Fairfax Family Medicine Residency Program: Meet Our Residents

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Anderson University
• Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Lifestyle medicine, mental health, in-office procedures

Nonmedical areas of interest: Spending time with my family and friends, reading, running, hiking, rock climbing, outdoor activities, exploring new places with my partner and my dog

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I had the amazing opportunity to work with the residents at this program as a medical student. The competence and confidence with which everyone practiced medicine was above anything I had seen at other hospitals and programs. The residents have a great culture of camaraderie, the medical training we receive is excellent, and the faculty and staff are extremely helpful and supporting.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: West Virginia University
• Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus

Medical areas of interest: Preventive care, osteopathic manipulative medicine, substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, social determinants of health

Nonmedical areas of interest: Time with family, friends and our pups; baking; cooking; gardening; canning; home projects; audiobooks; long walks 

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? From the beginning, I was impressed by Fairfax Family Medicine's focus on adult learning and their commitment to nurturing young physicians' autonomy. The results of this approach were apparent in the confidence and preparedness expressed by residents. Once I learned about Fairfax Family Medicine’s second- and third-year curriculum which allows residents to spend half-days in clinic building relationship and skill with their patients, I was hooked. Not only was I excited by the idea of consistent clinic time that mirrors my desired future workday, I felt this structure would best allow for real-time application of information and skill learned off-service. On a personal note, from my very first email exchange with the program, everyone was exceptionally welcoming and genuinely interested in getting to know me as a person. As a small-town girl, I am so excited to spend the next few years exploring the DMV.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: George Mason University
• Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Global medicine, community health, advocating for underserved populations and eliminating barriers to quality healthcare, health disparities, preventive medicine, in-office procedures, point-of-care ultrasound, women's health, mental health, nutrition

Nonmedical areas of interest: Spending time with my family, annoying my cat Lily, playing board games, baking, painting

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? The people. I genuinely felt an amazing connection during my interview with everyone, and the residents truly seemed to enjoy being a part of Inova. Not only that, but I have also lived in the DMV area for most of my life. My youngest brother was even born at Inova Fairfax Hospital 22 years ago. I chose this program because they have treated my family like their own for over two decades, and I have always wanted to be a part of that. Now, I get to give back to other families like my own. I am so excited to be a part of this team and to learn from the best at Fairfax Family Medicine.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Newbury College, Brandeis University
• Medical school: George Washington University School of Medicine 

Medical areas of interest: Primary care for patients with developmental disabilities and severe mental illness, complex care, chronic illness and pain, metabolic disease, eating disorders, narrative medicine, addiction medicine

Nonmedical areas of interest: Sitting on the beach with the wind in my hair (I’m actually bald), listening to the waves crash as my children dig in the sand and I yell, "Stop throwing sand at your brother!!!"

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I wanted to be part of a thriving family medicine practice that also gave me the opportunity to train in one of the best tertiary care hospitals in the area. On my interview day, I met with like-minded residents who were genuinely happy with their residency, and it showed. It was also incredible to match at Fairfax, as we’ve raised our family here during medical school and my kids are happily enrolled in a daycare that we couldn’t imagine leaving (Shout-out to Ms. Saroj!). Not to mention, the best restaurant in the world, IndAroma, is right here in Annandale.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Yale College
• Medical school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Medical areas of interest: Urban underserved; sports medicine; ultrasound; women’s health; dermatology; medical education; diversity, equity and inclusion

Nonmedical areas of interest: Team sports, kayaking, tennis, swimming, music, forestry, hanging out with friends, cooking new recipes

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? It is a fantastic, highly regarded program in one of the most diverse and exciting areas of the country. My husband works in Washington, DC, so coming to the DMV area was a strong preference for me. Not only does Fairfax Family Medicine provide a rigorous education that creates competent and well-rounded physicians, it also offers further training in all my specific areas of interest. Also, when I met the faculty and residents on interview day, they were funny and seemed to be having a good time.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Virginia Tech
• Medical school: Howard University

Medical areas of interest: Ultrasound, procedures, mental health, women's health, gastrointestinal care

Nonmedical areas of interest: Running and staying active, especially with my puppy, Ranger; being with people; playing board games; good food – especially ice cream and a good burger.

