Meet Our Residents
Our academic, research-oriented institution has a long tradition of training leaders in family medicine. Learn more about our talented group of family medicine residents.
PGY-3
Amy Aiken, MD
Hometown: Chardon, OH
Undergraduate: Kent State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Why I chose Ohio State: As an Air Force applicant, I was so excited to hear about the opportunity to do a civilian residency at OSU while training to become a flight surgeon! I appreciate getting to see the similarities and differences in military and civilian medicine.
Varsha Chiruvella, MD
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate: Emory University
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose OSU because of the amazing camaraderie and friendship that were truly palpable in every room I walked (or virtually "Zoomed") into. Every person in the program, the coordinator, PD and wonderful residents that I interacted with throughout my interview process, was so kind and thoughtful; it felt like I was right at home after every interview and "spotlight night". I also loved the family medicine program at OSU because of the intense exposure residents receive to all aspects of holistic, broad-spectrum patient care. From the longitudinal ultrasound integration to continuity OB deliveries to underserved patient care, residents at OSU are trained from the best to not only be confident and competent to practice medicine, but also serve as patient advocates in the community.
Rachel Jamison, MD
Hometown: Greenville, OH
Undergraduate: University of Kentucky
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: OSU gives so much opportunity for learning and growth. I'll still be given the flexibility to make my residency the best experience I can for my future goals.
Lydia Karlsson, MD
Hometown: Perry, OH
Undergraduate: Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: Before I came to OSU as an undergraduate, I was told that you cannot make a small school big, but you can make a big school small and I have continued to believe in that statement through college, medical school, and now as a resident. There is a wealth of opportunity, knowledge, people, and experience at OSU, and I am happy to be a Buckeye for the third time, alongside other wonderful physicians.
Ben Lewis, MD
Hometown: Medina, OH
Undergraduate: The University of Mount Union
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I have always wanted to be a Buckeye and am so thrilled to be here! The ability to work in a community hospital within a large academic institution provides countless opportunities to train in a diverse clinical setting without having to pick between an “opposed” or “unopposed” program. The people here are truly amazing and the residency program feels like a family!
Ellen Rootring, DO
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate: Calvin University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: Ohio State University provides great medical care for patients and has fantastic teachers in all of their residency programs. I loved my experiences with the faculty and residents of the family medicine program. I liked the program's focus on full spectrum health care and health equity for all.
Sonal Singh, MD
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State University for the research, sports medicine, community outreach, and advocacy opportunities. The Spotlight Nights through application season really highlighted all the unique and robust ways residents can be involved. I also wanted a institution that would allow me to advance my other career goals, like getting an MBA.
Madison Smith, MD
Hometown: Canton, OH
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State University because of the vast availability of learning opportunities at my fingertips. Also, faculty, residents and staff that I immediately connected with. Additionally, the extensive knowledge we get in OBGYN care and outpatient procedural management.
Minna Wybrecht, MD
Hometown: Taichung, Taiwan and Ypsilanti, MI
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School
Why I chose Ohio State: I couples matched with my partner in Anesthesia. We ranked OSU highly because of the numerous opportunities, exposure to diverse pathologies, and co-workers that treat you like family.
PGY-2
Olivia Gevedon, MD
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: My experiences with the wonderful family medicine faculty and patients at Ohio State during medical school reaffirmed my decision to continue training in Columbus for residency. Since family medicine is incredibly broad, I knew a large academic center like OSU would be able to support my wide-ranging interests and allow me to explore other aspects of the specialty.
Courtney Holbrook, MD
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Undergraduate: University of Arizona
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State because of the strong focus on underserved care. I was also drawn to the myriad of opportunities that exist at an academic medical center - especially one as large as OSU. It is a privilege to gain experience in all my interests within family medicine. Most importantly, everyone here is so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my learning.
Paige Lezon, MD
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Undergraduate: University of Dayton
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State because of the breadth of opportunities, including training at both a community hospital and a top-tier academic institution. All the residents I met were very welcoming, and I felt the faculty were personally invested in the growth and wellbeing of the residents. As a bonus, Columbus is a lively city with plenty of opportunities to cultivate my extracurricular interests!
Manvir Mangat, MD
Hometown: Fresno, CA
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State University for my family medicine residency due to its exceptional commitment to education, mentorship, and resident wellness. Coming from Michigan, I
value the programs close proximity to home, allowing me to maintain important connections while pursuing my medical training. Ohio State's reputation for fostering a supportive learning environment and prioritizing resident well-being aligns perfectly with my professional goals and personal values, making it an ideal choice for my residency training in family medicine.
Lucy Oaks, DO
Hometown: Portsmouth, VA
Undergraduate: Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose OSU because of the abundant opportunities provided by a premier academic institution. My interests in family medicine are diverse, including women's health, palliative care, and lifestyle medicine. During the interview process, it became clear that OSU could support my passions and foster my development into a well-rounded family medicine physician. I felt an instant rapport with the residents and faculty I engaged with, making me confident that I would thrive in their supportive learning environment.
