Mahnoor Baloch, DO
Medical School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Biology and Public Policy)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I want to provide comprehensive care to a diverse population of patients. I love that family medicine focuses on treating the whole person and not just their illness. I also get to be a lifelong learner with this specialty! Serving patients with various backgrounds while learning new things every day and still having time to spend with loved ones, what’s not to love?!
What do I like about our residency? The people! The faculty and residents make this program what it is. I also love the mix of inpatient and outpatient medicine and the focus on education. I have a special interest in obstetrics and women’s health, and this program provides amazing training with talented providers.
When I am not working, I like to... spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy hiking and being outside, working on DIY art and home projects, and eating!! I also love a good night in bingeing my favorite shows.
Children & pets? I have two kitties named Caesar and Billi and a baby boy named Ramzy born just before residency! : )
Kirstie Everhart, DO
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus
Undergrad School: University of South Carolina Upstate (Biology)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? Family medicine is the perfect choice for me because it embodies everything that I am passionate about - from women's health to pediatrics to preventive medicine. What truly sets it apart for me is the opportunity to connect with my patients on a deeper level, to listen to their stories, and to build long-term relationships. I am also drawn to the versatility of this specialty, allowing for endless opportunities to grow as a physician.
What do I like about our residency? Cone stood out to me because of how genuine the people were in every interaction I had with them. It was important to me to feel supported and welcomed by faculty and current residents at my program, and I immediately felt that with Cone. I also appreciate the diverse patient population at Cone and the balance of inpatient and outpatient training that they provide.
When I am not working, I like to... read, indoor cycle, watch reality TV, bake, attempt to grow plants, spend time with my husband and our kitties.
Children & pets? Two cats - Felix and Jasper.
Adriana Gomes, DO
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus
Undergrad School: University of Maryland, College Park (Biological Sciences with minor in Human Development)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? Family Medicine allows me to advocate for and treat a diverse patient population with a variety of different medical conditions and pathologies, through the course of their lives. This specialty also caters to my interests including obstetrics and women’s health, sports medicine, global health, and pediatrics, while providing me the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and hopefully make a difference in their lives!
What do I like about our residency? Cone Health embodies all I sought out in a residency program, which includes a strong community-driven academic program, a diverse area and patient population, a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere among the attendings and residents, and a program that supports my interests! I really loved the family-centered and welcoming nature at Cone Health during my AI and that made choosing Cone Health as my top choice an easy one!
When I am not working, I like to... travel, work out, hike, kayak, eat delicious food, cook, read, and spend time with my family and friends!
Children & pets? None yet!
Leah Hindel, MD
Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Undergrad School: Kenyon College (International Studies and Environmental Studies)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine because I want to take care of the entire family, from newborns to pregnant patients to the geriatric population. I also love that Family Medicine as a specialty emphasizes advocating for underserved patients and addressing gaps in healthcare needs that exist within communities. Finally, I enjoy hands-on procedures and am excited to hone these skills during residency.
What do I like about our residency? Since my first interaction with the Cone FM folks, they have been kind, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in me. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by these wonderful people and serve Greensboro's diverse community during residency. I am especially excited to care for the refugee population, work alongside Family Medicine-trained obstetricians, and discover more unique learning opportunities over the next three years.
When I am not working, I like to... bake (especially layer cakes), go for long walks, and spend time with my husband, friends, and family.
Children & pets? My husband and I have two adorable cats whom we love endlessly!
Samantha Miller, DO
Medical School: Campbell University, Jerry M Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: Clarion University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest University Clarion) (Molecular Biology)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I found things about each of my rotations that I really enjoyed, and I loved that Family Medicine let me use all of those skills without neglecting any of them. I also love the relational aspect of medicine, and Family Medicine is a specialty that focuses on and celebrates that part of the job.
What do I like about our residency? I love that you feel like a part of the team immediately, and that we are able to work with a wide variety of patients every day. I also really appreciate how supportive the whole team has been from the jump.
When I am not working, I like to... play Dungeons and Dragons with my fiance, and I enjoy hiking and kayaking in Blowing Rock with our family.
Children & pets? I have two cats, Bagirah (11) and Leo (3). They are both my joy and my frustration.
Dimitry Shitarev, MD
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina (Health Policy & Management)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I really enjoy the longitudinal relationships I can form with patients in clinic. By working together over a longer period of time, we can incrementally make a lasting difference in their health. Preventive medicine is incredibly important and not emphasized enough in the US, I feel. I hope to change that. At the same time, I love the wide spectrum of practice that FM has: from OB to pediatrics to clinic to EM. I plan to apply these full-scope FM skills in a rural area after residency.
