Alumni After Residency

Class of 2020

Zaza Atenalov, MD, MPH

Medical School: New York Medical College

Graduate: New York Medical College

Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

About me: In 10 years I see myself at a big academic center, where I will be teaching residents, doing research, but still getting some non-teaching shifts to keep my skills honed.

Hobbies: Biking, Running, Ocean Life, Beer

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Los Angeles, CA

Alexandru Barabas, MD
(Chief Resident 2019-2020)

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

Undergraduate: Florida Institute of Technology

Hometown: Melbourne, FL

About me: I am a native Floridian and an adventurer. I am a licensed pilot and avid chef.

Hobbies: Flying, food, BBQ

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Fort Pierce, FL

Collin Bufano, DO

Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: California Polytechnic State University

Hometown: Oak Park, CA

About me: I am still trying to figure out if I want to go into academics or community emergency medicine. I love trying new beers and exploring Gainesville

Hobbies: Hiking, Gator games, and ACEP

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Berkeley, CA

Donavan Ginest, MD

Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Undergraduate: Oregon State University

Hometown: Corvallis, OR

About me: I am excited to be planting roots here in FL. My fiancé is an OT and together we just bought a house. My time has been spent on home improvement projects as I love fixing things!

Hobbies: Traveling to see family, home improvement, nature, exercise

Post Residency Plan: Locums Physician, Portland, Oregon

Christopher Libby, MD, MPH
(Chief Resident 2019-2020)

Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Graduate: Boston University, School of Public Health

Undergraduate: Boston University

Hometown: Swansea, MA

About me: I love health policy and technology. In my spare time I work with the Florida Medical Association to advocate for the challenges we see every day. I also enjoy tinkering with technology, cooking, and visiting CA where my significant other is in medical school

Hobbies: Health policy, cooking, travel, computers

Post Residency Plan: Clinical Informatics Fellowship, Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, CA

Ryan Luevanos, MD

Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School

Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Barbara

Hometown: La Jolla, CA

About me: I look forward to balancing my community EM career with my outside passions. I spend my time traveling abroad, visiting my other home in San Diego, attending live concerts, exploring Florida, and enjoying a tasty adult beverage.

Hobbies: Beach, camping, golfing, cooking

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, San Diego, CA

Ben Murphy, MD

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Undergraduate: Clemson University

Hometown: Clemson, SC

About me: As a former collegiate runner and youngest person ever to complete a double Iron Man, Gainesville is great for an outdoor athlete! I hope to practice in the community someday

Hobbies: Nature, running, comedy

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Knoxville, TN

Alex Waldman, MD
(Chief Resident 2019-2020)

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne

Hometown: Highland Park, IL

About me: In 10 years I see myself practicing in a community setting, still traveling, and hopefully with a dog to come home to (but I guess a family would be alright too)

Hobbies: Travel, fitness, being lazy

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Cleveland, OH

Class of 2021

Ashley Barash, DO

Medical School: Nova University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Georgetown University

Hometown: Concord, MA

About me: Two truths and a lie: (1) I rafted the Nile River, (2) I was an intern dolphin trainer, (3) I was an Olympic bobsledder

Hobbies: Watching Dr. Tran's Instagram stories, playing with my dog, cooking, making fun of Libby

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Denver, CO

Emmanouil Kiriakopoulos, DO
Chief Resident (2020-2021)

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Florida International University

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL

About me: The movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is practically my life story. I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones. I am a better chef than Alex Barabas. On my days off I'll usually spend time exploring the area. I finally have a dog that I show off to my co-residents!

Hobbies: Gym, cooking, eating, pizookies, dessert, naps

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Norfolk, VA

Joshua Middleton, MD

Medical School: University of Florida

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

About me: I am born and raised in Jax and am a huge UCF fan. After experiencing Gainesville for medical school, I just couldn't leave and am excited to continue my career here!

Hobbies: Fitness, semi-pro paintball, and the Jags

Post Residency Plan: Ultrasound Fellowship, University of Central Florida - NFRMC, Gainesville, FL

Mollie Powell, DO
Chief Resident (2020-2021)

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Indiana University

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN aka "Naptown"

About me: Born and raised in Indianapolis. Oldest of 4 but the shortest. Lebanese. Self-proclaimed comedian. Former gymnast and diver. I hate coffee and beer...#unique.