Joshua Smith, MD
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: With no previous ties to The Ohio State, I was immediately blown away by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that I encountered through every interaction with the PD, faculty members, and residents during my interview. OSU provides premiere opportunities and resources, and there is an incredible emphasis on the development of competent, compassionate physicians ready to make an impact in the lives of their patients and communities. Additionally, OSU really prioritizes personal well-being and makes it possible to strike a good work-life balance. Plus, the city of Columbus has excellent food, concert, and sports scenes! Couldn’t be more excited to be training here and go bucks!
Ethan Taira, MD
Hometown: Wheaton, IL
Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: Ohio State was a clear choice for me in choosing a residency program. I knew this was a program where I would be challenged and encouraged to feel uncomfortable, while also being supported. With my interest in Sports Medicine, Ohio State is able to provide ample opportunities to advance my career by being involved with sporting event coverage and research. I also knew I wanted to be somewhere where my co-residents, the faculty, and the staff felt like family. Immediately from the interview I could tell that the people in this program genuinely enjoyed spending time with each other, both during and outside of work.
Rachael Williams, MD
Hometown: Olympia, WA
Undergraduate: Dartmouth College
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose OSU because of its dedication to excellence in patient care, education and the community. I appreciate that OSU constantly seeks feedback and strives to exceed its own standard of excellence. As a lifelong learner, striving for constant improvement is a goal of mine as well. Additionally, I wanted to have the exposure of working in a community hospital setting, where I hope to practice in the future, while having the resources of a large academic medical center.
TongFan Wu, MD
Hometown: Fujian, China and Centerville, OH
Undergraduate: Ohio State University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I couples-matched with my partner to OSU because we both believe we would receive the training and support that will best prepare us to become the physicians we aspire to be. This program provides expansive resources in both academic and community settings, which made me feel confident that I will have the opportunities to explore my interests within family medicine.
PGY-1
Eliana Abraham, MD
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate: Southern Methodist University
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose OSU because of the program’s stellar faculty, well-rounded training in the in-patient and outpatient setting, and opportunities to be engaged with the local community. OSU supports each resident’s individual interests and I look forward to pursuing my passions of women’s, adolescent, and LGBTQ+ healthcare within Family Medicine. I am very grateful to be a part of a residency that prioritizes compassionate patient-centered care.
Elizabeth Beran, DO
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergraduate: Cleveland State University
Medical School: Ohio University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: The training at Ohio State University is robust, providing unlimited opportunities for development as a physician. At OSU FM, our residents, attendings, and staff are caring and knowledgeable, which makes me excited to come to work and be part of the team! I am especially excited to be part of the MOMI PODS program at OSU, where both mom and baby can be cared for together by family medicine. Additionally, our program supports residents in pursuing research or a master's degree during residency.
Paul Bowman, MD
Hometown: Jackson, OH
Undergraduate: Ohio State University
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Med
Why I chose Ohio State: Ever since my time as an undergraduate student, Ohio State has held a special place in my heart. I made lasting friendships here, and I also met my wife. During my first interactions with the faculty and residents, I could tell that everyone in the program felt like family, and I knew I wanted to be a part of a program with that culture. Coming to a place like Ohio State, you know that you will have the opportunity to work with and learn from professionals who are leading in their fields. I couldn't pass up an opportunity to continue learning, forming relationships, and creating lasting memories as a Buckeye.
Nicole Clark, MD
Hometown: Bowling Green, OH
Undergraduate: University of Toledo
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State because the patients we serve make learning and working here an immense privilege. Every day, I know I'm making a difference in their lives. Plus, the faculty, staff, and residents in the department foster an exceptionally supportive learning environment that has helped ease me into my role as a resident.
Jessica Crislip, MD
Hometown: Huntington, WV
Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose OSU because this program perfectly blends the connected feel of a community program with the richness of an academic center. Family medicine is an incredibly broad specialty where every corner of medicine intersects, and this program makes it its mission to support residents as they explore various interests that will shape their future practices. The people I met were immediately the kind of people I wanted to work with, and to top that off, Columbus is an incredible city with so much to offer!
Jax Harville, DO
Hometown: Marion, OH
Undergraduate: Ohio Wesleyan University
Medical School: Ohio University, College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose The Ohio State University because it immediately felt like home. Even without completing a rotation here, the warmth and enthusiasm I experienced during interview day, spotlight night, and second look made a lasting impression. The program offers outstanding opportunities to grow as a full-spectrum primary care physician, with a strong foundation in both clinical excellence and community engagement. Most importantly, I’m excited to train under supportive, inspiring faculty and alongside a cohort of passionate, driven co-residents who truly feel like a team.
Kayley Irwin, MD
Hometown: Twinsburg, OH
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose to stay at OSU for residency for many reasons, but the biggest reason is simple: it felt like home. The people are compassionate, supportive, and down to earth. I am immersed in full spectrum family medicine while having easy access to specialists who are eager to teach. I can pursue any and all interests that I hold for my future career, including educating the next generation of physicians. Plus, Columbus is a great place to call home (I’ve found so many favorite restaurants)!