What do I like about our residency? The first thing I noticed at Cone was that the faculty are very supportive and a pleasure to work with. All the past residents I have interacted with have been great as well. The CMAs at the clinic are very kind too. The admin staff are responsive and helpful. It's not stressful talking to each of these people, which goes a long way when you are stressed yourself. There are also many good learning opportunities for a wide variety of FM interests. I really enjoy the robust POCUS teaching program, for example.
When I am not working, I like to... run, lift weights, cook, do DIY home improvement, and garden. I really enjoy growing fresh veggies to eat. I also sleep and watch Netflix to decompress.
Children & pets? No children or pets.
Sarah Spence, DO
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina Greensboro (Biology)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I love working with patients of all ages, through many life transitions, and Family Medicine is the perfect way for me to do that. Building relationships with my patients over the years gives me the chance to provide the best possible care, tailored to patients’ specific needs.
What do I like about our residency? Cone feels like one big family! I love being part of such a supportive and encouraging environment.
When I am not working, I like to... garden! I am also very interested in food preservation and spend lots of time in the kitchen after harvesting my garden, drying, freezing, or canning what I have grown. I also enjoy jigsaw puzzles and a cup of coffee on the patio.
Children & pets? I have 5 awesome kids... Phoebe, Lyla, Emmett, Harry, and baby Lorelei. We also have a dog (Poppy) and a cat (Myrcella).
Emily Yang, MD
Medical School: Emory University
Undergrad School: Davidson College (Biology)
Why did I choose Family Medicine? Family Medicine always has new opportunities around the corner- opportunities to learn from others, promote public health, celebrate teamwork, and share in lifelong connections.
What do I like about our residency? Cone Health stands out in its continuous commitment to both individual and collective program wellness. Raised by immigrant parents, I also find Cone’s dedication to refugee health to be particularly special and meaningful.
When I am not working, I like to... craft, camp, swim, pretend I can bake.
Children & pets? I have a little Aussiedoodle named Mae, who will likely never outgrow her puppy energy!
Akhila Boyina, MD
Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I love how devoted Family Medicine physicians are to the whole person. In Family Medicine you really get to know your patients as people, and have long lasting relationships with them, which I feel is the best way to become their biggest advocate. As a key member of the community, a family physician also has the capability of advocating for the whole community. It also helps when family and friends have questions on almost every physiological system.
What do I like about our residency? This program cares so much about the community and their people. It really felt like I would be prepared to treat the community. It also values diversity both in the program and in providing quality care to a variety of patients. I am especially interested in obstetric care and working with people of different ethnicities, and knew that I would get great experiences here.
When I am not working, I like to... be with my fur-baby! You can find me and my dog walking in the park or going to new coffee shop. I love to go hiking on the weekends or try new restaurants. I am also a dancer and like to keep up with my dance skills by watching YouTube videos or taking dance classes nearby!
Martin Bronson, DO
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Why did I choose Family Medicine? During my training it became evident that my personality and skills were aligned with a specialty that allowed me to treat patients in mind, body, and spirit. Family Medicine allows me the opportunity to address all aspects of my patients' health, and provide the continuity needed for meaningful patient-physician relationships. Additionally, my professional interests span across multiple specialties, and general practice allows me to provide a broad scope of care.
What do I like about our residency? I knew Cone Health was my top choice for residency after completing a 4-week acting internship during my fourth year of medical school. Not only were the faculty, staff, and residents brilliant, they were the most welcoming and genuine people I met during my medical training. The program does a great job of supporting you during various transitions of residency, and you will be well prepared prior to taking on new responsibilities as an upper level. Cone health has the resources I need to provide high-quality patient care and shape me into the physician I want to be.
When I am not working, I like to.. go for walks with my family and then get homemade gelato from our favorite local spot! I really enjoy working in my yard and staying active outside. I also like to play various videogames on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Katie Sims Hernandez, DO
Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad School: University of Texas at Austin
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I am passionate about the intersection of medicine and public health, and Family Medicine provides the opportunity to address the many factors that contribute to health. I love having the opportunity to get to know patients as people, and work together to chart a course for their medical care. I believe in the power of long-term, preventative care to enable people to lead their best lives!
