VCOM - Carolinas 2017 Yearbook

by our students our alumni and those we serve

Photo courtesy of Brain Scott, Upstate Aerial

inspired a college where Vision, Caring and Osteopathic Medicine align. T he Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)–Carolinas campus was inspired by a vision to bring physicians to medically underserved areas. In response to an extreme healthcare shortage, VCOM Chairman John Rocovich, JD, LLM, and Sue Ellen Rocovich, DO, PhD, worked with Edward Via to establish the College in his name, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Since the inaugural class started in 2003, VCOM has grown to include two more campuses: one in Alabama and one in South Carolina. VCOM-Carolinas opened in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2011. In May of 2017, our third graduating class brought the total number of new osteopathic physicians up to nearly 500 from this campus alone. Following in the footsteps of the previous classes, many of the Class of 2017 doctors have chosen primary care as their specialty, and will continue to pursue our mission. Our students are inspired by a College whose mission and focus is on caring for those most in need. We are all inspired by the principles of osteopathic medicine, treating a whole patient - body, mind and spirit. VCOM is inspired .

New York

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Maryland

West Virginia

Blacksburg, Virginia

Kentucky

North Carolina

Tennessee

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Auburn, Alabama

Georgia

Campus Locations

Mississippi

Florida

Appalachian Region Target Appalachian States

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The mission of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians

to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations

and promote research to improve human health.

6 president’s and dean’s letters

8 highlights 18 alumni 40 current students 126 outreach 146 faculty and staff

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

T he VCOM-Carolinas campus has experienced another great year of success! Since opening in 2011, the College has developed many traditions as can be seen throughout this publication. In the community, the VCOM-Carolinas campus has served as a catalyst for the revitalization of the Northside area of the City of Spartanburg, spreading in each direction from the new campus with the latest improvements of walking trails, the Butterfly Park, and the continued restoration of the historic DuPre House. In addition to improving the environment of the Northside region, our students, faculty and staff are inspired by the VCOM mission to serve the community and the region’s citizens in need. VCOM-Carolinas students and faculty provide free healthcare weekly in outreach clinics and free clinics throughout the city. The faculty and students have established programs to prevent high-risk behaviors for children through mini-medical schools, the pediatric clinic and an immunization project for students K-12 that has become well known throughout the community for improving the health of our community’s youth. The Campus has established weekly visits by area schools and summer science camps that help to inspire K-12 students to enter science and health careers. Carrying forth a tradition of excellence in education, our VCOM-Carolinas students boast excellent GPA scores, and 100 percent residency placement upon graduation. The College continues to lead the profession in preparing future physicians to advance osteopathic medicine, healthcare and service in the Carolinas.

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Timothy J. Kowalski, DO, FACN Dean for the Carolinas Campus

T he 2016-2017 year at VCOM-Carolinas has been truly inspiring. We have been fortunate to welcome the community to our campus on several occasions, through events like the Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light public art installation, Business After Hours and other collaborative partnerships. We recently watched as renovations began on the interior of the historic DuPre House on campus and saw our third graduating class cross the stage as osteopathic physicians during the Class of 2017 commencement ceremony. As time passes, we are inspired by the milestones met by our College, but more so by the achievements of our students as they make their way from the classroom to clinical practice and on to residency. Students are drawn to VCOM because they identify with our mission to serve those most in need, and throughout each year of medical education, their commitment to care for others continues to grow through clinical and outreach experiences. It is a pleasure getting to know each and every one of our VCOM students on their paths to becoming successful osteopathic physicians, and I am inspired daily by their dedication to The College’s mission and to the communities they serve.

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8

CAROLINAS HIGHLIGHTS

Carolinas Highlights

by Our Mission

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Highlights 1 VCOM-Carolinas hosted its annual Summer

Enrichment Experience (SEE) Program in July, hosting two groups of local high school boys and girls over the span of two different weeks. The SEE Program is coordinated and carried out by VCOM faculty and students during summer break, and gives a unique, hands-on perspective on healthcare careers for the participating high school students. Throughout the week-long day camp, participants are immersed in healthcare- related activities such as research, an anatomy lab presentation, tour of a medical transport helicopter, and much more! welcomed 164 new students in late July, kicking off orientation weekend with a fun, family picnic and an opportunity for new and current students to get to know one another. Over the next two days, the Class of 2020 was immersed in VCOM orientation activities, including developing their own class motto, before classes began and officially marked the start of their medical education.

2 The Class of 2020 has arrived! The College

2. CLASS OF 2020 ORIENTATION

1. SUMMER ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCE

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CAROLINAS HIGHLIGHTS

3 In October, VCOM-Carolinas campus shined a light on the growing Northside community like never before after being selected to participate in a city- wide public art challenge funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light lit up the city with crowds visiting nine installations, and at the end of the evening, community members circled the illuminated smokestack at VCOM- Carolinas for the Grand Finale of live music, food on the grill, community fellowship and a fireworks display. 4 The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) organization on campus coordinated a Leadership Symposium for students in October, where students addressed their leadership styles, participated in small group discussions, brainstormed ideas to develop their strengths and overcome weaknesses, and worked on their communication skills. The beautiful weather on campus allowed for outdoor activities on the lawn, and students ended the day feeling more prepared for success as future physicians and leaders in the community.

3. SEEING SPARTANBURG IN A NEW LIGHT

4. STUDENT LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

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Highlights (continued)

5. PEDIATRIC WELLNESS FAIR

5 The American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) student organization hosted its fifth annual Pediatric Wellness Fair in October. This event was held on campus, with free admission for both children and parents. Approximately 300 children and parents from the local community attended the event, learning about safety, science, medicine, healthy behaviors and the human body. 6 In November, VCOM-Carolinas opened its doors to host a fun, informative and engaging evening for local business professionals and community members. The Business After Hours event was themed, “Giving Thanks by Serving Our Community,” and provided VCOM the opportunity to share its mission and personally thank the Spartanburg community, while also giving local business professionals a new perspective on the College and how our students, faculty and staff give back.

