Current Residents
Check out our current residents! They are diverse yet commonly united. Our residents are from all over the world, around the country, various medical schools, and they work together to advance the field of Emergency Medicine, clinically and academically.
INTERNS
Ben Alexander
I was born and raised in West Texas and split my time in college at Angelo State and TCU, where I got my Bachelors in Biology. I then attended Texas Tech in Lubbock for medical school. I grew up around a lot of great doctors and learned Emergency Medicine was the specialty for me early on. I’m especially interested in the critical care aspect of Emergency Medicine and am excited about further developing that passion at UVA. I fell in love with the people and scenery of Charlottesville during an away rotation in my fourth year and I’m happy to call this place my home for the next three years. In my spare time I enjoy golf, racquetball, boxing, exploring wineries, and taking my dog, Aspen, hiking and camping.
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Steve Garbin
I was born in North Carolina and raised outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before attending the University of North Carolina where I studied English and history. After graduation from UNC, I was employed as a copywriter for an advertising agency when I changed my career goals and enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program here at the University of Virginia. After four years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, I feel privileged and excited to be back in Charlottesville for residency. My academic interests include medical education, medical humanities, physician leadership, and health care policy and administration. I try to be a generalist outside of medicine and enjoy writing, reading, going to the movies, listening to music, trying out new restaurants/breweries/wineries/cider houses/distilleries, baking, grilling, traveling, golfing, running, hiking, kayaking, and skiing.
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Esther Good
I was born in Pennsylvania, but spent most of my life in Kenya until moving to Virginia at age 15. I studied social work in undergrad and spent several years working in refugee resettlement before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. I went to medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, Pennsylvania, home of The Office. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my husband and two children. My long-term goal is to work in Global Health, and I’m excited to be completing my residency at UVA as the next step in that direction.
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Jordan Hughes
Raised in Austin, I got the first taste of east coast life when I moved to New York City to study Peace Studies at Manhattan College. I then returned to Texas for medical school at UT Southwestern, where I developed interests in emergency medicine and quality improvement. When my wife and I came to Charlottesville for my interview, we fell in love with the city and the residency program, and absolutely knew it was the place for us. We both agree its our favorite place we’ve been in the country! I’m so excited to be joining the UVA EM crew and to become an adopted Cavalier! Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, running, listening to podcasts, learning about economics, watching the Cowboys, eating ice cream, and playing with our goldendoodle, Beau.
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Kellie Mitchell
I’m originally from Chelsea, a two-stoplight town in Alabama. It’s here that I met my now-husband, Cooper (high school sweethearts, I know, we’re disgusting), who is a mechanical engineer. Despite growing up convinced I was going to be an artist, I found a love for science and followed what is now a lifelong tangent into medicine. I went to Mississippi State University for my BS in biochemistry, and promptly to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for medical school. After finishing an away rotation at UVA, we fell in love with the city of Charlottesville as well as the program and the people. When I’m not at the hospital, I’m either hiking in nature, cooking entirely too much food, playing with my dogs, or spinning from something upside down. Given my aerial dance obsession, it’s probably the last one. I hope to work one day out in the community and serve the rural population.
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Pamela Moore
Hi! I grew up in Hanover County just outside Richmond, Virginia. I studied biochemistry at Virginia Tech, and then came to UVA for medical school. While here, I fell in love with both Charlottesville and emergency medicine, so I’m thrilled to be staying here for residency! For fun, I play the violin with one of the local orchestras; I also love swing dancing, hiking, and playing boardgames with family and friends!
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Tennessee Park
Hello, reader! As a kid, I loved playing basketball with my friends for hours on end, stopping by a 7-eleven for coke slurpies afterward or the local Eatery to fill our bellies with fried chicken. As an adult, my metabolism and tolerance for exercise have decreased dramatically, but I still enjoy good food, good company, and gentler hikes on scenic trails. I grew up fishing, as well, and have been known to sneak off in the middle of the night to chase striped bass. My academic interests include medical education and global health. I am thrilled to be learning emergency medicine with my fellow residents at UVA, and I look forward to exploring all that Charlottesville has to offer!
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Ana Romero Vazquez
I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and have lived there all my life! I completed undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico—Rio Piedras Campus and then moved south to attend medical school at Ponce Health Sciences University. A summer research experience in medical school led me to discover that emergency medicine was my passion and where I feel most at home. Within emergency medicine, my greatest interests are international/global medicine and disaster medicine.
