Chief Residents

  • Ethan Flathers, DO
  • Ogochukwu "Ogo" Ilobi, MD
  • Omar Jafar, MD

Raeed  Bari

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Medical School: Jinnah Sindh Medical University 
Future Goals: I aspire to be a physician who advocates for health equity, and contributes to policies that make a meaningful impact on our community. I also have a strong interest in rheumatology and endocrinology, and look forward to the learning opportunities these fields will offer.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose this program because I feel it’s the kind of place where I can grow and thrive. The training is rigorous, the work environment is supportive, and the academic curriculum keeps learning engaging. With family nearby for support, it felt like the natural choice for me.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Pragmatic, Caffeine-powered, perceptive, curious, pen-borrower
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Headphones, phone, coffee
Hobbies: I love to swim, play padel and table tennis. I'm always up to explore new places, if you feel there's a new spot in town? Count me in. I consider myself a foodie, and love exploring new cuisines.
What is your favorite food? Chicken curry
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: none
The person that inspires me the most is Abdul Sattar Edhi because of his selfless compassion and unwavering dedication.
Something you may not know about me is....I partnered in a travel venture, combining my love for adventure with real-world experience.

Anastasia-Bilyk

Hometown: I partnered in a travel venture, combining my love for adventure with real-world experience.
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Future Goals: I’m not 100% sure yet! I may pursue a fellowship in GI or Endocrinology, or remain an internist and do global health mission work. Whatever the path is, I hope to come out very well trained in my field with great friends from residency. 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? This program fulfilled the three main categories I was looking for when selecting my future residency: experience, environment, location. VHS has a vast array of clinical pathology and passionate teachers that will not only train me to become a competent internist, but also supply me with an excellent foundation to pursue further aspirations in medicine. Secondly, camaraderie. From the PD to the residents, everyone was supportive, kind, and created a family-oriented atmosphere. Lastly, Norfolk VA is a great location to not only learn, but live. Beaches, waterfront night-life, huge running scene, foodie-area, you name it! I’m very excited to see what else this city holds. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Adventurous, strong-minded, hopeful, hard-worker, silly 
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Morning walks, ice cream, a great pair of running shoes
Hobbies: Working out, running, hiking, traveling, photography, painting, playing piano, singing, reading 
What is your favorite food? Ice cream!
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: Nope
The person that inspires me the most is my mother. She has an incredible story of immigrating to the states with my father. Her perseverance and strength during this time and during my upbringing has consistently inspired me to keep going, even when times are difficult. 
Something you may not know about me is....I’m Ukrainian! I grew up speaking the language and very immersed in the culture- thus, I love sharing it with other people. 

James Carlton

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals: Internist vs Cardiologist 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU?  I went here for MS and loved the program!
Describe yourself in 5 words: I am a hardworking guy who loves to laugh!.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My AirPods, my ps5, church
Hobbies: Gaming.
What is your favorite food? Steak
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None.
The person that inspires me the most is my father. Before he passed he encouraged me to strive to be my best.
Something you may not know about me is.... I am a youth pastor.

Henry-cedeno

Hometown: Elmhurst, NY
Medical School: Universidad de Guayaquil. Facultad de Ciencias Medicas
Future Goals: Becoming a Internist
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose VHS at ODU because it aligns perfectly with my professional and personal goals. It offers an ideal environment where I can achieve everything I’m looking for in my career, all in one setting. The city of Norfolk is beautiful, with its shores and proximity to the beach, and being relatively close to my hometown of New York is an added bonus. The opportunity to pursue a dual specialty is incredibly exciting. I envision myself working alongside smart, dedicated professors and colleagues, and I look forward to learning from them and becoming one of them.
Describe yourself in 5 words: passionate, caring, empathetic, friendly, hard worker
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: God, my family, work in medicine
Hobbies:Playing sports, enjoying time outdoors, watching TV shows
What is your favorite food? Encebollado de pescado
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None
The person that inspires me the most is my mom, an incredibly strong woman. She taught me that I can reach any goal I set for myself, as long as I am willing to work hard and stay committed to it.
Something you may not know about me is....I’m the first doctor in both of my families. I didn’t have anyone to guide me; it all started after reading a biology book. That book sparked a passion within me that has only grown stronger over the years. One book, changed my life.