6. VCOM HOSTS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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CAROLINAS HIGHLIGHTS

7. A GIFT FOR THE DUPRE HOUSE

7 VCOM-Carolinas received a gift of $200,000 from the Balmer Foundation to begin interior renovations for the historic Duncan DuPre House. This 130-year-old Spartanburg landmark stands at the entrance to the Northside Community, with the campus of VCOM-Carolinas as its backdrop. Osteopathy (SAAO) hosted an educational convocation event for students and faculty from each of the VCOM campuses at VCOM-Carolinas in Spartanburg, and mirrored the national SAAO convocation held throughout the country annually. The event allowed students and faculty to discuss various conditions and treatments, and gave students the opportunity to learn techniques from the participating physicians. 8 The Student American Academy of

8. CAROLINAS OSTEOPATHIC CONVOCATION

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Highlights (continued) 9 The month of February is American Heart Month, and VCOM-Carolinas partnered with Spartanburg Regional Health System to offer “Revitalize Your Health,” a special event for students, faculty, and the medical community on the power of food and treatment of chronic disease. The guest speaker for this event was James Loomis, MD, MBA, medical director of the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, DC and national expert in plant-based nutrition. 10 In February and March, VCOM-Carolinas welcomed fourth year students back to campus in celebration of Match Day events during the weeks when students receive the good news about which residency programs they have matched into and will be moving on to after graduation. This was a great chance for the soon-to-be graduates to reconnect and celebrate the next step in their medical education!

9. REVITALIZE YOUR HEALTH COMMUNITY EVENT

10. CLASS OF 2017 MATCH DAY

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CAROLINAS HIGHLIGHTS

11 In March, VCOM-Carolinas hosted emergency response training and a simulated bomb explosion, treated as a genuine mass casualty situation and requiring participants to triage victims in a variety of ways. Participants were health professionals from a range of specialties, including physicians, nurses, EMTs, social services, firefighters and mental health professionals. The College also welcomed participants from South Carolina Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and Medical Reserve Corps. VCOM students volunteered at the training event to portray victims, while VCOM faculty and local emergency healthcare professionals coordinated the simulation.

11. DISASTER SIMULATION ON CAMPUS

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Highlights (continued)

12. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MEDICAL STUDENT

12 In April, VCOM Admissions hosted a weekend full of events for prospective and incoming VCOM students, with an open house themed as “A Day in the Life of a Medical Student” followed by the Class of 2021 Accepted Students Day. Both events provided participants with a full day on campus, learning about life as a VCOM student and preparing them for the next steps in their education. 13 The second annual Via Research Recognition Day at VCOM-Carolinas was held in April. The event featured research presentations and posters from 40 VCOM students, faculty, and local researchers, with a total of 100 registered participants in attendance. Medical students, faculty and other participants submitted a total of 34 posters in the categories of biomedical, clinical and educational research. In addition to the featured speakers, six oral presentations were focused on topics in both biomedical and clinical research studies. Top prizes were awarded to 16 research posters.

13. VCOM–CAROLINAS RESEARCH DAY

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CAROLINAS HIGHLIGHTS

14. CLASS OF 2017 GRADUATION

14 On May 20, VCOM-Carolinas graduated 154 students from the Class of 2017 in a commencement ceremony at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Family, friends, faculty, staff and fellow students were in attendance at the ceremony to celebrate the College’s newest class of graduates who will now move on to residency training throughout the Appalachian region and across the nation. 15 In May, third year students from the Class of 2018 returned to VCOM-Carolinas for a luncheon and awards ceremony before returning to rotation sites for their final year in medical school. This was a great opportunity for classmates and faculty to catch up, discuss their clinical rotations and experiences and enjoy the VCOM community.

15. CLASS OF 2018 AWARDS DAY

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Carolinas Alumni

by Our Passion

Class of 2017 The

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2

1. John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM Chairman of the Board of Trustees Commencement Speakers

2.

Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP President and Provost

3.

Alan Wilson, JD South Carolina Attorney General

4.

Timothy Kowalski, DO, FACN Dean, Carolinas Campus

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4

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

Class of 2017 Graduation VCOM–Carolinas

O n Saturday, May 20, 2017, a commencement ceremony was held for the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)–Carolinas Class of 2017. A total of 156 medical students walked across the stage of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium this year to graduate with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. The Class of 2017 is the third class to graduate from VCOM–Carolinas. More than two thousand family members, friends and fellow VCOM faculty, staff and students were in attendance at the ceremony. The VCOM–Carolinas Class of 2017 saw excellent match results, with students moving forward to residencies throughout the Carolinas and across the United States. The majority of graduates will pursue primary care as their specialty, following the College’s mission to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promoting research to improve human health.

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Honoring Our Military Graduates

M ilitary graduates from the VCOM–Carolinas Class of 2017 were honored with a Military Promotion Ceremony on the morning of Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg. Nine students from the Class of 2017 were honored by VCOM administration, faculty, fellow students and family members in this ceremony for their commitment to serving as physicians in the United States Armed Services and each received the oath of office during the event.

