Current Residents—The MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program in Family Medicine

Georgetown University School of Medicine
University of Tennessee

I grew up in a multi-generational family in rural Tennessee where I learned how to love and take care of my neighbors. I then moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee where I majored in microbiology and minored in public health. Interested in public policy and public health, I moved to Washington, D.C.  to attend medical school at Georgetown. During medical school, I was a Health Justice Scholar which provided me the opportunity to advocate for harm reduction and healthcare equity at the local and federal levels. During my 3rd and 4th years of medical school, I was lucky to complete rotations at the Family Health Center. I could not be more thrilled to be returning to Franklin Square for residency!

Indiana University School of Medicine
University of Louisville 

I was born and raised in Southern Indiana in a home that placed a strong emphasis on service and community. I always saw myself becoming a physician, but it was during my undergraduate studies at the University of Louisville that I was introduced to public health. I spent the following two years in Norway pursuing a graduate degree in this field through a Rotary Global Grant, during which I began to realize the vital connection between medicine and public health. This was further emphasized during my subsequent year of AmeriCorps service, through which I saw real-life examples of physicians simultaneously engaged in both fields.

I returned to my home state to attend Indiana University School of Medicine, where I pursued opportunities to combine my interests through work with our student-run free clinic, rotations with county and state health departments, and global health experience in Kenya. Family Medicine always felt like the right fit for me due to its emphasis on longitudinal and broad-spectrum care. I believe that family physicians are uniquely equipped to serve as leaders and advocates due to their position in and direct contact with the community.

I am thrilled to continue my training in both Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine at MedStar Franklin Square and Johns Hopkins. The uniqueness of the combined program was the initial draw for me, but the warmth and engagement I experienced during the interview process convinced me that it was the ideal fit. I look forward to further exploring the social determinants of health and health disparities while receiving training that prioritizes both individual and population-level care.

My clinical interests include women’s health, preventive care, behavioral health, and care for underserved and marginalized populations locally and abroad. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, travelling with my spouse, cooking, and spending time outside hiking and backpacking.

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Brigham Young University

I grew up in a small farm town in rural Alaska surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests. After high school I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the south of France for two years, after which I attended Brigham Young University, where I majored in microbiology, minored in chemistry, and got my French language certificate. During this time, I also began to develop an interest in public health and systems-level solutions to improving health, which helped motivate me to pursue a combined MD/MPH program through the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. During medical school I fell in love with family medicine as the specialty that best aligned with my passion for holistic, longitudinal, and preventive care for all kinds of patients. I'm particularly passionate about high-value care and healthcare cost reduction and look forward to the opportunity to learn, grow, and help care for the Baltimore community!

In my free time I love spending time with my wife and kids, creative writing, video games, paleontology, exercise, and spending time outdoors.

Meharry Medical College
Trinity University

Hello to anyone reading this! My name is Matthew Burke, and I’m proud to call San Antonio, Texas, my hometown. I graduated from Trinity University with a degree in Biology, knowing full well that medicine and becoming a physician was my dream. I then attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, one of the four historically Black medical schools in the U.S. There, I met my incredible wife, Jessica, a Family Medicine resident in Baltimore. Together, we have a beautiful daughter, Blakely, our world, and a tiny toy poodle, Copper, who somehow manages to get VIP access wherever we go.

Some of my proudest accomplishments include being a devoted husband and father, publishing research on teaching racism in the clinical setting to patients and learners (residents and medical students) in collaboration with Dr. Samantha Wang and Stanford Medicine, and of course, becoming a Family Medicine physician. My passion for this field was deeply influenced by my sister, Rebecca, a Family Medicine physician specializing in Palliative Care. I watched in awe as she built meaningful connections with her patients and provided comfort in their final moments. The heartfelt letters from families, thanking her for the compassionate care she provided to their loved ones, left a lasting impression on me. That sense of impact and service solidified my calling to Family Medicine. I want to be that kind of beacon for my community.

MedStar Health left a lasting impression on me during interviews. I had never seen such a positive response from residents about their training, support, and true sense of belonging. It was clear to me that this was a place where I could thrive, so ranking MedStar as my number one choice for residency was an easy decision. By God's grace, I am here now and couldn’t be more excited. I’m thrilled to serve the greater Baltimore community, and who knows, after years of heartbreak as a Cowboys fan, maybe I’ll even make the switch to the Ravens.

I’m honored to be your doctor. Looking forward to this journey ahead!

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences – KCOM
Temple University

Hello everyone! I would just like to say that I am so incredibly excited to be a part of the Family Medicine residency program here at Med Star Franklin Square.