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I think most of the time entering residency there are so many options that it's hard to choose what you really want. I chose Inova because it gave me opportunities in both academic and community medicine as well as experience in both an opposed and unopposed setting. I fell in love with ultrasounds at an away rotation and knew I wanted to participate in the ultrasound track. I also wanted to learn more about the business of medicine, which is another track. The people I met were definitely a huge reason as well. Residency is going to take over my life, and I could already tell I wouldn't mind spending 24-hour calls with my fellow residents.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Cornell University
• Graduate school: Johns Hopkins University
• Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Geriatrics, community medicine, office procedures, practice management, quality improvement, translational research 

Nonmedical areas of interest: Travel, classical music, paper crafts, yoga, baking, hosting tea parties

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Fairfax Family Medicine was my top choice for residency because of the people. I had the opportunity to spend a month at Inova during medical school, and I was blown away by how welcoming all the faculty, residents and staff were. The residents were collaborative, supportive and genuinely excited to work and learn alongside each other. As someone who is interested in pursuing further training in geriatrics, I was also looking for a program that not only provided breadth in training in family medicine but also the opportunity for immersion in diverse geriatric experiences (long-term care, home-based care, hospice, etc.) – both of which are highlights of the Fairfax Family Medicine program. Lastly, Inova gave me the chance to move back to the DMV area, which my husband was very happy about.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Grinnell College
• Postbaccalaureate: University of Washington – Tacoma
• Medical school: George Washington University

Medical areas of interest: Women’s health, pediatrics, chronic condition management, family planning, LGBTQ+ health

Nonmedical areas of interest: Family time, hiking, canoeing, gardening/growing, walking around the National Mall and the National Arboretum

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I was impressed by the welcoming and friendly people and the focus on outpatient/clinical medicine. I was also glad to be able to stay in the DC area with its many green spaces, (free!) museums, nearby mountains and beaches, and my spouse's job.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: College of William and Mary
• Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus

Medical areas of interest: Preventive care, lifestyle modifications, mental health, women’s health, community involvement

Nonmedical areas of interest: Doing outdoor activities, traveling to new places, trying new foods, binge-watching TV shows, spending quality time with family and friends

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Fairfax Family Medicine had impressed me since the start of my residency application process and was my top-choice program. The program has a lot to offer – I was specifically attracted to how the curriculum is structured around providing a strong inpatient foundation the first year, primarily at Inova Fairfax Hospital, and an outpatient focus the second and third years in Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. I felt that the unique combination of academic and community medicine between these two hospitals would offer me well-rounded training and prepare me for any career path in family medicine after residency. I was drawn to the practice management curriculum, since billing, coding and the business aspects of medicine are important but not frequently taught. The program also offers many areas of concentration for residents with various interests and a sports medicine fellowship. Lastly, the faculty, staff and other residents I have gotten to meet through Fairfax Family Medicine have all been amazing. I feel so grateful to be spending my residency training surrounded by inspirational and wonderful people.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University
• Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Lifestyle medicine, weight-loss management, preventive medicine, diabetes management, academic medicine 

Nonmedical areas of interest: Crafting, tabletop role-playing games, kickboxing, traveling

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Fairfax Family Medicine was my first choice before and after interviewing with multiple programs. I grew up in Northern Virginia and wanted to complete my residency close to home and my family. I was also looking for a residency in a large hospital system with an extremely diverse patient population. When I met the faculty and residents during the interview process, they were incredibly warm and welcoming. I loved the way the residents interacted with each other like they were part of a family, and the faculty and staff had such a positive energy. Fairfax Family Medicine's curriculum was one I could see molding to my interests and passions as I move through residency, and I know this program will make me into the type of physician I envision for my future.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Virginia
• Medical school: University of Virginia

Medical areas of interest: Women’s health, global health, and preventive medicine

Nonmedical areas of interest: Spending time with my family, cooking, trying new restaurants and traveling

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I had an incredible experience rotating with Fairfax Family Medicine as a medical student. The academics, professionalism, and sense of community stood out remarkably in each clinical experience I had with them. With this program, I knew I would be in a learning environment that challenged but also encouraged and respected each of its team members.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Virginia
• Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Community health, immigrant and refugee healthcare, point-of-care ultrasound, medical education, preventive care, reproductive health

Nonmedical areas of interest: Finding the next best elote, Yelping, Spotify, potlucks, being outdoors by the water and under the sun

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I was born at Inova Fairfax Hospital, volunteered in the emergency department as a teenager and did an acting internship with Inova during medical school. I wanted the residents I worked with to be my future senior colleagues. Everyone I have met along the way has been incredibly inspiring, all doing their best to build a safer and healthier community. I knew this was where I needed to train to become the doctor I wanted to be.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma
• Medical school: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Sports medicine, continuity of care, mental health, ultrasound, general primary care

Nonmedical areas of interest: Watching my sports teams (Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Chargers), walking my two dogs with my wife, running, and doing fun activities with friends

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I never thought I'd move so far away from Oklahoma, but I fell in love with Inova when I learned it had everything I was looking for in a family medicine program. The strong emphasis on outpatient clinical care in the second and third year line up with how I want to practice. Also, having the sports medicine fellowship in the same clinical building and faculty leaders with sports medicine training allows for more opportunities and learning in my journey toward being a sports-medicine-trained physician. Lastly, but most importantly, I immediately clicked with the residents, faculty and staff during my interview. Everyone was laid back and funny, which made me feel like I’d immediately fit in. I loved it so much that I took a trip to check out the area. Afterward, I knew Inova was my number one program.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: College of William and Mary
• Graduate school: Georgetown University
• Medical school: Albany Medical College