Hobbies: tailgating, painting, scuba diving, gymnastics, and shopping

Post Residency Plan: Ultrasound Fellowship, University of Central Florida - NFRMC, Gainesville, FL

Robert Skinner, MD
Chief Resident (2020-2021)

Medical School: University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Memphis

Hometown: Memphis, TN

About me: I did a year of General Surgery after realizing my love of emergency medicine too late in my 4th year of medical school. It taught me a lot about what to look for in a program and I am super happy to be training at a place that ensures your are both clinically competent and well. I also have a new puppy that has quickly become our program's therapy dog!

Hobbies: Running, beer, and not surgery!

Post Residency Plan: EMS Fellowship, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Joseph Tran, MD

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of California - Riverside

Hometown: Fountain valley, CA

About me: Hi my name is Joe. Llamas are my favorite animal. I grind my own coffee in the morning. In my spare time I travel to other worldly places.

Hobbies: Coffee, beer, travel, snowboardin

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Las Vegas, NV

Jessica Yap, DO

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Hometown: Altamonte Springs, FL

About me: I've lived in Florida all my life (except for 4 years in North Carolina for med school), and am so happy to be here for residency! On my days off, you can usually find me working on some sort of project. I love hiking and exploring new places. I'm a huge fan of music from the 1930s-1960s, but in recent years, have developed an appreciation for 70s and 80s music as well.

Hobbies: Right now? Mostly sewing. But also hiking, knitting/crocheting, music, writing, drawing.

Post Residency Plan: Attending Physician, Orlando, FL

Shelby Martin, MD

Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Louisville

Hometown: Mt Washington, KY

About me: I was born and raised in Kentucky. I love animals and have 2 dogs and a horse. I am interested in critical care and medical ethics.

Hobbies: Horseback riding, reading, traveling.

Post Residency Plan: Critical Care Anesthesia Fellowship, Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Class of 2022

Brock Clark, DO

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Hometown: Ocala, FL

About me: I was born and raised about 40 min from Gainesville in Ocala, Florida. I lived in Alabama during medical school, and it has been great getting to spend more time with family now that I am so close to home again. Particular areas of interest to me are critical care and wilderness medicine, and I am considering pursuing a fellowship in critical care after residency. Outside of work, I enjoy going to local breweries with friends, playing a few rounds of golf, watching a new series or stand-up comedy on Netflix, and hanging out with my dog.

Hobbies: Dogs, outdoors, and beer.

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Charlotte, NC

William Daly, MD

Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Undergraduate: West Virginia University

Hometown: Scott Depot, WV

About me: I grew up on a farm in WV. Have a large family, 3 sisters and 3 brothers. I enjoy being outdoors

Hobbies: Watching WVU, Steelers and Pirates. Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Disc golf

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Charleston, WV

Jyotirmoy Das, MD

Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Florida

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

About me: I’ve lived in Israel and New Zealand. I roast my own coffee. I eat dinner for breakfast. A life goal of mine is to work in Antarctica.

Hobbies: Coffee, travel, cooking, sleep

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Gainesville, FL

Anthony DeRenzi, DO

Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Saint Leo University

Hometown: Tampa, FL

About me: I grew up in NY, I spend my free time outside the ER traveling state side and abroad, discovering different cuisines and trying to cook those cuisines, spending time with family and friends, exploring different breweries in the area. I am an avid chef. I have a goal to become a licensed helicopter pilot after residency.

Hobbies: standup comedy, Fishing, Cooking, working out, traveling, wood working

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Gainesville, FL

James Lee, MD
Chief Resident (2021-2022)

Medical School: University of Central Florida

Undergraduate: Florida International University

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

About me: I grew up in Jacksonville, Fl and went to one of the best college prep schools in the nation. I've worked numerous jobs prior to practicing medicine including landscaping, making pizzas and teaching high school chemistry. All those experiences helped me broaden my horizons and learn to respect and revere all people from the CEO to the janitor. These days, I'm focused on becoming the best EM physician I can and mixing in vacations here and there. After residency, I plan to continue practicing in my home state of Florida and will do my best to improve the health of all

Hobbies: Sports, politics, traveling, podcasts

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Miami, FL

Marcos Marugan-Wyatt, DO
Chief Resident (2021-2022)

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame

Hometown: Dover, FL

About me: I am a native Floridian, a Spaniard, and a board game enthusiast. I spend my days off with my family and my pet cow, Tippy.