NAVY

Karl Michael Kingry

AIR FORCE

ARMY

Joel Patrick Harding Morgan Christina Jordan Danielle Brooke Larson Samuel Eaton Perry Michael Andrew Turner Ashley Jenna Werbin

Nicholas Bailey Hammond Nathan Robert Weiss

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

27

The Class of 2017 Hometown, residency location and specialty

Christopher David Ackerman Frostburg, MD Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Obstetrics and Gynecology

Jonathan Alba Davie, FL Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA Pediatrics

Caitlin Maureen Allen Tallahassee, FL Memorial Health University

Rachel Pyle Anderson Blakely, GA Floyd Medical Center Rome, GA Family Medicine

John Tyler Andrews Gainesville, GA Floyd Medical Center Rome, GA Family Medicine

Medical Center Savannah, GA Internal Medicine

Emily Catherine Aquila Concord, Ohio St. Anthony Hospital North

Wun Chi Augustin Huntsville, TX Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Winston-Salem, NC Emergency Medicine

Kourtney Kay Aylor Burnet, TX Parkview Medical Center Pueblo, CO Internal Medicine

Sarah Jane Badach Wyckoff, NJ Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA Emergency Medicine

Myung Bae Newport News, VA Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA Emergency Medicine

Westminister, CO Family Medicine

Azita Bahrami Lexington, KY Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL Family Medicine

Zachary Scott Barfield Mount Holly, NC Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast Concord, NC Family Medicine

Ashley Marie Bohn Flowery Branch, GA Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA Pediatrics

Tristan Diane Brooks Pensacola, FL Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare

Charles Barron Bryant Burnsville, NC Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC Pediatrics

Tallahassee, FL Family Medicine

Shravya Budidi Greenville, SC Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL Family Medicine

Chad Dewayne Buffkin Loris, SC Adena Health System Chillicothe, OH Emergency Medicine

Brenda Garcia Burnett Bailey, NC University of Alabama

Kenneth Murray Busby, III Mobile, AL University of Tennessee College of Medicine Memphis, TN Pediatrics

Charisse Donnell Carter Smithfield, VA Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Richmond, VA Pediatrics

Medical Center Birmingham, AL Psychiatry

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

Chad Burton Cash Greer, SC Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Spartanburg, SC Preliminary Surgery

Urey Chow Quincy, MA Kent Hospital Warwick, RI Internal Medicine

Luke Alan Clippard Jackson, MO St. Mary's Medical Center

Catherine Michelle Compton Derby, KS Sinai Grace Hospital Detroit, MI Internal Medicine

Robert Paul Cope Mount Holly, NC Botsford Hospital Farmington Hills, MI Orthopedic Surgery

Blue Springs, MO General Surgery

Rachel Marie Courtney Girard, OH Summa Health

Jessica Mae Cox Wadesville, IN Deaconess Hospital Evansville, IN Family Medicine

Joseph Daniel Cox Sylva, NC Henry Ford Macomb Hospital

Eric Allan Cromer Spartanburg, SC

Paige Marie Cummings-Johnson Colchester, CT Tacoma Family Medicine Tacoma, WA Family Medicine

AnMed Health Anderson, SC Family Medicine

Akron, OH Psychiatry

Clinton Township, MI Emergency Medicine

Juliana Santiago Dale West Palm Beach, FL Manatee Memorial Hospital Bradenton, FL Family Medicine

Hilary Lee Davenport Norwalk, OH Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Traditional Rotating Internship

Christopher Michael Davis Spartanburg, SC

Shellian Simone Davis Charlotte, NC Southeastern Health Lumberton, NC Internal Medicine

Kalli Lyn Devecki Murphy, NC University of Florida College of Medicine

AnMed Health Anderson, SC Family Medicine

Jacksonville, FL General Surgery

Brian Joseph Di Giacinto Brookfield, WI St. Petersburg General Hospital St. Petersburg, FL and Radiology-Diagnostic Aultman Hospital Canton, OH Traditional Rotating Internship

Abigael Lynn Dishler Pittsburgh, PA Greenville Health System Greenville, SC Obstetrics and Gynecology

Jeffrey Aaron Ellerhorst Fayetville, NC St. Joseph Warren Hospital Warren, OH Family Medicine

Rachel Allyn Fenters Hemingway, SC McLeod Regional Medical Center Florence, SC Family Medicine

Kerry Noel Fincher Easley, SC

AnMed Health Anderson, SC Family Medicine

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The Class of 2017 (continued) Hometown, residency location and specialty

Kristy Nicole Fincher Easley, SC

Alison Michelle Flanagan Holly Springs, NC MacNeal Hospital Berwyn, IL Family Medicine

Robert Edward Flandry, III Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Spartanburg, SC Preliminary Surgery

William Alexander Forgach, II Charlotte, NC Lewis Gale Hospital- Montgomery

Candace Nicole Franklin Abbeville, SC Community Memorial Health System Ventura, CA Internal Medicine

AnMed Health Anderson, SC Family Medicine

Blacksburg, VA Family Medicine

Keith Robert Freeman Taylors, SC Wellington Regional Medical Center Wellington, FL Internal Medicine

Frank Joseph Freund Westbury, NY Botsford Hospital Farmington Hills, MI Internal Medicine

Megan Nicole Gause Asheville, NC Ft. Collins Family Medicine

Lauren Marie Gigliotti Elyria, OH Case Western/MetroHealth

Laura Christine Giove Oakdale, MN McKay-Dee Hospital Center Ogden, UT Family Medicine

Fort Collins, CO Family Medicine

Medical Center Cleveland, OH Internal Medicine

Patricia Turner Guilford Greenville, SC Johnston Memorial Hospital Abingdon, VA Family Medicine

Philip Mark Guilford Pensacola, FL Johnston Memorial Hospital Abingdon, VA Family Medicine

Luke Thomas Haas Walker, MN Aria-Jefferson Health Philadelphia, PA Emergency Medicine

Brandon Christian Hagopian Laguna Hills, CA Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA Family Medicine

Brandon Scott Hammond Belmont, NC Riverside Regional Medical Center Newport News, VA Family Medicine