Heidemarie-edeling

Hometown: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Medical School: University of the Free State, South Africa
Future Goals:Short term, I aim to become an excellent resident and contribute to a culture where our cohort strives to be among the strongest the program has seen. Long term, I hope to pursue fellowship training, build a purposeful clinical career and give back to the community.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? During my time in Norfolk, I was struck by how much the program values growth, camaraderie, clinical excellence, as well as how approachable and supportive the team is. That environment is exactly what I was looking for in a residency program.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Ambitious, grounded, sincere, kind, dependable
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: The people I love, a good laugh, and sunscreen!
Hobbies: Tap dancing, CrossFit and enjoying the outdoors on my off days.
What is your favorite food? Lamb chops, preferably over a fire!
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No allergies, but I avoid coffee and chocolate as they trigger migraines.
The person that inspires me the most is my uncle, Dr. Donald Nuss. He identified a problem, challenged conventional thinking and invented a procedure that drastically improved patient care globally. His innovation and genuine commitment to medicine is inspiring, but what I admire most is his humility.
Something you may not know about me is....I grew up riding horses and was on track to pursue competitive dressage at an international level before choosing medicine.

mohamed-elebasy

Hometown: Mansoura, Egypt
Medical School: Mansoura Faculty of Medicine
Future Goals: I plan to pursue fellowship training in pulmonary/critical care or cardiology, while keeping an open mind as I refine my path during residency.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? Strong academic rigor and clinical training, where residents are pushed to grow and excel in supportive and easy going environment. During my interview, the atmosphere felt natural and welcoming. I had the sense that people not only work hard here, but also look out for each other. It felt like a place where I see myself belong to, and somewhere I would be excited to show up every day and train.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Ambitious, lifelong learner, reliable, hardworking, loyal
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Being around people, coffee, and a sense of purpose.
Hobbies: Practicing card tricks, playing pool, cooking (especially friendly cooking competitions with my wife), and going on long drives.
What is your favorite food? Egyptian béchamel—baked pasta layered with meat and creamy sauce
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No allergies or restrictions
The person that inspires me the most is my dad, because he taught me to focus on solutions and keep going. That it’s always better to light a candle than to blame the darkness.
Something you may not know about me is....I celebrate two birthdays

Anam-habib

Hometown: Pakistan
Medical School: Liaquat University of Medical Health and Science. Pakistan
Future Goals: short term, my goals are to complete Internal medicine residency and strength my clinical and decision-making skills. My long-term goal is to develop in well-rounded physician. Given my background, I do have a strong interest in infectious diseases, and I plan to pursue that in future. At the same time, I'm open to learning from all areas of internal medicine during residency.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? VHS is my home institute where I did my ID fellowship and who wants to leave their home and so didn't I. And off course VHS at ODU has strong clinical foundation and exposure to diverse and complex cases. Given my Infectious disease foundation, I particularly appreciate the patient populations and learning opportunities hpersistent, Handworker, Multitasker, Humble, team workerere.
Describe yourself in 5 words: persistent, Handworker, Multitasker, Humble, team worker
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My son, my husband and my self-care (I believe a good physical and mental health helps in your overall Aura)
Hobbies:  I love cooking different cuisines, I also love designing clothes and styling up  and travelling 
What is your favorite food? Chicken Tikka, lasagna and biryani 
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: no
The person that inspires me the most is: I have two people who inspires me in every step of my life. My father because of this persistence, resilience and Faith and My mother who has trained me to mold and grasp all the challenges in life.
Something you may not know about me is....that I love organizing small gatherings and bringing people together --its something I really enjoy outside of work.