Medical areas of interest: Women’s health, breastfeeding medicine, environmental health, socioeconomic influences on health

Nonmedical areas of interest: Cooking, baking, writing, playing board games, spending time with my husband and toddler outside

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? When I was choosing a residency program, it was really important to find a collegial environment. On interview day, it was clear to me that this is a tight-knit program full of supportive people, and I saw myself fitting in well. Academically, I was drawn to the heavy emphasis on outpatient family medicine during years two and three, combined with the flexibility and educational opportunity of a large institution. I also grew up in the area and have friends and family who were cared for at Inova hospitals. I even volunteered at Inova Loudoun Hospital as a high school student.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Maryland, College Park
• Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Obesity medicine, lifestyle medicine, diabetes management, women’s health, reproductive health, academic medicine and preventive care

Nonmedical areas of interest: Cooking new recipes for my food blog, hiking, catching sunsets by the water, Yelping, and hosting friends and family for game nights

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Inova was literally home for me, as this is where a lot of my family and friends have lived. Location-wise, it was a no-brainer when I was choosing places for residency, and after interviewing here, I absolutely fell in love with the faculty and staff. This program offers such a diverse curriculum, with learning opportunities at a Level 1 Trauma Center and a community hospital/clinic as well. Additionally, almost anything you are interested in, the faculty here will find a way to incorporate it into your schedule. This program also allows the flexibility to not miss important life events, which is really rare during residency. Lastly, I absolutely love the friendly and super-welcoming work environment and the relationships I’ve built with my co-residents as well.

Educational background:

Medical school: Frank H. Netter, MD, School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

Medical areas of interest: Sports medicine, preventive care

Nonmedical areas of interest: Playing sports, traveling, spending time with friends and family

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I chose this program because of the people and the community. After my interview day at Inova, I felt like I had found faculty and co-residents who I wanted to work with and learn from over the next three years. Additionally, I loved the idea of spending our first year at a large medical medical center (Inova Fairfax Medical Campus) and then transitioning to primarily working at a community hospital (Inova Fair Oaks Hospital) during the second and third years.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Colorado at Denver
• Graduate school: Georgetown University
• Medical School Georgetown University School of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Sports medicine, integrative medicine, fertility awareness and restorative reproductive medicine, military and veterans' health

Nonmedical areas of interest: Aquatic sports, functional fitness, hunting, fishing, cooking, mixology

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I chose Fairfax Family Medicine because it's a community-based program with a multitude of strong educational experiences. I was also drawn to its fantastic team members and outstanding reputation.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Ohio State University
• Medical school: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Correctional medicine, hospital medicine, primary care, medical advocacy

Nonmedical areas of interest: Anthropology, Amharic studies, anime, reading, cooking

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? After talking with faculty and residents, I came to the conclusion that this program has a great deal of flexibility and is excited to support residents in becoming any type of family medicine doctor they want. That type of flexibility and support is special and was a major factor in my decision to train here. I also have an interest in correctional medicine (work in the prison setting), and there are limited opportunities to do this as a resident. During my interview I was tickled pink to find out that Fairfax Family Medicine has an alumnus who does corrections. The program also has strong ties with doctors who participate in medical advocacy and research, which tie in nicely with correctional medicine. Lastly, there seemed to be a nice work-life balance with residents. They all said that they have space to live their lives within the hard journey that is residency.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Louisville
• Medical school: University of Kentucky

Medical areas of interest: Preventive primary care, geriatric and aging medicine, nursing facility care, memory care, cancer screening, safety and accessibility of medical facilities, medical student education

Nonmedical areas of interest: Thrifting, jet skiing, trying new restaurants, needlepoint, exploring historical urban neighborhoods, baking sourdough 

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Inova was at the top of my list before and after my interview. I was looking for a program that offered a geriatric primary care track to help focus my elective experiences. Choosing an urban environment like Fairfax meant lots of local resources and senior care living facilities to learn from. Inova has multiple geriatric fellowship-trained faculty, which can be hard to find. On my virtual interview day, I immediately recognized that the program directors and residents took the time to truly take in all aspects of my application and ask me thoughtful questions. The residents spoke so highly of the program faculty and staff that I knew I would be in good hands under their training. I could trust that I would fit in and be supported during my residency.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
• Medical school: California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Women's health, minor procedures, osteopathic manipulation treatment, preventive medicine

Nonmedical areas of interest: Spending time with my husband and our young son, reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing, and watching sports, especially South Carolina Gamecocks and the Boston Red Sox