Born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, PA, moving just a short ride down i95 to Baltimore still feels like home! My passions are deeply rooted in the rich culture, the diversity, and the lifestyle of metropolitan cities on the East Coast, and I feel so grateful to be able to continue my career here as a resident physician. As a first-generation both college graduate and physician, I take immense pride in my upbringing within the public school system and certainly owe credit to the unwavering support of my loved ones and all of my mentors along this journey (shoutout Temple Owls!).

Some fun facts about me; I really enjoy sunset photography, hanging out with my niece and nephew, salsa and bachata dancing, and trying new cuisines! In addition, I recently had the honor of traveling to the beautiful island of Cuba and providing free healthcare in the rural, underserved areas of Havana and Matanzas (the birthplace of my maternal ancestors) for two weeks! I am already looking forward to my next global health trip in the future.

I can't wait to meet you in clinic soon, and I feel privileged to be able to call myself your PCP! Yo hablo español, también!

University College Cork School of Medicine
College of William & Mary

I am so excited to be joining the MedStar Franklin Square team! Forever a Hoosier at heart, I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, with 8 siblings and parents who emphasized the importance of kindness, hard work, and generosity. These values have shaped who I am and what kind of doctor I strive to be. I love the opportunities for relationship building and full-spectrum care family medicine offers and have special interests in women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.

I studied neuroscience at the College of William & Mary before going across the pond to continue my medical education at University College Cork’s School of Medicine. I am eager to continue my education and training to best provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the Baltimore community.

In my free time, I love traveling with my fiancé, listening to podcasts, watching scary movies, and reading! Some of my favorite things include tea, coffee, and the NYT trio of Connections, Wordle, and the Mini Crossword.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
West Virginia University

I am a West Virginia native, and I grew up in the small town of Bridgeport, WV. Growing up I spent the majority of my time playing sports including football, wrestling, and track. From there I moved just thirty minutes north to Morgantown, WV, where I attended WVU majoring in Exercise Physiology. This was a pivotal time for me having the opportunity to be at place significantly larger and diverse with the student population. It was then I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, in order to care for any and all to live long and healthy lives.

Being the first doctor in my family, my path here was not always linear. Spending time after college as a nurse’s aide, inspired by my mom and sister who are a nurse and nurse practitioner. Having those interactions and direct patient care experience, it was only natural to find myself down the path of family medicine upon my acceptance to medical school.

Outside of my professional life, you can find me socializing with friends and family, cooking, golfing, running, or exploring whatever new adventure comes my way!

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Warner Pacific University

As the first in my family to become a Western physician, following generations of traditional healers, I carry a deep respect for both modern medicine and ancestral wisdom. I have spent my life along the West Coast, from California’s sunlit shores to the misty rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. With this upbringing, I carry with me a reverence for the connection between the environment, well-being, and the many ways people find healing.

Trained as a DO, I embrace a whole-person approach to care, emphasizing prevention, patient empowerment, and the body’s innate ability to heal. Along my journey to becoming a physician, I became involved with space medicine through research, international conferences, and rotations with entities including NASA. My growing interest and involvement in aerospace medicine has deepened my passion for the intersections of health, human performance, and innovation that only amplify the work I do here on the ground. Outside of medicine, I find inspiration in the arts and a sense of home and clarity in the forests and mountaintops. I am honored to join the MedStar Franklin Square Family Medicine team and excited to serve the Baltimore community!

Tufts University School of Medicine
Emory University

Hi, I'm Ifechi, and I'm excited to be a family medicine resident at Medstar! I have a deep commitment to health justice and health literacy, particularly in underserved communities. I am Nigerian, and I grew up in Atlanta, GA before attending Tufts University SOM. I'm passionate about forming meaningful connections with patients and helping them feel seen, heard, and empowered. In my free time, I enjoy writing, interior design, braiding hair, and spending time with my family and friends.

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Washington University in St. Louis

Hi there! I grew up in the snowy town of Rochester, New York before attending Washington University in St. Louis, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Chemistry. Before medical school, I worked as a telemedicine technician, traveling to schools throughout Rochester to help facilitate virtual healthcare visits for children. This experience deepened my passion for improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for underserved communities.

During medical school at Nova Southeastern University, I continued this commitment as president of the Underserved Medicine Club, organizing volunteer initiatives at homeless shelters, food banks, and community events. I am excited to continue my training at MedStar Franklin Square, where I can develop the skills to provide holistic, patient-centered care while serving diverse communities.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring, cooking vegetarian meals, playing board games with friends, reading fantasy and competing in family volleyball games.