Robert Logan Hammond Belmont, NC Riverside Regional Medical Center Newport News, VA Family Medicine

Nicholas Bailey Hammond Columbus, GA Madigan Army Medical Center Tacoma, WA Transitional Year (Radiology)

Christopher Clayton Hardegree Clyde, TX Weatherford Regional Medical Center

Joel Patrick Harding Spartanburg, SC University of California Davis Medical Center/David Grant Medical Center Sacramento/Fairfield, CA Integrated Vascular Surgery

Neha Melanie Harwani Greensboro, NC Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Warrensville Heights, OH Internal Medicine

Weatherford, TX Internal Medicine

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

Cassie Marie Henninger Findlay, OH Cleveland Clinic Akron General Akron, OH Obstetrics and Gynecology

John Thomas Herion Wilmington, NC Greenville Health System Greenville, SC Internal Medicine

Jason Jeffrey Hill Birmingham, AL Greenville Health System Greenville, SC Obstetrics and Gynecology

Jasmina Hira Greensboro, AL Southeastern Health Lumberton, NC Traditional Rotating Internship (Psychiatry)

Rachel Susannah Holeman Mauldin, SC United Hospital Center

Bridgeport, WV Family Medicine

Lisa Joy Hrushka Kaiserslautern, Germany University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, KY Anesthesiology

Elise Hyser Deerfield, IL

Timothy James Immonen Plattsmouth, NE St. Anthony Hospital Oklahoma City, OK Obstetrics and Gynecology

Erin Kristina Ivanoff Sunbury, OH Doctors Hospital Columbus, OH Internal Medicine

Leandra Alyce Jelinek New Haven, CT McLaren Greater Lansing Lansing, MI General Surgery

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital/Advocate Children's Hospital-Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL Pediatrics

Chandra Miletta Jennings Miami, FL St. Mary-Corwin Hospital Pueblo, CO Family Medicine

Matthew Christian Jones Sumter, SC Sinai Grace Hospital Detroit, MI General Surgery

Morgan Christina Jordan Fort Pierce, FL San Antonio Military Medical Center San Antonio, TX Neurology

Amanda Morales Joseph Covington, LA Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC Psychiatry

Merlyn Jothsana Kaalla Snellville, GA Medical Center Central Georgia Mercer University School of Georgia Macon, GA Family Medicine

Jennifer Elizabeth Kelley Wakefield, RI Florida Hospital Orlando, FL Family Medicine

Nicholas Lee Kennedy Winter Park, FL Greenville Health System Greenville, SC Internal Medicine

Loura Khallouf Allentown, PA University of Massachusetts

Karl Michael Kingry Virginia Beach, VA Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Portsmouth, VA Obstetrics and Gynecology

Caroline Leigh Kiteley Auburn, AL McLaren Greater Lansing Lansing, MI Internal Medicine

Medical School Worcester, MA Internal Medicine

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The Class of 2017 (continued) Hometown, residency location and specialty

Stephanie Serwaah Kwakye Gaithersburg, MD Maricopa Integrated Health System Phoenix, AZ Psychiatry

Danielle Brooke Larson McLaughlin, SD Keesler Medical Center Biloxi, MS Internal Medicine

Cheryl Sue Larva Floodwood, MN McLaren Greater Lansing Lansing, MI Obstetrics and Gynecology

Jonathan Heath Leggett Ocean Isle Beach, NC Grand Strand Regional Medical Center Myrtle Beach, SC Emergency Medicine

Jeffrey Scott Lim Port Charlotte, FL Charleston Area Medical Center/West Virginia University Charleston, WV Pediatrics

Amanda Rae Lingerfelt Unicoi, TN East Tennessee State University/Quillen College of Medicine Kingsport, TN Family Medicine

Daniel Lee Lloyd Birmingham, AL Lakeland Regional Medical Center St. Joseph, MI Internal Medicine

Colton Alexander Lott Beaumont, MS University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS General Surgery

Jonathan Firouz Mahram Duluth, GA University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS Obstetrics and Gynecology

Brandon Charles Maisel-Ramos Boca Raton, FL

Palm Beach Consortium for Graduate Medical Education Port St. Lucie, FL and PMR SUNY Health Science Center Brooklyn, NY Traditional Rotating Internship

Marilyn Ann Malia Kingston, PA Saint Petersburg Hospital St. Petersburg, FL Family Medicine

David Earl Maurer Greenville, IL St. Anthony Hospital North

Mathew Papakyrikos Mazzola Columbia, SC Palmetto Health Richland Columbia, SC Internal Medicine

Debra Michelle McCauley Orange Park, FL Preliminary Surgery General Surgery University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, FL Preliminary Surgery and General Surgery

Brandon Timothy McDonald Tampa, FL McLeod Regional Medical Center Florence, SC Family Medicine

Westminster, CO Family Medicine

Nebiyou Simeon Assefa Melaku Carrollton, TX Peconic Bay Medical Center Riverhead, NY Traditional Rotating Internship

Paul Michael Meriac Belmont, NC Garden City Hospital Detroit, MI Traditional Rotating Internship

Stephanie Lee Minter Bradenton, FL Manatee Memorial Hospital Bradenton, FL Internal Medicine

Cara Marie Mitchell Greensboro, NC Swedish Covenant Hospital Chicago, IL Internal Medicine

Casey Nilsen Moore Margaretville, NY SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY Emergency Medicine

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

Matthew Anthony Musto Sebring, FL University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center Richmond Heights, OH Orthopedic Surgery

Kristina Nakonechnaya Palm Coast, FL Largo Medical Center Largo, FL General Surgery

Meghan Corrigan Nelson Prince George, VA Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA Pediatrics

Annecie Noel Brooklyn, NY Plainview Hospital Plainview, NY Traditional Rotating Internship