Huzefa Habib, MBBS

Hometown: Mailsi, Pakistan
Medical School: King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Future Goals: Becoming a Internist, becoming a Geriatrician, becoming a Cardiologist, becoming an Interventional Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist, becoming a faculty member or professor of medicine.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose VHS at ODU because it aligns perfectly with my professional and personal goals. It offers an ideal environment where I can achieve everything I’m looking for in my career, all in one setting. The city of Norfolk is beautiful, with its shores and proximity to the beach, and being relatively close to my hometown of New York is an added bonus. The opportunity to pursue a dual specialty is incredibly exciting. I envision myself working alongside smart, dedicated professors and colleagues, and I look forward to learning from them and becoming one of them.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Compassionate, hardworking, reliable, a bit nerdy, good listener.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Family, purpose, and the internet
Hobbies: I enjoy watching and playing cricket, hiking, and exploring new places. I look forward to exploring Norfolk and believe it will be a wonderful experience.
What is your favorite food? Biryani, deep dish pizza
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No 
The people who inspire me the most are my parents, because they have always encouraged me to keep moving forward and never give up.
Something you may not know about me is....I genuinely enjoy learning new things, even outside medicine.

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Future Goals: To become a well-rounded physician 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I enjoy working in a large academic center with many different other residency programs and faculty who enjoy teaching. It is also close to my hometown and to the beach!
Describe yourself in 5 words: Adaptable, determined, analytical, ambitious, curious
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Being around people, coffee, and a sense of purpose.
Hobbies: Photography
What is your favorite food? Thai food
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No pork
The person that inspires me the most is my mother because she has taught me compassion, resilience, and determination. 
Something you may not know about me is....I enjoy art and museums.

Fateme Montazeri, MD

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Medical School: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Future Goals: My primary goal is to help patients achieve better health while building meaningful, trusting relationships with them. I value spending time getting to know people and understanding their needs so I can contribute to improving their quality of life. Ultimately, I aspire to become a physician whom patients can truly rely on.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? The friendly and collegial environment at the program was a major factor in my decision. I was also drawn to its strong clinical and research training, as well as the opportunity to encounter a wide range of pathologies. Together, these elements make it an excellent place to prepare for my goal of becoming a well-rounded physician.
Describe yourself in 5 words:  Compassionate, analytical, adaptable, detail-oriented, curious 
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without:  Family and friends, medicine, coffee 
Hobbies:  Calligraphy, swimming, hiking, cooking traditional dishes 
What is your favorite food? Mediterranean food and pasta 
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No
The person that inspires me the most is my mother because of her kindness and compassion, as well as her dedication to lifelong learning while being an extraordinary parent.
Something you may not know about me is....I really enjoy driving and am fascinated by vehicles, from cars to airplanes (though I still need proper training for the latter 😊). I also love exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different foods and cultures.

David-morgan

Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Future Goals: Hospitalist or primary care but I am open to pursuing fellowship. 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? Prior to my interview day, I had only heard positive things about EVMS across many different training programs including internal medicine. The rumors were found to be true during my interview day as my partner and I (we couples matched) both loved all the program had to offer and how genuine and kind the residents and faculty were. Also, my family lives in the Raleigh area so being within a weekend’s drive of them is great. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Adventurous, strong-minded, hopeful, hard-worker, silly  
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Outerwear, Horishky cookies, and mid-afternoon coffee.
Hobbies: Golf, soccer, fantasy football, working out, and anything involving water or boats.
What is your favorite food? Pizza
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No
The person that inspires me the most is my mom because she cares so much for everyone in her life and will go out of her way to help someone who needs an extra hand. 
Something you may not know about me is....I’ve snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef twice.