Hobbies: Travel, Board Games, D&D, Napping

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Gainesville, FL

Jayden Miller, MD

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Undergraduate: Arizona State University

Hometown: Glendale, AZ

About me: I was born and raised in the Phoenix area, I ventured east to medical school in Augusta, GA, and now down to the Sunshine State! I have a dog named Oatis who makes sure I laugh and get fresh air when I’m not at work.

Hobbies: Paper crafting, DIY projects, adventures with my dog, travel, baking

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Atlanta, GA

Andrew Nicholas, DO
Chief Resident (2021-2022)

Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: University of Iowa

Hometown: Chicago, IL

About me: Born and raised in the Summer Time Chi, relocated to the sunshine state. Spend most of my time outdoors except if there is a Blackhawks game on. My number one passion is frequenting breweries to pet other people’s dogs.

Hobbies: Mountain Biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, Jeep-things, long walks on the beach at sunset

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Charlotte, NC

Class of 2023

Precious Eze, MD

Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine

Undergraduate: Augusta University

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

About me: I was born and raised in Atlanta and I’m Nigerian American. I have a YouTube channel called "White Coat Chronicles" which I started in med school. I love spending time with my husband, traveling and playing tennis in my free time.

Hobbies: fitness, tennis, traveling, videography

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Atlanta, GA

Alex Basara, MD
Chief Resident (2022-2023)

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Undergraduate: University of Saint Thomas

Hometown: Andover, MN

About me: Born and raised in Minnesota. Married with two daughters. Interested in informatics and administration.

Hobbies: Cooking, whiskey, travel, hockey, Minnesota sports

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Minneapolis, MN

John Day, MD

Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of New Orleans

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

About me: I have over 22 years in the Army. My career has spanned Special Forces, Intelligence, and Aviation. I've deployed to Afghanistan 3 times, and been to many other countries. I stopped counting at 65. I speak Russian and Spanish. I worked as a Deputy Sheriff and Law Enforcement Helicopter Pilot prior to medical school. I'm interested in EMS, Tactical, and Disaster Medicine.

Hobbies: Flying both airplanes and helicopters, Fishing, Hunting, Scuba Diving, Traveling with my airline pilot wife, Languages, Cooking Cajun food (and other lesser forms of food), Playing with my Great Dane and Catahoula, Hosting parties, LSU and Saints football

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, New Orleans, LA

Hank Gureasko, DO

Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: Louisiana State University

Hometown: Ponchatoula, LA

About me: I grew up tinting windows for my father’s business. Then after having a benign tumor removed during undergrad, I transitioned my goal to becoming a physician and ER was the only way for me. Fitness and exercise are also a huge part of my life and help to keep me sane during this crazy ride.

Hobbies: Gym, Tennis, Casino, Board Games, Fantasy Football… and anything else competitive

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Gainesville, FL

Thomas Lemaster, MD

Medical School: University of Central Florida

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Hometown: Orlando, FL

About me: Born in Maryland—raised in Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Arizona. I crave new experiences and love anything to do with nature. Certified goofball.

Hobbies: Exploring Gainesville’s trails on my Onewheel, Gardening, Kayaking, Freshwater Aquariums, Grilling, Listening to true crime podcasts

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Orlando, FL

Johnny Nguyen, DO

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate: University of South Florida

Hometown: Tampa, FL

About me: I’m a lover of all things outdoors, a Florida native, and Time magazine’s person of the year 2006. I’ll never turn down an invite to go fish or go to the beach. I was a first mate on a fishing charter for a bit during med school. I can talk for days about Lightning hockey, Bucs football, and the inevitable heartbreak associated with being a fan of both teams.

Hobbies: Offshore fishing, Olympic weightlifting, running (slowly and with poor form), kayaking, and snorkeling.

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Gainesville, FL

Sri Harsha Palakurty, MD
Chief Resident (2022-2023)

Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Undergraduate: University of South Florida

Hometown: Tampa, FL

About me: Born and Raised in South India until moving to Tampa, Fl at the age of 8. Gainesville is the smallest town I have lived in. I like exploring and will have a curated list of the restaurants to go to by the time I am done with residency.

Hobbies: Board games, Gym, Outdoors, Breweries, Onewheeling, exploring the city.