Libby Virginia Palumbo Toledo, OH Riverside Regional Medical Center Newport News, VA Family Medicine

Erin McGuire Pastor Narragansett, RI University of Connecticut School of Medicine Hartford, CT Pediatrics

Dixi Pankaj Patel Midland, TX Coney Island Hospital Brooklyn, NY Pediatrics

Janki Prabodh Patel Charlotte, NC Geisinger Healthcare System Danville, PA Pediatrics

Saachi Shilpesh Patel Charlotte, NC Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans, LA Pediatrics

Kennerly Clinton Patrick Greenville, SC Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Richmond, VA Internal Medicine

Mara Jane Perch North Canton, OH Pediatrics Beaumont Health System Royal Oak, MI Pediatrics

Samuel Eaton Perry Ida, MI Adena Health System Chillicothe, OH Traditional Rotating Internship (Orthopedic Surgery)

Andrew Lee Phillips Williamsburg, IA Norman Regional Health System Norman, OK Emergency Medicine

Nicole Lucie Piccirillo Walpole, NH University of Vermont Medical Center Burlington, VT Neurology

Parker Daniel Plant Murray, UT University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, TN Pediatrics

Jacob Daniel Pope Lexington, NC Grand Srand Regional Medical Center Myrtle Beach, SC Emergency Medicine

Lauren Amanda Pronman Parkland, FL Case Western/University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center Clevland, OH Pediatrics

Leon Frank Przybylowski, III Bartlett, IL Greenville Health System Greenville, SC Pediatrics

Ian Christopher Quinn Buford, GA Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Winston-Salem, NC Family Medicine

Dhruv Rajpurohit Forth Worth, TX University of Texas Health Science Center Tyler, TX Internal Medicine

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The Class of 2017 (continued) Hometown, residency location and specialty

Zoaib Safdar Rasool High Point, NC Danville Regional Medical Center Danville, VA Internal Medicine

Veronica Selena Ridpath Fuquay Varina, NC Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte, NC Psychiatry

Renee Michelle Rosati Scottsdale, AZ Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN PMR

Kayla Marie Rutkoski Shickshinny, PA Northside Hospital & Heart Institute

Felippe Sartorato Rome, GA St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center Paterson, NJ General Surgery

St. Petersburg, FL Internal Medicine

Anna Michelle Schepcoff Houston, TX Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Hudson, FL Internal Medicine

Micah Bernard Schmal Raywick, KY Lewis Gale Regional Health System

Tyler Jordan Schmitz Manchester, TN East Tennessee State University/Quillen College of Medicine Kingsport, TN Family Medicine

Mark Andrew Sears Central, SC Merit Health Wesley Hattiesburg, MS Traditional Rotating Internship

Patrisha Marie Shelley Aynor, SC University of Florida College of Medicine

Blacksburg, VA Family Medicine

Jacksonville, FL Internal Medicine

Christopher Taylor Smith Huntsville, AL Magnolia Regional Health Center Corinth, MS Internal Medicine

Rebecca Campbell Smith Clifton Forge, VA South Pointe Hospital Warrensville Heights, OH General Surgery

Richard Jackson Smith Florence, SC Palmetto Health Richland Columbia, SC Internal Medicine

McKenzie Esther Sorrell Burlington, VT Palmetto Health Richland Columbia, SC Internal Medicine

Daniel Lee Shigley Evansville, IN Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Dayton, OH Emergency Medicine

Brittany Nichole Speed Scenery Hill, PA Ohio Valley Medical Center Wheeling, WV Emergency Medicine

Kevin Matthew Summers Lakeland, FL Palm Beach Consortium West Palm Beach, FL Emergency Medicine

Anish Sureshkumar Greensboro, NC Wilson Medical Center Johnson City, NY Radiology-Diagnostic and Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA Transitional Year (UHS)

Kayla Jo Szolek Avella, PA Coliseum Medical Centers Macon, GA Internal Medicine

Casey Ann Toombs Coventry, CT Orange Regional Medical Center Middletown, NY Emergency Medicine

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

Michael Andrew Turner Summerville, SC University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine Sioux Falls, SD Pediatrics

Jennifer Lynn Uspal Wyomissing, PA Geisinger Health System Danville, PA Internal Medicine

Amanda Gayle Vester Webb City, MO Sky Ridge Medical Center Lone Tree, CO Family Medicine

Laura Lorena Virgen Vero Beach, FL St. John Medical Center Westlake, OH Internal Medicine

Heber J Watson, III Hartsville, SC Tidelands Health Murrells Inlet, SC Family Medicine

Amanda Lee Watts Raleigh, NC Grand Strand Regional Medical Center

Nathan Robert Weiss Irmo, SC Madigan Army Medical Center Tacoma, WA Internal Medicine

Ashley Jenna Werbin Davie, FL San Antonio Military Medical Center

Jenna Marie Wertz New Tazewell, TN Good Samaritan Hospital Cincinnati, OH Obstetrics and Gynecology

Callah Christine West Indianapolis, IN

Carilion Clinic Roanoke, VA Preliminary Surgery

Myrtle Beach, SC Internal Medicine

San Antonio, TX Transitional Year (Emergency Medicine)

James Garvin Wiginton, IV Greenville, SC Riverside University Health System Moreno Valley, CA Neurosurgery

Chloe Lael Williams DeSoto, TX University of Tennessee College of Medicine Jackson, TN Family Medicine

Rachel Suzanne Wisehart Concord, NC AnMed Health Anderson, SC Family Medicine

Brittany Michelle Worthington Greensboro, NC Northside Hospital & Heart Institute

Ashley Ladd Wright Franklin, TN University of Tennessee College of Medicine Memphis, TN Family Medicine