Adventures and new life experiences have always been my driving force, and I am in love with all that Charlottesville has to offer! Fun facts about me – I have launched rockets into space with NASA and I love being outdoors and on the water.
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Juan Santiago
My family and I are thrilled to start a new chapter of our lives in beautiful C’ville! Originally from Boston, I grew up in Orlando where my brother and I enjoyed the opportunity of being homeschooled all the way through high school. I went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point for my undergraduate education, after which I was commissioned and joined the 10th Mountain Division. My interest in Emergency Medicine was piqued while I was deployed to Afghanistan. Since then my awesome wife, Lauren, has supported my endeavor as the path has led us through Richmond, down to Miami for medical school at FIU, and now back to Virginia. We love getting outdoors, water-recreation and hosting game nights. To say we’re excited about this part of our life’s journey is an understatement!
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Lauren Smaltz
Hi! I was born and raised in West Virginia and, believe it or not, this is my first time really living outside the state. I went to WVU for undergrad and then Marshall for medical school. During my time at WVU, I worked as a scribe in the emergency department of Ruby Hospital and really discovered my love for Emergency Medicine. But since my dad is also an Emergency Medicine physician, you could also say I’m just continuing in the family business. I love what I’ve been able to explore in Charlottesville so far and am really happy to be here in the Second Best Virginia 🙂 Outside of medicine I love to cook, travel, hike, and basically spend every other waking moment listening to podcasts, watching Netflix, or tending to the many, many house plants I now call my roommates.
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Peter Vandersteenhoven
Originally born in Dallas, TX, I moved to Columbia, SC in elementary school and spent the majority of my childhood there. I left SC to attend Auburn University for both my undergraduate and Master’s degrees, becoming a huge Auburn fan in the process. After finishing my time at Auburn, I returned back home to South Carolina to start medical school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. I realized early in medical school that Emergency Medicine was the perfect fit for me after shadowing in the ER during the preclinical years and I am excited to finally be pursuing training in the field. I am especially interested in EMS and pre-hospital medicine. My fiancée, Caroline, and I were incredibly fortunate to both match at UVA as part of the Couples Match, and we are thrilled to call Charlottesville home for the next several years.
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Justin Yaworsky
Born and raised in central Virginia, I’ve traveled all throughout the state for education from Richmond for undergraduate, Norfolk for medical school, and now Charlottesville for residency. I also was a nurse for a few years in Richmond in a surgical trauma ICU. I’m excited to be here as I loved my experience with the faculty and staff during my 4th year away, but I’m excited to be reunited with my girlfriend of 11 years. Education has flung us about for a while!
I’ve always loved hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing, so I’m thrilled to be right next to the mountains. I also love to travel and try new things, so hit me up! Looking forward, I’m hoping to settle into a house with my partner, get to work learning the ways of the EM physician, and tease out in my own mind whether a critical care fellowship will be in my future.
PGY 2
Peter Dailey
A transplant from the high desert of New Mexico to the incredibly green mountains of Virginia, I am incredibly excited to train in emergency medicine here at UVA! I studied chemical engineering at New Mexico State University before attending the University of New Mexico for medical school. For fun, I like playing tennis, golf, and soccer in addition to spending ample time with family and friends. My wife and I work hard to provide a wonderful life for our two dogs, a golden retriever named Friday and a bichon named Burrito. We are ecstatic to be living in Virginia with such down to earth people at an incredible residency program and cannot wait to explore all that Charlottesville has to offer.
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Sonja Foo
G’day! Having lived a nomadic existence in recent times, I am delighted to call UVA home for the next 3 years! My journey to Charlottesville began in HK, where I grew up, continued on to Cambridge, where I completed preclinical studies, followed by clinical studies in London, and Foundation Programme training (“internship” for Americans). I subsequently spent a year working in Canberra and after years of dreaming, am relieved to finally be training in the US! I have always harboured a passion for critical care, research and medical education, which I hope to continue developing on during residency with the support of our accomplished faculty and peers. With one goal down, my next major aspiration is a Critical Care fellowship!
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Matthew Hewitt
I grew up in Lewisburg, WV and attended UVA for undergrad, where I studied biology. After graduating, I moved to Richmond for a stint in a genetics lab before beginning medical school at the Medical College of Virginia. I am incredibly grateful to be returning to Charlottesville to join such a wonderful residency program. My wife, Francie, and pup, Tater – both lifelong Hoos – took no convincing when we were deciding where we wanted to spend the next few years of our lives. Outside of medicine I’ve devoted much of my free time to learning how to build handmade guitars, and I enjoy live music and playing recreational hockey.