Post Residency Plans: Clinical Informatics Fellowship, Los Angeles, Ca

Manna Varghese, MD
Chief Resident (2022-2023)

Medical School: Univ. of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine

Undergraduate: Univ. of Missouri - Kansas City

Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland

About me: Born and raised in Maryland. Love traveling and hanging out with friends/family. VERY competitive with any type of game. Afraid of dogs/cats and most other animals too.

Hobbies: Baltimore Ravens football, traveling, board/card/group games, reading, baking/cooking

Post Residency Plans: Attending Physician, Baltimore, MD

Class of 2024

Michael Ament, DO
(Chief Resident 2023-2024)

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

About Me: I am married and am a dad to twin humans and a dog! I grew up in Arizona and was a firefighter/ paramedic for 11 years before medical school. I have also served in the Air Force Reserves for over 18 years. I am very interested in prehospital medical care and education. I am super thankful for the opportunity to train and learn with such an amazing team at North Florida!
 
Hobbies: Family time, going on cruises with my wife and kids, spending time at the beach, going to the movies, traveling and experiencing new cultures.
 
Post-residency plans: Attending Physician, Chandler, AZ
Jeff Holloway, MD

Hometown: Sedalia, MO

About me: Big fan of high fives and corny jokes. I have 2 dogs and a fiancée doing urology at UF. I really like to be outdoors. My superpower would be breathing underwater or being able to fly. Tacos are my spirit animal.

Hobbies: diving, fishing, botany, hunting, golfing, painting, brewing beer

Post-residency Plans: Attending Physician, Gainesville, FL

Mariah Cruz, DO

Hometown: WA, AZ (Army brat)

About me: I’m a wife and a mama of a baby girl. I’m passionate about underserved populations and would love to be involved global health, medical mission work and/or disaster medicine in the near future.

Hobbies: Trying new restaurants/foods, singing, dancing

Post-residency Plans: Ultrasound Fellowship at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Cameron Grossaint, DO
(Chief Resident 2023-2024)

Hometown: Mill Creek, Washington

About me: I was born and raised in Seattle before heading to the Southwest for medical school. Former sprinter/runner. I love to adventure and be outdoors as much as possible at the beach, trails, or springs with my fiance and our dog Dino.

Hobbies: Hiking, Sports, local coffee shops or breweries, photography

Post-residency Plans: Attending Physician, Vacaville, CA

Asahi Hossain, MD

Hometown: Asahikawa, Japan

About Me: I was born in Japan and grew up in Queens, NYC. I have also lived in multiple cities throughout Florida I love to explore different cities and try different kinds of foods. I also feel very much at home just exploring the outdoors and look forward to the great trails, parks, springs and activities Gainesville has to offer!

Hobbies: Traveling, Cooking, Stargazing at the beach, Astronomy, History, Ornithology/Bird Watching

Post-residency Plans: Wilderness Medicine Fellowship at Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

Katie Johnson, DO
(Chief Resident 2023-2024)

Hometown: Pikeville KY

About me: I was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, in the heart of Appalachia. I had lived in Kentucky my whole life before moving to Florida. My husband and I couples matched, he is an an Otolaryngology resident at the University of Florida. We have one cute little fur baby, Ollie, and love our time in Florida so far!

Hobbies: Travel, obvi, I’m an ER doctor lol; Reading, I love fiction romance novels; baking, dog treats in particular; spending time in the sun at the beach or the pool or wherever 🙂

Post-residency Plans: Attending Physician in Pikeville, KY and Gainesville, FL

Adriana Padilla, DO

Hometown: Miami, FL

About me: I was born and raised in Miami, FL. I enjoy my days off spending time with my fiancé and our three dogs. We enjoy going to the beach, hiking, running, etc.

Hobbies: traveling, fitness, basketball

Post-residency Plans: Attending Physician, Locums with Envision

Christopher Sowers, MD

Hometown: Richmond, VA

About me: Raised in Virginia and lived in the Richmond and DC areas prior to medical school. Since starting residency, I've loved exploring Gainesville, particularly the nearby freshwater springs. On days off, you can find me exploring a local park with my significant other and our Golden Retriever named Otter.

Hobbies: Hiking, biking, paddleboarding, sports, live music, local breweries and restaurants

Post-residency Plans: Attending Physician in Santa Rosa, CA