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Fairfax Family Medicine first came on my radar when I found out my husband would be stationed nearby. I was impressed with their curriculum and long history of producing high quality physicians. During my interview, I knew I had found my people. I instantly felt welcomed, and every additional encounter with Inova furthered my love of the program. I am excited live and work in this community.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University
• Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Sports medicine, geriatrics, preventive care 

Nonmedical areas of interest: Playing basketball, supporting my DC sports teams, hiking new trails, spending time with family and friends

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I chose Fairfax Family Medicine knowing that I would be close to my family in Northern Virginia while also being able to train in a diverse community that I was familiar with. I really enjoyed the time I spent rotating with Inova Fairfax Medical Campus as a fourth-year medical student. I knew that I wanted to train at an academic program that would help support the interests I shared, while also being able to build on the relationships I established during my time there.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: Virginia Tech
• Medical school: Des Moines University

Medical areas of interest: Sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, dermoscopy, point of care ultrasound, in-office procedures, geriatrics

Nonmedical areas of interest: Running, lifting weights, playing tennis, traveling, trying new foods, spending time with my family, significant other and friends

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I chose Fairfax Family Medicine as my residency program for many reasons. Firstly, it is an outstanding program in a place where I grew up and went to school. My girlfriend, family and friends live in the Northern Virginia area, so coming back home to Inova was a very strong preference for me. I really enjoyed hearing about the different focus areas that Fairfax Family Medicine offers for residents including ultrasound, sports medicine, practice management, geriatrics and preventive medicine. Lastly, the residents and attending faculty on my interview day all seemed very excited to talk to me and share more information about the program and the difference they are able to make daily as physicians.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, global and community health

Nonmedical areas of interest: Baking, running, building puzzles, watching Liverpool

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? With family and friends in the Northern Virginia and DC areas, I’ve had many opportunities to explore the area, and I was quickly sold on moving here one day. When I met everyone in the program on interview day, I really connected with all of the residents and faculty. The program has a lot of flexibility in its many concentrations, and the faculty and residents all seemed very interested in supporting the future class in their specific personal journeys through medicine. I realized that I could live in my favorite city and train at my favorite program, and it sounded like a dream come true.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
• Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Community medicine, office procedures, dermatology, mental health, urban underserved populations, lifestyle modification 

Nonmedical areas of interest: Spending time with my family and friends, baking, painting, exploring local coffee shops and new restaurants

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? As a fourth-year medical student, I had the valuable opportunity to rotate with Fairfax Family Medicine. The camaraderie among residents, faculty and staff that I experienced during my clinical rotation at Inova was unparalleled. Inova stood out by providing strong training in both inpatient and outpatient settings, along with the resources of the large Inova network, enabling residents to tailor their training to their personal interests. Additionally, as a Northern Virginia native, Inova’s proximity to my family, a strong source of support for me, further strengthened my interest in the program.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Maryland, College Park
• Medical school: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Community health, health policy, sports medicine, practice management

Nonmedical areas of interest: Biking, sports, reading, board games, trying out new pizza parlors and ice cream stands

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? The faculty and residents seemed genuinely warm and happy. Fairfax Family Medicine also offered proximity to family and friends, a balanced curriculum with strong outpatient and practice management training, and tons of great food, museums, events and biking trails nearby.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Medical school: Midwestern University – Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Preventive care, office procedures, women’s health, geriatrics

Nonmedical areas of interest: Painting, embroidery, kayaking, trying out new recipes, board games, traveling

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? Inova was my top choice, as it had everything I was looking for in a family medicine residency program. The location allowed my husband to keep his job and for us to be close to our families. I also get to train in the area I want to practice in as an attending physician. The program has strong outpatient training in the second and third years, which aligns with my career goals. Finally, everyone was so welcoming and supportive. Despite being a Zoom interview, it was very clear that the residents got along with each other and that resident wellness was a priority for the program.

Educational background:

• Undergraduate: University of Virginia
• Postbaccalaureate: University of Virginia
• Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Medical areas of interest: Lifestyle medicine, mental and behavioral health, women's health, osteopathic manipulation treatment, osteopathic manipulative medicine

Nonmedical areas of interest: Cooking, baking, reading, walking, hiking, art (especially painting), spending time with friends, family and my cat, Kya 

Why did you choose Fairfax Family Medicine? I chose Fairfax Family Medicine for several reasons. What initially drew me to the program was its location – I grew up in Northern Virginia and hoped to return to the area to complete residency with the support of family nearby. Upon further exploration, I was impressed by the curriculum. The balance of a strong hospital-based training intern year followed by heavier outpatient focus during the second and third years was appealing to me. I also appreciated the variety of concentrations offered and am excited by the opportunity to hone in on certain areas of interest during training. The program stood out even more after the interview process. Everyone I spoke with was welcoming and seemed genuinely happy to be a part of the Fairfax Family Medicine team.