St. Petersburg, FL Internal Medicine

Alicia Frances Yanac Hazleton, PA Kent Hospital Warwick, RI Internal Medicine

Krystal Nicole Yankowski Boca Raton, FL University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa, FL PMR

Naomi Marie Yero Miami, FL North Broward Hospital District Fort Lauderdale, FL Family Medicine

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The Class of 2017 Graduation Awards and Honors Chris Ackerman Honor Code Council Sigma Sigma Phi VCOM Class Ambassador

Luke Clippard Sigma Sigma Phi

Cassie Henninger Sigma Sigma Phi

Robert Cope Sigma Sigma Phi

John Herion President, Cardiology Specialty Committee Sigma Sigma Phi Jason Hill President, Student Government Association VCOM Class Ambassador Rachel Holeman National Health Service Corps Sigma Sigma Phi

Caitlin Allen Sigma Sigma Phi

Caty Compton National Health Service Corps VCOM Class Ambassador

John Andrews VCOM Class Ambassador

Joseph Cox Sigma Sigma Phi

Emily Aquila President, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists VCOM Class Ambassador

Eric Cromer President, Sigma Sigma Phi

Wun Augustin Sigma Sigma Phi

Juliana Dale President, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians

Timothy Immonen Sigma Sigma Phi

Sarah Badach VCOM Class Ambassador Sigma Sigma Phi

Erin Ivanoff Sigma Sigma Phi

Kalli Devicki Sigma Sigma Phi

Chandra Jennings President, Student National Medical Association Student to Service Loan Repayment Program

Brian Di Giacinto Sigma Sigma Phi

Myungwook Bae President, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians VCOM Class Ambassador Zach Barfield President, Wilderness Medicine Specialty Committee

Abigael Dishler Sigma Sigma Phi

Matthew Jones VCOM Class Ambassador

Robert Flandry III Sigma Sigma Phi

Morgan Jordan Health Professions Scholarship Program, Air Force

Frank Freund Sigma Sigma Phi VCOM Class Ambassador

Ashley Bohn Sigma Sigma Phi

Tristan Brooks Class President, 2015-2016 Honor Code Council

Libby Kalanquin VCOM Class Ambassador

Lauren Gigliotti Sigma Sigma Phi

Loura Khallouf President, American College of Osteopathic Neurologist and Psychiatrists Sigma Sigma Phi

Megan Godwin VCOM Class Ambassador

Charles Bryant Sigma Sigma Phi

Luke Haas President, Infectious Disease Specialty Committee Nicholas Hammond Health Professions Scholarship Program, Army President, Christian Medical and Dental Association Sigma Sigma Phi Joel Harding Health Professions Scholarship Program, Air Force Sigma Sigma Phi

Shravya Budidi Sigma Sigma Phi

Karl Kingry Health Professions Scholarship Program, Navy Sigma Sigma Phi Danielle Larson Health Professions Scholarship Program, Air Force

Kenneth BusbyIII President, Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association

Charisse Carter VCOM Class Ambassador

Chad Cash Sigma Sigma Phi

Amanda Lingerfelt Sigma Sigma Phi

Urey Chow Honor Code Council, Vice Chair

Daniel Lloyd National Health Service Corps

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ALUMNI CLASS OF 2017

Colton Lott Sigma Sigma Phi

Andy Phillips Honor Code Council Sigma Sigma Phi VCOM Class Ambassador Nicole Piccirillo Honor Code Council, Chair Sigma Sigma Phi

Jennifer Uspal Class President, 2016-2017 Honor Code Council President, American Medical Women’s Association Laura Virgen President, Hispanic Community Medical Outreach Sigma Sigma Phi

Jonathan Mahram President, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Committee Sigma Sigma Phi David Maurer Class President, 2014 – 2015 Sigma Sigma Phi

Jacob Pope Sigma Sigma Phi

Heber Watson, III VCOM Class Ambassador

Lauren Pronman Sigma Sigma Phi

Mathew Mazzola Sigma Sigma Phi

Amanda Watts Sigma Sigma Phi

Leon Przybylowski Sigma Sigma Phi

Debra McCauley Sigma Sigma Phi

Nathan Weiss Health Professions Scholarship Program, Army Ashley Werbin Health Professions Scholarship Program, Air Force Sigma Sigma Phi VCOM Class Ambassador Chip Wiginton IV President, Student Osteopathic Surgical Association Sigma Sigma Phi

Ian Quinn Sigma Sigma Phi President, American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine President, Anesthesiology Specialty Committee VCOM Class Ambassador

Erin McGuire Pastor Sigma Sigma Phi

Stephanie Minter President, Student American Association of Osteopathy VCOM Class Ambassador Cara Mitchell President, Medical Outreach and Volunteer Effort

Veronica Ridpath National Health Service Corps

Kayla Rutkoski Sigma Sigma Phi

Casey Moore Sigma Sigma Phi

Felippe Sartorato VCOM Class Ambassador

Rachel Wisehart VCOM Class Ambassador Sigma Sigma Phi

Matthew Musto President, Orthopedic Specialty Committee Sigma Sigma Phi

Patrisha Shelley Sigma Sigma Phi

Brittany Worthington Sigma Sigma Phi

Kristina Nakonechnaya Sigma Sigma Phi

Rebecca Smith President, Student Osteopathic Medical Association Sigma Sigma Phi

Dixi Patel Sigma Sigma Phi VCOM Class Ambassador

McKenzie Sorrell Sigma Sigma Phi

Kennerly Patrick President, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Sigma Sigma Phi

Anish Sureshkumar Sigma Sigma Phi

Kayla Szolek Sigma Sigma Phi

Mara Perch Sigma Sigma Phi VCOM Class Ambassador

Michael Turner President, Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons Health Professions Scholarship Program, Air Force

Samuel Perry Health Professions Scholarship Program, Air Force Reserves Sigma Sigma Phi

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Current Students

through Practice

CAROLINAS Scholarships M any successful students have received scholarships to assist with their medical education. The majority of scholarships were awarded for academics or service.