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Erik Holstege
As my wife will tell you, most of what you need to know about me can be summed up as “I’m the oldest of six siblings,” five of which are boys, and all of whom share a love of (usually) friendly competition. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, but I’ve been a fixture of Charlottesville for the past 20 years, with a four-year return to the Midwest as a student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my primary interests included hiking, reading, running over hurdles, and avoiding classes that had lab sessions. I returned to Charlottesville to study medicine here at UVA after realizing I don’t like 8 month winters. I’m thrilled to continue my training at an institution that has been a central part of the majority of my life, and to do it with such remarkable people, be they fellow house-staff, support staff, or faculty. Feel free to reach out to chat or to hike, I’m always down for either!
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Tatum Lemly
Growing up on the family farm in the mountains of North Carolina, I developed a love and appreciation of the great outdoors. Charlottesville provides a tremendous amount of outdoor adventures, which is one of the reasons I was so drawn to this area.
Never venturing far from home, my undergraduate years were spent at Guilford College, and I attended East Carolina Medical School, where I developed an interest in emergency medicine. I was very fortunate to have some incredible mentors at both schools, and I would like to play a similar role for others in my career. Outside of medicine, my interests include hiking, golfing, kayaking, sailing, reading, and traveling. I also enjoy playing ping pong, basketball, softball, and racquetball. Spending time with family and friends has always been an important part of my life as well. It is an honor to be a part of the UVA Emergency crew and I look forward to learning from the best and sharing my knowledge with others in the academic side of medicine.
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Nardos Makonnen
I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I moved to Minnesota with my family when I was in middle school. I went to undergrad at Johns Hopkins where I studied biology and anthropology. I then attended medical school at Drexel where I had the chance to learn from great emergency medicine doctors. I am deeply interested in global health and health policy. I am excited to be close to my family and friends in the DMV. I am also looking forward to the next three years learning and growing with my co-residents. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy running and listening to too many podcasts.
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Caleb Martin
I am very excited to join the UVA Emergency Medicine team! I grew up in Laurel a small town in southeast Mississippi. I am the fifth child of nine and was homeschooled for my entire primary education. Growing up and still to this day I enjoy playing sports, specifically soccer and basketball, and learning new songs on my guitar. I went to Mississippi College in Clinton, MS for my undergraduate education and the University of Mississippi in Jackson, MS for medical school. I met my wife Laura in the first week of medical school and she is an internal medicine resident here at UVA! We both enjoy being outdoors, hiking, kayaking and working out at Orange Theory. I am looking forward to experiencing Charlottesville over the next few years and excited to dive into my residency education!
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Adam O’Connor
Originally from Mobile, AL, I attended high school in Greensboro, NC, and college at William and Mary, obtaining a B.A. in history. After graduation, I worked in athletics for several years before moving on to a career in commercial insurance and risk management. Once I set my sights on medicine, I completed my post-baccalaureate coursework at N.C. State, followed by medical school at the ECU Brody School of Medicine. Areas of professional interest include sports medicine and toxicology. Personally, the things I enjoy most are sleeping, eating, and exercise…usually not in that order. Sports and exercise have been constant fixtures throughout my life, evolving in form along the way. I currently focus on hockey, resistance training, cycling, rowing, and skiing, but am always open to new challenges. Accordingly, I look forward to taking advantage of all the outdoor activities Charlottesville has to offer.
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Jefferson Phillips
I’m from Sanford, NC, and the middle of five very different siblings – a cop, a “Coastie,” a future engineer, and an artist/future veterinarian- and the son of a NICU RN and a nephrologist, so I’ve had exposure to a few walks of life. I studied history at UNC and Appalachian State, and I mainly wanted to read books and maybe teach if I had to to get paid. When I joined on with the Watauga County Rescue Squad in the mountains of Boone, NC, that all changed. The incredible people there showed me just how much I had to learn, but also the huge difference EM and EMS providers can make. Six years later I graduated medical school at EVMS and matched at UVA! While I loved Virginia Beach, I knew I missed the mountains more. Outside of school, I still love hiking, swimming, tennis, and any excuse to sit and enjoy fresh mountain air and sunlight.