Yara-nawaiseh

Hometown: Amman-Jordan
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology 
Future Goals: I’m really drawn to community-focused care and building close, long-term relationships with patients. I find it meaningful to be part of a community and contribute beyond just clinical encounters. As I move forward, I’m still exploring the different paths within internal medicine, but I know I want my career to stay grounded in service and connection with people.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I was most excited by the culture at VHS at ODU the residents seemed genuinely happy and satisfied, which says a lot about the environment. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Humorous, punctual, grounded, observant, approachable
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: tea!!! family and friends, laughter
Hobbies: Reading books, table tennis, badminton, baking cookies 
What is your favorite food? Tough question probably Roasted lamb shoulder. Or potatoes. Or corn! 
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No food allergies but I follow a halal diet.
The person that inspires me the most is my good friend and mentor Dr Ahmad Khatib, because he was the first to expose me to the underworld of health care. He showed me how many people around us don’t have access to basic life needs, and he taught me how to approach them with care and kindness, how to fight for them, and how to never break their trust. 
Something you may not know about me is....I like taking pictures of restaurants and places and add them to google maps, I currently have 4 million views there!

Jordan Oliver

Hometown: Botetourt, Virginia
Medical School: VCOM- Virginia Campus
Future Goals: To start and family and become a hematologist/oncologist
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I had a great experience during my AI and believe my education will be great here. My wife’s family is from the area, and I see us being here long term. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Dependable, kind, joyful, learner, hard-working
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Coffee, family, synthetic insulin 
Hobbies: Watching UFC and NBA, watching movies/TV, playing pickup soccer, running  
What is your favorite food? Italian
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No.
The person that inspires me the most is my dad. He worked hard to give opportunity to my siblings and me.
Something you may not know about me is....I like to rate movies, I have a cute dog.

Omar Othman

Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Medical School: Yarmouk University
Future Goals: To grow into a skilled internist and future cardiologist, combining evidence-based care, critical thinking, and the lifelong pursuit of finally feeling confident about every ECG.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I was drawn to VHS at ODU for its collaborative culture, supportive faculty, and balance between clinical rigor and resident support. It offers an environment where I can grow, be challenged, and build a strong foundation in internal medicine as I pursue a future in cardiology.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Resilient, humble, genuine, goal-oriented and dedicated.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My phone, morning coffee, my Xbox
Hobbies: Video games, Hiking and cooking. 
What is your favorite food? Burgers.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No.
The person that inspires me the most is my father, he went above and beyond to provide for us and support us in becoming who we are today.
Something you may not know about me is....I was once a professional video game player, and I take my burger-making seriously.

Hometown:Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Medical School: Madurai Medical College
Future Goals:To build a career that outlives me, not only through the patients I treat, but through impactful innovations that transform and elevate the quality and accessibility of healthcare. Guided by my mantra, "Treatment is for the patient, but research is for the people," I aspire to contribute meaningful discoveries that advance medicine and improve health at a population level, ensuring my work continues to benefit humanity even in rooms I am no longer in.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I was struck by the supportive learning environment and genuine sense of belonging. The way the program director and faculty interacted with residents, with empathy, approachability, and a clear investment in their growth, stood out to me. These experiences solidified my desire to train here, as I believe it would be the ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Innovative, Curious, Tech-savvy, Empathetic, Quietly competitive
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: family & friends, good food & my phone
Hobbies: Working out at the gym, going for drives, listening to music, watching YouTube, and playing video games.
What is your favorite food? Chicken biriyani.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No.
The person that inspires me the most is not a single individual, but every patient who places their trust in a physician. Their vulnerability and resilience remind me of the responsibility we carry and the privilege of being able to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Something you may not know about me is....I am highly tech-driven and enjoy working with new technologies. I tend to pick up systems quickly and love building websites and creating high-quality photo and video edits.