George Washington University School of Medicine
Wheaton College

I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and first began to consider medicine in high school, inspired by the examples of my grandfather and a pediatric allergist who cared for me in childhood. I completed undergraduate studies at Wheaton College in Illinois, where I studied Chemistry. My decision to pursue medicine was solidified through a study abroad internship in Uganda and clinical volunteering experiences in the U.S., both of which confirmed that medicine was an area of intersection between my passion for social justice and my intellectual curiosity. In the year before medical school, I worked as a medical scribe for a family medicine and obstetrics physician at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee. While there, I was introduced to the breadth of family medicine and its capacity for whole-person care and meaningful relationships with patients.

I attended medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where I continued to explore global health interests and became involved in the Family Medicine Interest Group. In my fourth year, I had the opportunity to rotate at MedStar Franklin Square, where I was amazed by the kindness of each person I met, the deep care for patients I witnessed, and the strength of the teaching. My interests within family medicine include global health, obstetrics and women’s health, infectious diseases and HIV care, lifestyle medicine, end-of-life care, and care for underserved populations.

In my free time, I often spend time outdoors, hiking in Shenandoah with family or running in local parks. I enjoy reading novels, cooking dinner with friends, and sharing conversation over a cup of tea.

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine

My journey to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center was quite eventful! I was born in Iraq and later immigrated with my parents and my two best friends (my sisters) to Toronto, Canada. There, we were lucky to find an amazing community of Iraqi Canadians to guide and support us through the big transition. In their warmth and hospitality, my deep passion for community was born.

Not long after, I made another big move – this time to Dublin, to begin my medical training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Though it was challenging, I found stability in unfamiliar territory through the amazing international community there. At RCSI, I immersed myself in the diverse student body through cultural dance, and forged friendships that now span continents.

Through those experiences, I found family medicine. The honor of practicing medicine not just for an individual, but within families and communities, felt immense.
I didn’t know what my dream residency program looked like until I arrived at Franklin Square for a visiting rotation, and felt those values echoed in everyone I met.

I am passionate about providing full-spectrum care with an emphasis on disease prevention. My other interests include mental health, addiction medicine, and culturally sensitive care. I could not be more excited to begin my career as a family medicine physician and serve the Baltimore community!

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Middlebury College

At the intersection of curiosity and human connection, I found my calling in Family Medicine to care for the whole person – body, mind, soul, and story. As a Ghanaian-born American who graduated from Middlebury College with a focus on Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Global Health, and French, I am excited to continue my medical training here at Medstar Georgetown (Baltimore). My journey into medicine has been shaped by a reverence for community, continuity, and connection. Growing up in Ghana, I experienced firsthand how the lack of access to health care compromises individual/societal health outcomes. I am therefore driven to understand the structural, social, and systemic factors that influence health, and to advocate for patients navigating gaps in care.

Outside of medicine, you can find me learning to play the piano keyboard, playing volleyball, playing or watching soccer.

University of Virginia School of Medicine
Mount Holyoke College

I grew up in the northern Virginia area but also spent a lot of time with family in Maryland and Rural North Carolina. My great grandfather was a Black and Native traditional healer, and he worked closely with the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. This was my first exposure to medicine and healing as a child and definitely left an impression on me for how holistic medicine can be.

I left northern Virginia for the Northeast to attend Mount Holyoke College. I studied English and economics, but it was not until I began working and living in San Francisco that I became interested in medicine. I was pulled into the field by seeing the limited healthcare that existed for the unhoused people I passed every day on my way to work. I became inspired by reading about the work Drs. Paul Farmer and Michelle Morse in Haiti and other parts of the world. It is ultimately what pushed me to want to pursue medicine. I moved to Boston to begin my journey to becoming a doctor, and I completed my premedical courses through the Harvard Extension program. I was fortunate to be able to return to my home state to attend medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. My goal through my training is to have a large toolbox of healing modalities to meet all people and cultures with an open mind and awareness.

I am a fervent supporter for Native and Indigenous peoples’ rights, and I am proud to be working closely with the Piscataway Indigenous communities on issues that pertain to Indigenous health and traditions. I’m also a strong advocate and community activist, and I am blessed to be joining the Medstar Franklin Square Family Medicine team.

University of Ibadan College of Medicine
New York University

Hello everyone! I am honored to continue my journey with MedStar Georgetown Baltimore Family Medicine and with a field that feels both deeply personal and purposedriven. I was born and raised in Nigeria and have called Maryland home for more than 15 years, where my family and I have built our lives and roots.

My path to Family Medicine has been nonlinear but intentional. I earned my medical degree from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine, where my interest in prevention, community health, and the broader determinants of health first took shape. I began my career as a primary care physician in Nigeria and later completed a Master of Public Health in Global Health Leadership at New York University. Both the training and the lived experience of New York City deepened my understanding of population health, health equity, and the role of community in shaping outcomes.

