Backcountry Skiing, Weight Training, Tenor/Bass Trombone, and Washington D.C. Sports
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference". — Robert Frost
Why I chose Riverside: I have already had the wonderful opportunity to complete a residency in Family Medicine at Riverside, and the decision to continue my training at Riverside was easy. The program's focus on academic medicine and continued support from the attending faculty in training resident physicians is unmatched. Our diverse patient demographic with high acuity in a community hospital setting allows for ample opportunities to learn and grow to become a competent and confident EM physician.
Advice to Medical Student: 1. Showing up early, being respectful to everyone you interact with daily and maintaining a positive attitude will take you far. 2. Always reassess your patients, as this will lead to continued learning and better patient-centered care. 3. Communication is key!
Zachary Smith, M.D.
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Undergraduate Education: Christopher Newport University
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound and EMS
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, painting, lapel pin collecting, and cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "This is the greatest challenge to being alive to witness the injustice of this world, and not allow it to consume our light”
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for the people. I always wanted a residency program that felt like family and here it does.
Advice to Medical Student: Always be yourself, study hard, but in the end remember we are treating a person not a disease. Lastly, never give up. There will be tough days but lean on those around you.
Undergraduate Education: Christopher Newport University
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
EM Interest Areas: Ultrasound and EMS
Personal Hobbies: Hiking, painting, lapel pin collecting, and cooking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "This is the greatest challenge to being alive to witness the injustice of this world, and not allow it to consume our light”
Why I chose Riverside: I chose Riverside for the people. I always wanted a residency program that felt like family and here it does.
Advice to Medical Student: Always be yourself, study hard, but in the end remember we are treating a person not a disease. Lastly, never give up. There will be tough days but lean on those around you.
Brandon Snyder, D.O.
Hometown: Corning, OH
Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Research, Medical Education, Addiction Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Woodworking, Baking, Knitting, playing with my cat Mocha, Watching movies
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" – Carl Sagan
Why I chose Riverside: Opportunity to be part of a growing residency, amazing faculty, high acuity
Advice to Medical Student: Always take advantage of the opportunities that are presented, but do not forget to take care of yourself outside of medicine.
Undergraduate Education: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
EM Interest Areas: Research, Medical Education, Addiction Medicine
Personal Hobbies: Woodworking, Baking, Knitting, playing with my cat Mocha, Watching movies
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" – Carl Sagan
Why I chose Riverside: Opportunity to be part of a growing residency, amazing faculty, high acuity
Advice to Medical Student: Always take advantage of the opportunities that are presented, but do not forget to take care of yourself outside of medicine.
Kyle Tarro, D.O.
Hometown: Centreville, VA
Undergraduate Education: George Mason University
Medical School: VCOM - Virginia
EM Interest Areas: Resuscitation, critical care, quality improvement
Personal Hobbies: Soccer, weightlifting, SCUBA diving, hang gliding, backpacking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Too often we judge others by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions"
Why I chose Riverside: I auditioned here and was amazed by the cohesiveness and welcoming atmosphere of the residency and entire hospital. People truly care about one another and show that every day.
Advice to Medical Student: Trust the process, trust yourself, be engaged with the team.
Undergraduate Education: George Mason University
Medical School: VCOM - Virginia
EM Interest Areas: Resuscitation, critical care, quality improvement
Personal Hobbies: Soccer, weightlifting, SCUBA diving, hang gliding, backpacking
Personal Motto/Favorite Quote: "Too often we judge others by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions"
Why I chose Riverside: I auditioned here and was amazed by the cohesiveness and welcoming atmosphere of the residency and entire hospital. People truly care about one another and show that every day.
Advice to Medical Student: Trust the process, trust yourself, be engaged with the team.