Kelau Smith

Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Future Goals: To become a good internist, start a family, and own a house at the beach.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I grew up in the Hampton Roads, loved my time at EVMS as a medical student, and knew that I would continue to grow into the physician and person I hope to be here.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Introspective, dedicated, dogmatic, patient, contented.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: God, the church, and my marriage.
Hobbies:  Surfing and soccer.
What is your favorite food?  Neapolitan pizza.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No.
The person that inspires me the most is: Dr. P because he is a compassionate physician, loving husband & father, and faithful Christian. That is the type of man I want to be.
Something you may not know about me is....I have several tattoos. 

loga-wallace

Hometown: Lafayette, Indiana
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine 
Future Goals: Still deciding!
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose EVMS/ODU because of the genuine friendships and support I was privy to during my audition rotation, the challenge of a patient population with complex medical problems and diversity, and the ideal location!
Describe yourself in 5 words: Thoughtful, driven, curious, grounded, adventurous!
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My husband (Luke), my dog (Chance), and strong coffee.
Hobbies:  Travel, reading, yoga, reality tv.
What is your favorite food?  Fish tacos.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No.
The person that inspires me the most is my husband because of his drive to accomplish his goals, resilience in the face of challenges, and commitment to his faith and family above all.
Something you may not know about me is....I am an unashamed country music lover.

Kirin-anand

Hometown: Chantilly, Virginia
Medical School: EVMS.
Future Goals: After PM&R residency, I’m interested in sub-specializing in pain, sports, or pediatric rehabilitation. Coming from an engineering background, I’m excited to bridge cutting-edge technology, holistic lifestyle medicine, and team-based care to help patients move beyond surviving and back into fully living.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I attended EVMS for medical school and have strong personal ties in the area, but also wanted a strong launchpad into PM&R at a program with great mentors and a culture I really respect.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Happy-go-lucky, curious, driven, helpful, growth-minded.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: air, water, food.
Hobbies: Trying new things (I try to pick up something new each month and if it adds value, integrate it in my routine), sports (basketball and football), lifestyle medicine, virtually anything outdoors.
What is your favorite food? Maryland blue crab.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: none
The person that inspires me the most is my dad because he’s set the standard for the kind of man I’m still trying to live up to every day.
Something you may not know about me is....I've been on TV and radio before.

Olivia Babich

Hometown: Harmony, PA
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Future Goals: My goal is to be a clinician-educator in dermatology, and run an HS specialty clinic. 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose this program because of its supportive culture, amazing location/community, and excellent mentorship and well-rounded clinical education.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Perceptive, driven, curious, optimistic, resilient.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My friends, family, and a quality mocha.
Hobbies: Molecular gastronomy, fantasy football, portraiture.
What is your favorite food? Roast chicken with gravy.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None.
The person that inspires me the most is my mother because she is endlessly supportive, non-judgemental, and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Something you may not know about me is.... I played quarterback for my grad school flag football team!

Ethan Brill

Hometown: Tehachapi/Los Angeles
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Future Goals: Become involved in academic teaching.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose here for my prelim year because the attendings and residents are all committed to education and I really enjoyed working with them during medical school. The program is well structured and really receptive to resident feedback, and there's plenty to do in Norfolk when you're off. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Go with the flow.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Japanese food, anime, video gaming.
Hobbies: Backpacking, Piano, Anime, Gaming, Mechanical Keyboards.
What is your favorite food? Salmon sashimi.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None.
The person that inspires me the most is my mother; how dedicated, selfless and social she was.
Something you may not know about me is.... I've lived abroad in both London and Taiwan.

phillip-given

Hometown: Norfolk, VA
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Future Goals: Become a radiation oncologist.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? Hometown/where I went to med school.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Active, smart, adventurous, quiet.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Air conditioning, sleep mask, bed (I need my sleep, and I need all these things to sleep well).
Hobbies: Swimming, yoga, running, cycling, skiing, hiking.
What is your favorite food? Mexican.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: Vegetarian.
The person that inspires me the most is my dad (also a doctor), for how hard he works for his patients.
Something you may not know about me is.... I like to cook.