Since then, I have worked across multiple countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, focusing on strengthening primary health care systems and improving access, quality, and delivery of care. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of primary care to transform lives and communities.

I am deeply grateful to God for leading me to this program and for the strong sense of belonging and shared purpose I felt throughout the interview season. Family Medicine represents the convergence of everything I have learned and lived, bringing together my clinical training, global health experience, and personal values into a clear calling to serve with compassion and purpose. I value the fullspectrum care the field offers and am especially interested in preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and maternal and child health. I look forward to serving the Baltimore and broader Maryland communities, bringing my cultural heritage and both global and local experience into how I care for patients.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing squash, classical piano, traveling, and experiencing new cultures. Above all, I cherish time with my wife and our three children, who are a constant source of joy and perspective.

St. George’s University School of Medicine
Rutgers University – New Brunswick

I am a first-generation Nigerian American with deep personal and familial ties to Maryland. When my parents first immigrated to the United States, they lived in Maryland, where much of my extended family currently lives. They later moved to Central New Jersey, where I was born and raised. Growing up in a Nigerian household, I was exposed early on to different perspectives on healthcare, which helped shape my interest in medicine. My parents instilled in me a strong foundation in my Christian faith and a strong work ethic, along with the belief that through hard work and perseverance, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

I attended Monmouth University, where I studied Chemistry with a minor in Biology while competing as a Division I tennis player. Through athletics, I initially became interested in Family Medicine, particularly in sports medicine and injury prevention. After college, I obtained my Master’s degree in Biomedical Science from Rutgers University and worked in various healthcare settings, including clinical research. These experiences strengthened my commitment to medicine and led me to pursue my medical education at St. George’s University School of Medicine.

During my clinical training, I trained in diverse clinical environments, which broadened my understanding of healthcare from a global health perspective and reinforced my interest in providing accessible care in resource-limited settings. I also developed a strong appreciation for Family Medicine’s emphasis on continuity of care, community engagement, addressing healthcare disparities, and building meaningful relationships across generations. With strong personal ties to Maryland, including my fiancé living in the state, I am excited to be joining the MedStar Georgetown Baltimore Family Medicine team and to serve patients in Baltimore County!

Outside of medicine, you can find me playing tennis, reading fictional books, exploring new cuisines, or traveling!

University of Michigan Medical School
University of South Florida

I grew up in Florida and completed my undergraduate education there before moving to Michigan for medical school. Outside of work, I enjoy running and cycling outdoors, trying new restaurants, cooking with my partner, and watching movies.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rutgers University

I am a first-generation Nigerian American, born and raised in New Jersey. I attended Rutgers University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology before completing a Master of Biomedical Sciences. I then attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where my passion for Family Medicine grew through experiences in primary care, behavioral health, women’s health, and community medicine. Throughout medical school, I was fortunate to serve in several leadership roles, including with the Student National Medical Association, as an Osteopathic Medical Student Ambassador, and as a mentor to aspiring physicians. These experiences deepened my commitment to service, mentorship, and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Family Medicine quickly became the perfect fit for me because it allows me to care for patients across every stage of life while building meaningful, long-term relationships. I value the opportunity to educate, empower, and advocate for my patients, and I am especially passionate about behavioral health, women’s health, preventive care, lifestyle medicine, and global health. I was drawn to MedStar Health because of its commitment to serving diverse communities, its emphasis on whole-person care, and the supportive culture I experienced throughout the interview process. I am excited to continue growing as a physician while serving the Baltimore community alongside such an incredible team.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, makeup artistry, going on walks and runs, trying new restaurants, watching YouTube and Netflix, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am grateful to be starting this next chapter and look forward to caring for my patients while becoming part of the MedStar family.

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
Sarah Lawrence College

I was born near Philadelphia, PA and lived there with my parents and older brother until I was 8, when my family packed up and moved across the world to the small mountain town of Kodaikanal, India. I grew up in the beautiful Western Ghats of South India until I graduated from high school. Living in a town of 35,000 people with only one hospital sparked my interest in pursuing medicine.

I attended Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, where I pursued a degree in biology on the pre-med track. Following graduation, I worked as a clinical research assistant at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, here in Baltimore, focusing on Sturge-Weber syndrome. It was during this time that I truly fell in love with the city and its people. I then moved across the country to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to attend medical school at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. There, I pursued my interest in promoting cultural diversity by holding leadership positions in the South Asian Medical Student Association. During medical school, I was drawn to family medicine for its variety, continuity of care, and emphasis on preventative medicine. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to train at MedStar Franklin Square and serve the Baltimore community once again.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy searching for my next favorite book, discovering the best coffee in town, and planning my next international trip!