Amy Powell, MD
Hometown: Milford, OH
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose OSU because I wanted a program that would not only challenge me clinically but also support my growth with strong mentorship, academic opportunities, and a sense of community. I value OSU's abundance of resources, which enable us to train in a wide variety of clinical settings. Also, through my interactions with current residents and faculty, I felt a genuine sense of support, collaboration, and mentorship.
Angela Rubino, DO
Hometown: Tabernacle, NJ
Undergraduate: The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I chose Ohio State: I chose Ohio State because the family medicine residents are friendly, welcoming, and I feel like we all want to see each other succeed. I also feel that the faculty is genuinely invested in my growth and training as a physician, and I will graduate from this program well prepared for my future as a family physician.
Meet our Family Medicine alumni
Our residency program graduates have achieved prominence and success in community practice and at major academic institutions throughout the United States. We are very proud of what our graduates have accomplished and the foundation we've provided for them. Below, you'll find our recent past graduates and the practice or fellowship they moved on to upon graduation.
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
John Castillo, MD
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Medical School: Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
Sara Colombo, MD
Undergraduate: University of Toledo
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Katherine Etter, DO
Undergraduate: Marshall University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine - Athens
Holiday Harris, DO
Undergraduate: University of the Incarnate Word
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Michael Ioerger, MD
Undergraduate: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Katharine Krepp, MD
Undergraduate: University of North Dakota
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Megan McBride, DO
Undergraduate: Miami University
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine - Dublin
Royce Onyimba, MD
Undergraduate: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Justin Anderson, MD: Dr. Anderson completed a POCUS Fellowship at The Ohio State University.
Alexandra Burnett, MD: Dr. Burnett will be completing an Adolescent Medicine Fellowship at the University of Michigan.
Marian Catalan, DO: Dr. Catalan will be attending the University of Rochester for an Adolescent Medicine Fellowship.
Stephanie Cheng, DO: Dr. Cheng will be working at COPC Northwest Family Physicians.
Harsha Iyer, MD: Dr. Iyer is eager to join Ohio Health Urgent Care.
Jacqueline Jepsen, MD: Dr. Jepsen is excited to stay with the Family Medicine Residency Program at The Ohio State University in a faculty member role.
Ryan Poland, MD: Dr. Poland will be joining the Northern Colorado Family Medicine Residency and Northern Colorado Medical Center Hospital Medicine.
Ashwen Ravichandran, DO: Dr. Ravichandran is thrilled to stay in Family Medicine at OSU Westerville.
Natalie Weber, DO: Dr. Weber joined Hoag Hospital in Orange County, CA.
MaryBrooke Umhau Burval, MD: Dr. Burval will be working in Faculty Development while completing a Global Health Fellowship at UPMC St. Margaret.
Amara Ugwu-Decker, MD, MPH: Dr. Ugwu-Decker will be completing a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Duke University.
Anthony DeMarco, MD: Dr. DeMarco will be working in Family Medicine in Tuscon, AZ at Northwest Medical Center.
Alicia Monahan, MD: Dr. Monahan is eager to join OhioHealth in Blacklick, OH in their Outpatient Family Medicine.
Elizabeth Pawlowski, DO: Dr. Pawlowski is excited to be a part of Clinica del Alma, a FQHC in Tuscon, AZ
Allison Porter, MD: Dr. Porter is thrilled to join Outpatient Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.
Lexie Wiegel, DO: Dr. Wiegel is excited to join Outpatient Family Medicine at Norton in Louisville, KY.
Katie Woebkenberg, MD, MPH: Dr. Woebkenberg completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Colorado.
Kirubel Zeleke, MD, MSPH: Dr. Zeleke is eager to join Advocate Health, a Family Medicine Private Practice in Milwaukee, WI.
Ayo Adesanya, MD, PhD: Dr. Adesanya will be staying with the department as an instructor.
Kathryn Anderson, DO: Dr. Anderson is at a FQHC in the Central Ohio area to serve as a National Health Service Corps scholar.
Logan Beckett, DO: Dr. Beckett is eager to join OhioHealth Physician Group in Delaware, Ohio.
Dev Desai, MD: Dr. Desai will be joining Central Ohio Primary Care here in Columbus, Ohio.
Lillian Hetson, MD, MA: Dr. Hetson will be continuing with The Ohio State University at Outpatient Care New Albany and in the Immigration and Refugee Clinic.
Dana Maxwell, DO: Dr. Maxwell will be joining the University of North Carolina, Caldwell.
Adam Pfaller, MD: Dr. Pfaller will be completing a one-year Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin.
C.J. Skok, DO: Dr. Skok, will be moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, to join the faculty at Community East Family Medicine Residency program.
Kyle Toth, DO: Dr. Toth will be joining the Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Duke University.