Zi-guo

Hometown: Wyomissing, PA 
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Future Goals: Become a diagnostic radiologist.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I had a very positive experience here as a medical student and was eager to continue my training in a familiar, supportive environment for my preliminary internal medicine year.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Easygoing, driven, thoughtful, reliable, curious.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My cat, the gym, and Celsius.
Hobbies: Tennis, pickleball, weightlifting, hiking, and thrift shopping.
What is your favorite food? Pad thai.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None.
The person that inspires me the most is my fiancée because of her dedication, compassion, and the way she consistently pushes me to be better.
Something you may not know about me is.... I ran a student barbershop in college.

Briana-krutsinger

Hometown: Sidney, IL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana 
Future Goals: Becoming a confident and technically skilled ophthalmologist who prioritizes meaningful patient relationships. I hope to build a life that balances a fulfilling career with personal happiness, ideally.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? After meeting the residents at VHS, I was immediately sold. While every program emphasizes its culture during interviews, this was the first place where I truly felt it. From the start, I felt comfortable, welcomed, and quickly.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Passionate, driven, lighthearted, adventurous, and personable
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My family, Diet Coke, Reality TV
Hobbies: Working out, finding new food spots, live music, shooting on film, planning trips, and exploring new places.
What is your favorite food? Pasta or any Italian dish
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None (I am the least picky person on this planet).
The people who inspire me the most are my parents because they built a meaningful and fulfilling life from very humble beginnings. They created an environment for my sister and me where we were always encouraged to chase our goals and dream big, something I hope to one day provide for my own family.
Something you may not know about me is.... I have a cat who is frequently referred to as Spicy Margo because she is selective in the people she likes and can be a little feisty.

Narqiza Sadr

Hometown: Richmond, VA & Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals: To become a competent physician.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose VHS at ODU because of the excellent clinical experience during clerkship.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Enthusiastic, energetic, observant, empathetic, and hard-working.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Family, good food, and ChatGPT :-D
Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, learning new things, running
What is your favorite food? Uzbek Plov
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No food allergies. No pork, no alcohol.
The person that inspires me the most are my parents because of their optimism, even in difficult situations.
Something you may not know about me is.... that I have worked for the United Nations.

Muhammad Tamoor

Hometown: Sambrial , Pakistan 
Medical School:Sargodha , Pakistan 
Future Goals: My future goal is to learn medicine and make a real difference in the lives of others. I want to dedicate myself to understanding health, treating illness, and improving the well-being of people.By gaining knowledge and practical skills in medicine, I hope to serve humanity with compassion, care, and responsibility.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose VHS at ODU for its strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and supportive learning environment. Its focus on clinical excellence and resident growth aligns with my goal of becoming a competent and compassionate internal medicine physician.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Approachable, compassionate, resilient, hardworking and humorous.
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Coffee, continuous learning and my family.
Hobbies: Playing cricket and soccer, travelling, reading about astronomy
What is your favorite food? Pizza.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: No.
The person that inspires me the most are.. My late father because he was an excellent physician and a great human being.
Something you may not know about me is.... I'm a people's person. I love interacting with others getting to know them and listening to their stories. What motivates me most is being able to do something that is really helpful for others..

Benjamin-tebor

Hometown: Arlington, VA
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals: Becoming an anesthesiologist who provides excellent patient care.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I had the opportunity to train here during medical school and really valued the supportive culture and strong clinical training. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Reliable, curious, easygoing, driven, team-oriented 
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Coffee, a solid workout, and a good group of people.
Hobbies: Golf and hiking.
What is your favorite food? A cheeseburger on a brioche bun with a side of fries is hard to beat.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None
The people who inspire me the most are my parents because they've always emphasized hard work, integrity, and showing up for others. 
Something you may not know about me is....that I was a high school rowing coach.