2017 Rachel Anderson Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, 2013-2016 Catherine Compton National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2013-2016 Nicholas Hammond Health Professions Scholarship Program–Army, 2013-2016 Joel Harding Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2013-2016 Rachel Holeman National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2013-2016 Morgan Jordan Basil L. King Scholarship, 2015-2016 Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2015-2016 Karl Kingry Health Professions Scholarship Program–Navy, 2013-2016 Danielle Larson Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2013-2016 Daniel Lloyd National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2013-2016 Casey Moore Bishop Foundation Scholarship, 2013-2016 Matthew Musto South Carolina Medical Association Alice Ruth Folk Scholarship, 2014-2016

Kennerly Patrick South Carolina Medical Association Walter J. Roberts, MD Scholarship, 2014-2016 Samuel Perry Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force Reserves, 2014-2016 Veronica Ridpath National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2013-2016 Michael Turner Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2013-2016 Jennifer Uspal Berks County Community Foundation June Roedel Scholarship, 2014-2016 Nathan Weiss Health Professions Scholarship Program–Army, 2015-2016 Ashley Werbin

Justin Chin Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2014-2017 Tina Chuong Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation General Scholarship, 2016-2017 Brianna Goley Health Professions Scholarship Program–Navy, 2014-2017 Matthew Grimes Health Professions Scholarship Program–Navy, 2014-2017 Jordan Lakin Tennessee Baptist Foundation, 2015-2017 Krista Morgan Northside Hospital Forsyth Auxiliary Award, 2014-2017 Enzo Nicosia Brandon Hospital Auxiliary Award, 2014-2017 Shelby Nolte The Degen Foundation Scholarship, 2015-2017 Nathalie Perdomo National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2014-2017 Kyle Richardson Health Professions Scholarship Program–Navy, 2014-2017 Boone Rountree National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2015-2017 Jacan Simon National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2015-2017

Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2013-2016 2018 Susanne Bentley National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2015-2017 Grant Bludorn National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2016-2017 Alexander Champion Health Professions Scholarship Program–Army, 2014-2017

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CAROLINAS SCHOLARSHIPS & LEADERSHIP

Joshua Vick Montpelier Presbyterian Church Scholarship, 2014-2015, 2016-2017 Efua Wilmot Hutchins Medical Scholarship, 2016- 2017 Whitson Medical Scholarship, 2015-2017 2019 Brian Anderson Hatton Lovejoy Scholarship, 2015-2017 Minerva Andre National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2016-2017 Kevin Dao South Carolina Medical Association Alliance President’s Scholarship, 2016-2017 Taylor Davis New Student Carolinas Campus

Jessica Patrizi National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2015-2017 Jared Phillips New Student Carolinas Campus Scholarship, 2015-2017 Taylor Rudolph Health Professions Scholarship Program–Navy, 2015-2016 Americorps, 2015-2016 Kaitlyn Stevens Degen Foundation Scholarship, 2016-2017 Anthony Vogt American Osteopathic Association Welch Scholars Grant, 2016-2017 William Williams Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2015-2017 2020 Ara Amirkhanian ACC Weaver James Postgraduate Scholarship, 2016-2017 Art Boyev Military Health Professions Scholarship Program–Army, 2016-2017 Wyatt Danner Military Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2016-2017 Warren Evans North Orange Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarship, 2016-2017

Hayley Hatherly Military Health Professions Scholarship Program–Navy, 2016-2017 Dewan Jubair

Americorps, 2016-2017 Courtney Konchan

Berks County Community Foundation June Roedel Scholarship, 2016-2017 Emily Olinger Military Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2016-2017 Patrick Richards HSHS St. Mary’s Foundation, 2016-2017 Cassandra Saunders National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, 2016-2017 Sable Skewes Health Focus of SW VA Scholarship, 2016-2017 Elizabeth Zipprer AAUW Career Development Grant, 2016-2017 Tylenol, 2016-2017

Scholarship, 2015-2016 Joseph Glendening

Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2015-2017 Kiersten Mullis National Health Service Corps Scholarship, 2015-2017 Chad Norton Health Professions Scholarship Program–Army, 2015-2017 Nicholas Novak Health Professions Scholarship Program–Air Force, 2015-2017

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Regional, State, and National Leadership Positions T he Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) takes pride in a student body that has distinguished itself in regional, state and national leadership roles. VCOM is fortunate to have students who are successful academically and are motivated to take the initiative to attend regional, state, and national meetings and conferences where they are viewed as leaders by their peer medical schools and elected to serve as officers and committee members.

2018

Ian McKenzie American Society of Anesthesiologists - Medical Student Component National Delegate for VCOM-Carolinas 2015-2017

Brianna Clark National Student Society of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecologists Vice President 2016-2017

Reid Malcolm Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents National Parliamentarian 2016-2017

Jacan Simon National Rural Health Association National Liaison 2016-2017

Jesse Rockmore National Rural Health Association Chairperson of Student Constituency Board 2017-2018

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CAROLINAS SCHOLARSHIPS & LEADERSHIP

2019

Julia Bottcher South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society Student Trustee 2016-2017

Shanterian King American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Mentorship Committee 2016-2017

Brad Randolph Student Osteopathic Surgical Association Technology Chair 2017-2018

Taylor Rudolph Counsel of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents Carolinas Campus TOUCH

Coordinator 2016-2017

Graham Willm Student Osteopathic Medicine Association Region 2 Trustee 2017

Rachel Stein Student Osteopathic Surgical Association Convention Coordinator 2017-2018

Christina Sumner University of Central Florida Institutional Review Board 2014-2015

Megan Sears Mental Health Awareness Task Force Ambassador 2016-Present Ed to Med

Ambassador 2016-2017

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Class of 2018 Student Clinician Awards E ach year, hospitals in partnership with VCOM award third year students who have excelled in their clinical training and have gone above and beyond to promote excellence in the osteopathic profession. These students are honored in May each year during an awards ceremony and picnic where they have the chance to reconnect with classmates and faculty prior to beginning their fourth year of medical school.

