POST GRADUATE YEAR 1

Class of 2029

DAVID ALLEN, MD

"I chose SR-AHEC because I was raised in rural North Carolina and am committed to serving the communities that shaped me. As an aspiring family medicine physician, I am passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centered care within the region I call home. SR-AHEC's integrated training environment offers exceptional exposure to diverse patient populations, clinical perspectives, procedures, and educational opportunities. This breadth of experience will help me develop the skills and adaptability needed to provide comprehensive care across a variety of settings. I am excited to grow within the SRAHEC community and become a physician who not only delivers excellent medical care but also makes a meaningful and lasting impact on the health and well-being of the communities I serve."

VYAPTI DAVE, MD

"I chose SR-AHEC because from my first interaction, I felt genuine warmth and welcome from Ms Brianna, Dr Kapoor, and the entire team, including faculty and residents. That strong sense of fit continued through my interview, conference interactions, and subsequent visit, each of which further strengthened my decision. The program stood out for its robust curriculum and wide range of electives, offering depth and flexibility in full-spectrum Family Medicine while prioritising resident learning, well-being, and collaboration. I was especially drawn to the unique global health elective opportunities and strong fellowship pathways, reflecting SR-AHEC’s commitment to developing well-rounded physicians."

AKERIA HARROLD, MD

"What drew me to SR-AHEC was the overall feeling I experienced from the program. I wanted to be part of a program that feels like family and provides unwavering support throughout this journey. From my conversations with current residents, as well as the program director and assistant program director, it was immediately clear that SR-AHEC embodies those qualities. The mutual respect among the residents and staff is something I truly admire, and to me, that speaks volumes about the culture of the program. I am committed to training in an environment that will equip me with the tools, knowledge, and insight needed to become the physician I aspire to be, and I strongly believe SR-AHEC will do just that."

NAMRATHA NALLA, MD

"I first met SR-AHEC residents at the AAFP Conference and was struck by their genuine warmth and happiness. During my interview, Dr. Shapiro and the faculty made clear why—this program truly cares about resident wellness, both physically and mentally. As someone from Charlotte looking to stay in North Carolina, I wanted a program that valued excellence without sacrificing humanity. During my visit, the residents and faculty showed up authentically. What sealed it for me was realizing SR-AHEC offers both the support to thrive as a resident and the opportunities to build the physician I want to become—whether through diverse patient populations, global health electives, or the fellowship options. That's exactly what I'm looking for."

EJIRO OBIOMA, MD

"I chose Southern Regional AHEC Family Medicine because it offers a well-rounded clinical experience grounded in strong community engagement. The program’s focus on caring for diverse patient populations in a collaborative and supportive setting matches my goal of delivering compassionate, comprehensive care. Beyond the excellent training, I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that fosters both professional growth and genuine connections with a bit of good humor along the way to keep things enjoyable."

CHIGOLUM OYEKA, MD

"I chose SR-AHEC because it feels like the right place for me to grow into the kind of family physician I want to be. I was drawn to the program’s warm, supportive culture, strong sense of community, and commitment to training residents who are both clinically strong and genuinely patient-centered. As someone who now calls Fayetteville home, it means a lot to be able to advance my career and future aspirations without being away from my family. SR-AHEC offers the balance of rigorous training, hands-on learning, and continuity of care that I was looking for, and I am excited to be part of the family."

FRANCIS OYIH, MD

"I left my interview with Southern Regional AHEC with a strong sense of belonging. In my conversations with faculty and residents, I was struck not only by their dedication to patient care but also by the way they genuinely supported one another. There was a shared sense of purpose and compassion that resonated deeply with me. My path in medicine has always been shaped by a commitment to community. Having trained in settings where access to care was often limited, I learned that being a physician means more than treating illness. It means building trust, advocating for patients, and consistently showing up for those who depend on you. At Southern Regional AHEC, I saw these values reflected in both the culture of the program and its commitment to underserved populations. I am excited to be part of a community that will challenge and support me as I grow into a compassionate, patient-centred Family Medicine physician."

AMRAPALI PATEL, MD

"I chose SR-AHEC because from my very first interaction with the program, it felt like a place where I could truly belong. As an international medical graduate, finding a residency program with a supportive learning environment and a strong sense of community was especially important to me. When I interviewed at SR-AHEC, something felt different. My conversations with Dr. Kapoor and Dr. Hardy felt less like an interview and more like conversations with future mentors. They took the time to get to know me as a person, not just as an applicant, and their genuine kindness, encouragement, and passion for teaching left a lasting impression on me. By the end of the interview day, I could picture myself learning from them, growing alongside my co-residents, and becoming part of the SR-AHEC family. I left the interview feeling like I had already met the people who would help shape the physician I hope to become."