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Robert Russell
I was born in Accra, Ghana to international aid worker parents. I spent my childhood moving around the world, from the United States to Africa to Asia and back, before my mother and I settled in Massachusetts for my high school years. I went to college down south at Duke University before heading back over to Europe for 9 years. We finally settled back in the States for medical school at The George Washington School of Medicine. My family and I are so excited to be joining the UVA Health family and the beautiful community of Charlottesville! My wife, a practicing attorney in DC, and my children have come to love the “stay-cation” trips to visit Dad. We enjoy hiking, playing soccer, and family dinners at any of the wonderful C-ville restaurants, wineries, or breweries. It seems like we discover a new favorite spot every weekend!. We are always on the lookout for the next fun adventure.
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Moira Smith
Hi! Although I was born in Charlottesville, I grew up in Danville, VA, and went to UVA for undergrad, majoring in religious studies and biology. Even though I had decided on emergency medicine in high school, I became interested in research during college so I got an MPH and did bioinformatics research in biomedical engineering and molecular genetics labs. I also worked as a ED scribe before starting medical school at UVA. While scribing, I fell in love with the UVA Emergency Medicine Department and knew I wanted to be here for residency. I hope to have a career in academic medicine where research and teaching are significant parts of my career. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing violin and piano, singing, and reading both non-fiction and classic literature.
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Andrea Zeke
Hi, my name is Andrea! I grew up in Northern Virginia, although my parents are Hungarian and most of my family lives in Hungary. I went to UVA for college, and afterwards I became an ED scribe in Northern Virginia. I loved the ED so much that by the time I got to medical school at EVMS, I knew that Emergency Medicine was the specialty for me. I’m excited to be back in Charlottesville for residency because I missed all the delicious food and beautiful wineries! When I’m not working I like hanging out with my friends and family, playing with my friend’s dogs (hopefully I’ll have one soon), traveling, cooking, skiing, reading, knitting, and a good Netflix binge.
PGY 3
Mallory Abney
I’m overjoyed to join the University of Virginia Emergency Medicine crew! I’m a native New Yorker by way of Northern Virginia. I went to the College of William and Mary for undergrad, then continued westward to Virginia Commonwealth University for medical school. I’m a proud member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and love the outdoors – camping, hiking, and most of all running! Looking forward to exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with my wife and daughter. My specific interest in emergency medicine lean toward global medicine and critical care. I look forward to continuing my journey here at UVA. Wahoo!
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Mary Bacon
I grew up in a small town in northwestern Virginia, called Berryville. Growing up, I enjoyed running around the countryside, riding horses, and playing sports. When I was younger, I had my sights set on becoming a veterinarian, but by the time I got to college, I had switched my interest from becoming a vet to being a doctor. I attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where I was a math major and played club polo. When I interviewed at UVA for med school, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I fell in love with the city and the medical community and have had the best four years in Charlottesville, so I am thrilled to be able to spend the next three years here! I’m looking forward to more hiking, wineries, breweries, and joining the wonderful EM family!
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Sarah Bridge
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and went to college in Santa Barbara, 
California where I studied marine biology, Spanish, and learned to surf. After participating in medical mission trips to Honduras and Mexico, I became interested in medicine and worked as an ER scribe (the best job ever). I made my way back to SLC where I learned to ski and mountain bike and attended med school at the University of Utah. Between my 3rd and 4th year of med school I worked in Uganda as a clinical research fellow, where I met students and researchers from UVa and decided to apply here for residency. Upon interviewing, I immediately fell in love with the program. I am excited to mountain bike, ski, surf, and to learn to whitewater kayak in Virginia! When not playing outdoors, I enjoy art, pretending to play the fiddle, and trying not to kill my houseplants.
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Alex Guendel
Hello! I was born in South Korea and grew up in Arizona, Alabama, Alaska, Virginia, and Louisiana with my Air Force family. I fell in love with Charlottesville when I came to UVA for undergrad. While here I had the privileged of working with the Emergency Medicine team as a scribe, and decided to head to Norfolk and Eastern Virginia Medical School to obtain my MD. I’m excited to be back in Charlottesville and work in the ED in the new role of a Resident! My hobbies include powerlifting, scuba diving, snowboarding, anything outdoors, exploring restaurants with my lovely fiancée, and taking care of my cuddly black panther, Bagheera.
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Malav Patel
Hi! My name is Malav and I’m from Gainesville, Florida. Growing up, I enjoyed competitive chess, tennis and experiencing the outdoors through Camp Crystal Lake. After high school, I graduated from UCLA. There, I became an EMT and went on a field biology quarter, where I learned Spanish while exploring the tropical forests of Costa Rica. Afterwards, I attended Florida State for medical school and developed a passion for Emergency Medicine and international health. I am excited to start residency and continue being a social foodie, tennis player and outdoor explorer in Charlottesville.