What do I like about our residency? Cone Health stands out as a program that is committed to community integration with a long-standing history of outreach to people in need of medical care. I immediately connected with the mission to serve refugee/immigrant and LGBTQ+ populations and develop skills in a wide array of clinical situations. The exemplary training is only bolstered by the incredible faculty, staff and residents that make up the program! As a new mom, I have felt immense support not only as a resident, but as a human, and feel the program truly values personal wellness.
When I am not working, I like to... relax with a neighborhood walk with my spouse, baby, and dog! I enjoy getting out in nature including tending to my plants and biking on the trails. At home I am an avid reader, daily crossword puzzler and love trying out new recipes in the kitchen!
Gerald Branden Mabe, MD
Medical School: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to build relationships with folks of all ages and walks of life, learn a broad scope of medicine, and create the life I desire both in and out of the workplace.
What do I like about our residency? Cone Family Medicine possesses everything I desired as a resident. Cone provides a wonderful community of healthcare professionals, excellent teaching from attendings, and the ability to tailor my education to my interests - all in a community-based, academic-focused program in the wonderful city of Greensboro.
When I am not working, I like to... relax at home and binge the new season of Workin' Moms. I like to run and walk outside, and spend time with friends and family. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and reading fiction and celebrity memoirs.
Atif Sheikh Mahmood, MD
Medical School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Undergrad School: North Carolina State University
Why did I choose Family Medicine? There are so many reasons I chose to train in Family Medicine! Above all else, I'm excited to leverage a wide breadth of knowledge in practicing across the full spectrum of medicine. In addition to its broad scope, Family Medicine offers the longitudinal relationships, community impact, leadership opportunities, and career flexibility that reflect the type of physician I hope to become. Lastly, I'm very concerned about how fragmented, inequitable, and inaccessible our healthcare system can be - and I'm hopeful that as a passionate and versatile family physician, I can help remedy some of these issues!
What do I like about our residency? After interacting with folks at Cone during virtual interviews, meet-and-greets, and NCAFP conferences, what stood out to me most was the level of camaraderie. I felt like my personality, humor, and career goals aligned perfectly with the other residents, and I got the sense that the faculty here would push me to become the most well-rounded family physician I can be. I also love that Cone offers a healthy blend of community and academic medicine, with very robust exposure to things that interest me, like procedures, POCUS, sports medicine, and refugee health. Finally, I love Greensboro and its patient population! The food scene, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity, and proximity to both Charlotte and the Triangle made it an excellent location for me to train.
When I am not working, I like to... dance! You might catch me teaching a Bhangra class, playing the Dhol at a wedding, or just vibing on the dance floor. However, I'm just as likely to be found trying out local restaurants, hiking or kayaking, or sitting on my couch watching Star Wars.
Emily Davis Miller, DO
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus
Undergrad School: Wingate University
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I chose Family Medicine for the wide scope of practice, long-term relationships with patients, career flexibility, and preventive care attention.
What do I like about our residency? I like that Cone Family Medicine is a tight-knit community with an emphasis on providing quality, cutting-edge care to patients.
When I am not working, I like to... spend time with my family, play golf, and run.
Michael Quillen, MD
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Undergrad School: Georgia Institute of Technology
Why did I choose Family Medicine? I love working together in teams, and no specialty embraces that philosophy more than Family Medicine! Whether it is inpatient or outpatient, we work together to take care of patients and coordinate with other specialties. Within Family Medicine I am interested in sports medicine, and enjoy taking care of athletes and being on the court or field.
What do I like about our residency? Cone Health is a unique blend of community and academic medicine, and has strong inpatient and sports curricula, which are areas I am interested in. After interview day, and meeting some of the wonderful people here, I knew it was a place I would fit in and love working!
When I am not working, I like to... I am a bit of fitness junkie. When not exercising, I try spend as much time as possible outside with different sports including pickleball and disc golf!
Jacky Leonardo Zheng, MD
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Undergrad School: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Why did I choose Family Medicine? Healthcare should be a fundamental right for everyone, but many barriers exist that prevent those in greatest need from accessing it. For me, Family Medicine is a way to work closely with my community, build relationships with my patients, and break down those barriers. Family Medicine is a field that champions advocacy, and our diverse skill set allows us to support our patients in any way they need.
What do I like about our residency? I first worked with Cone Health during my third year of medical school and was amazed by how passionate and supportive the Cone Health physicians are. Working with them is what sparked my interest in Family Medicine in the first place. The people here are incredible and will welcome you with open arms.
When I am not working, I like to... garden! I love taking care of my little garden, sharing vegetables I grow with my friends, and enjoying the flowers with the bees. It fills me with so much joy to sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the pollinators hard at work.