Andrew Scott Brown Bon Secours St. Francis

Ghausia Saeed Ata Grand Strand Medical Center Myrtle Beach, SC

George Ernesto Alvarez Piedmont Medical Center Rock Hill, SC

Jacob Marlow Anderson Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge Morganton, NC

Caitlin Danielle Basnight MacLeod Health Clarendon Manning, SC

Health System Greenville, SC

Hunter Austin Johnson Springs Memorial Hospital Lancaster, SC

Tina Chuong AnMed Health Medical Center Anderson, SC

Bryce Coldiron Ferry The Regional Medical Center Orangeburg, SC

Tarah Lakeisha Henderson Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital Phenix City, AL

Karalyn Hillebrecht McLeod Health System Darlington, SC

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CAROLINAS SCHOLARSHIPS & LEADERSHIP

Matthew Gerard Pascual

Jesse Caleb Rockmore Palmetto Health Tuomey Sumter, SC

Stephen Christopher Lee Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Spartanburg, SC

Mara Christine Rivera Mary Black Health System Spartanburg, SC

Newberry County Memorial Hospital Newberry, SC

Matthew Thomas Stewart Gadsden Regional Medical Center Gadsden, AL

Jarod Bradly Stevenson Russell Medical Center Alexander City, AL

Arnav Vasudeva Wellington Regional

Medical Center Wellington, FL

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Class Motto

An altruistic family, we continue the tradition of excellence in medicine by embodying the principles of integrity, dedication to life-long learning, and service to humanity.

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Class of 2018

Class Officers President: Micah Thomas Vice President: Krista Morgan Class Size 160 Gender 54% male, 46% female Age Average age upon matriculation is 24 Minority 20% are underrepresented minority Residence 49 are from the Carolinas 96 are from Appalachian states

Class of 2018

Mohammed Abdel-Rahim Valrico, FL BS – Microbiology University of South Florida

Rola Akache Coral Springs, FL BS – Biological Sciences Florida International University

George Alvarez Charlotte, NC BA – Chemistry Fayetteville State University

Jacob Anderson Garland, UT BS – Biology Utah State University

Nidhi Arashinagundi Simpsonville, SC BS – Biology University of South Carolina

Ghausia Ata Frisco, TX BS – Neuroscience

Michelle Baliss Dunlap, IL BS – Biochemistry Bradley University

David Ballack Orange Park, FL BS – Biology University of Florida

Caitlin Basnight Columbia, SC BS– Biology Presbyterian College

Aria Behrouzi Aiken, SC BS – Chemical Engineering North Carolina State University

University of Texas at Dallas MS – Biomedical Science University of North Texas Health Science Center

Leah Bell Jacksonville, AL BS – Biomedical Sciences Auburn University

Paige Bell Boca Raton, FL BS – Biology University of Florida

Kyle Benda Toledo, IA BA – Journalism Creighton University

Susanne Bentley Asheville, NC BS – Pre-Medical Western Carolina University

Davis Berry Aiken, SC

BS – Biomedical Engineering University of South Carolina

Austin Brokamp Matthews, NC BS – Biochemistry East Carolina University

Sara Berry Gaffney, SC BS – Biology MPH - Public Health University of South Carolina

Grant Bludorn Brookings, SD BS – Biology South Dakota State University

William Boos III Alexander City, AL BS – Criminal Justice Jacksonville State University

Rob Brigman Columbia, SC BS – Pre-Medical University of South Carolina

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CLASS OF 2018

Andrew Brown Carlisle, SC BS – Biology Wofford College

Christopher Burns Saratoga Springs, NY BS – Biology Francis Marion University

Ofelia Cabrera Miami, FL BS – Nursing University of Miami

Arthur Calloway Raleigh, NC BS – Biology North Carolina State University

Benjamin Calton Spartanburg, SC BS – Psychology Clemson University

Frederick Carington Bloomfield Hills, MI BS – Biomedical Sciences Michigan State University

Michael Chahin Beaufort, SC BA – Biology Clemson University

Alexander Champion Matthews, NC BA – Biology University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Matthew Chan Vidalia, GA BS – Cellular Biology University of Georgia

Devin Chapman Charlotte, NC BA – Biology University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Cynthia Cheng Marlton, NJ BA – Biology Rutgers University MPH – Public Health Rutgers School of Public Health

Kyle Childers Greer, SC BA – Biology Clemson University

Justin Chin Charlotte, NC BA – Neuroscience Vassar College

Tina Chuong Philadelphia, PA BS – Biology Temple University MS – Science Drexel University

Brianna Clark Houston, TX BS – Biology Baylor University MPH – Public Health Certificate – Non-Profit Mgmt Texas A&M University

Kristen Coleman New Castle, IN BS – Biology University of Indianapolis

Gabriela Cox Sumter, SC BS – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Mercer University MS – Medical Physiology Case Western Reserve University

Megan Cox Carmel, IN BS – Biology Indiana University- Bloomington

Adriana Delgado Windermere, FL BS – Microbiology & Molecular Biology University of Central Florida

Arya Dowis Peachtree City, GA BS – Physiology Valdosta State University

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