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Jon Pozner
I was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina in Asheville. I went to the University of North Carolina for undergrad and medical school and am a big college sports fan (Go Heels!!!). I started working as a volunteer EMT and technical rescue technician with the South Orange Rescue Squad in Chapel Hill while in school and developed a love for emergency medicine. During my free time I enjoy traveling, cooking, hiking, swimming, and doing anything else that lets me enjoy the outdoors. My EM interests include EMS and pediatric EM. I am excited to explore Charlottesville and to join the UVA team!!
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Eric Ritchardson
I grew up in Detroit, MI, before moving to warmer weather in South Carolina to attend Bob Jones University for undergrad. Prior to medical school I worked as an emergency department scribe where I developed a love for emergency medicine. I attended medical school at the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!). I’m excited to be living in Charlottesville and to be in such a gorgeous area with great restaurants. My interests within emergency medicine include ultrasound and EMS. Outside of the hospital I enjoy playing/listening to music, hiking, camping, going to the gym, and cycling.
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Taylor Robinson
Welcome! I am a proud non-binary transfeminine person (if you are unfamiliar or have questions, please don’t be afraid to ask!) and I use they/them or she/her pronouns. I was born and raised near Miami, Florida and went to undergrad at Duke University and medical school at the University of Florida. I love Charlottesville, and really dig the vibe (slightly weird, great food, Blue Ridge Mountains 30 minutes away – need I say more?). It was an easy choice to pursue residency at UVA after meeting the faculty and residents here. My interests in medicine include trans- and queer-affirming healthcare, global health, and bedside ultrasonography. Outside of the ER, I spend my time road cycling, playing guitar and piano, singing (poorly), hiking, and answering Rosh Review questions. Fun fact? I once got lost in the Sahara Desert for 2 days.
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Abhijit Srungavarapu
I was originally born in India and came over to the US with my family when I was in middle school. We initially moved around but ultimately settled down in the beautiful state of Maine. After high school, I went to Clark University in MA, for undergrad/grad school, then worked briefly in Ecuador, and ultimately attended Tufts University for medical school. In 4th year I did an away rotation at UVA, and absolutely LOVED the program and the city of Charlottesville. I feel incredibly excited to be joining the EM program at UVA and am pumped to be working (and having fun) with the talented crew here. My medical interests include EMS and International EM. For my personal interests, I like to try new things but can always go for more board games, travelling abroad, eating spicy food and playing with my fancy new drone!
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Chris Tossing
While I have lived all over the country (from Fairfax, VA to San Francisco, CA), I spent most of childhood in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. For undergrad, I headed Lake Forest College, just north of Chicago, where I played football and rugby. Between college and medical school, I joined Teach for America and taught chemistry and forensic science just outside of NYC. After my teaching stint, I headed south to Nashville, TN to be closer to family. I then attended medical school at the University of Tennessee, where I was lucky enough to meet my wife, Sarah (who happened to be my anatomy partner and is starting residency in Internal Medicine). When we interviewed at UVA, we instantly knew it was the place for us! Between the camaraderie among the residents and the beautiful setting near the Shenandoah mountains, we knew we had found a home for the next 3+ years.
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Mayur Vallabhaneni
I was born in India and came to the United States when I was 4 years old. I lived briefly in Maryland, but most of my childhood to adolescent years were spent in northern Virginia from Annandale to Herndon. My first real step out of the area was when I attended UVA for my undergraduate education. I fell in love with the university, the city, and the people. I finally broke out of the state of Virginia when I attended Case Western Reserve University for medical school (Cleveland is an underrated city and more people should check it out!). When I found out I had matched here, I was ecstatic. I’m excited to be a part of this great community of people, and of course, I’m also excited for the new ED! In my free time, I like to read, watch movies/television, play video games, play board games, and explore the outdoors.
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Camerone Williams
Greetings! I grew up mainly in the metropolitan Detroit area, but I moved to Virginia as a teenager. I completed high school in Lynchburg, VA and attended UVA for undergrad. Before going to medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit, I worked as a middle school teacher for a few years and then as a high school guidance counselor. I am excited to return to Charlottesville and join the UVA EM family! My medical interests include nephrology, academics, and administration. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading novels, traveling, and gardening (I would love to become a Master Gardner one day). Over the next few years, I look forward to rediscovering UVA, Charlottesville, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and central Virginia.