Sophia Thompson

Hometown: McLean, VA
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals: I'll be completing a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UVA and plan to return to the Hampton Roads area afterwards! 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I chose VHS at ODU because of the emphasis on community and patient-centered care that I witnessed during my medical education here. I saw a great balance between maximizing learning opportunities and making sure residents were supported. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: High-energy, empathetic, curious, active, and driven
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: .Friends/family, the beach, and obviously caffeine 
Hobbies: Tennis, fitness, piano, guitar 
What is your favorite food? Sushi.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None
The person that inspires me the most is... My family! I have 3 sisters and they each inspire me in different ways
Something you may not know about me is....I recently got into baking sourdough and have unfortunately become consumed by it already.

Trenton-wetsel

Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals: A career in ophthalmology, possibly after a subspecialty fellowship.
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I loved my time here at EVMS during medical school and felt I fit right in with the faculty and residents in the program!
Describe yourself in 5 words: Easygoing, sarcastic, hardworking, curious, dependable
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Family, my dog Birdie, coffee
Hobbies: Hiking, going to the beach, playing video games
What is your favorite food? BBQ
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None
The person that inspires me the most is my mom because she works extremely hard to support our family and helped get me where I am today.
Something you may not know about me is....I like to cook and try new recipes.

Hometown: Roston-on-Don
Medical School: In Rostov-on-Don - Rostov State Medical University 
Future Goals: My goal is to complete training in Neurology residency and become a specialist in NeuroID field.  
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I had excellent experience at ODU during my prior training and I am happy to continue my study and work with the ODU team. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Eager to learn decisive enthusiast
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Physical activity, travels, friends, love, good food
Hobbies: I love hiking, spontaneous trips, new acquaintances, all sports.
What is your favorite food? All meat, blini 
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None
The person that inspires me the most is ... my friend because it gives me feel of competitiveness.
Something you may not know about me is....I did ID fellowship before residency.

Hometown: McLean, VA
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals:To have a career that is both fulfilling and grounded in helping others. 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? Hampton Roads has been my home throughout college and medical school, and I value the opportunity to continue training in a community I know well and am committed to serving. And the beach is nice. 
Describe yourself in 5 words: Smiley, curious, empathetic, creative, genuine 
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Kindle, water bottle, and multicolored pens. 
Hobbies: Hiking, book club, and gardening.
What is your favorite food? Ice cream
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: None
The person that inspires me the most is ...anyone who can see the bright side because they don't ignore reality but still choose positivity. 
Something you may not know about me is....I love going to art museums.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville
Future Goals: I want to be the best physician, father, and husband I can be while maintaining personal physical/mental well-being so I can continue to fulfill my roles with enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. I hope I can do these things while maintaining curiosity for both life and medicine. I want to continue to gain new life experiences with my family while also learning as much as I can from my experiences as a new physician. 
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? I was incredibly optimistic at the thought of joining a new neurology residency program. The idea of being able to lay the foundation and establish the culture of something so much bigger than myself felt like a calling that I wanted to answer. After meeting with the impressive and friendly IM/neurology faculty and residents, we knew this program was the right fit for us.

My fiancée and I have also always wanted to be in a coastal city, as that is most familiar to us. We love the geography and culture of the Hampton Roads area and wanted a coastal area with a rich history to raise our son and two dogs. We figured this location would allow me to receive optimal training while still offering a diverse environment for my family and me to enjoy.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Disciplined, devoted, altruistic, intense, philosophical
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: Fitness, family, music (particularly Jazz and Rock from the 1960s)
Hobbies: Weightlifting, pickup basketball, exploring parks with family and dogs, surfing/paddle boarding, swimming, gaming, movies
What is your favorite food? Japanese/Colombian
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: Thankfully no.
The person that inspires me the most is ...Theodore Roosevelt; of his contributions to wildlife conservation, world peace, and the overall well-being of American citizens.
Something you may not know about me is....In high school, I had four musculoskeletal surgeries that kept me from playing college football, but I likely would not be a physician without those setbacks.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Medical School: EVMS
Future Goals: Become an epileptologist, learn how to train a bonsai, play the future Gen 10 Pokemon Game
Why did you choose VHS at ODU? It's my home program and I loved all the faculty and attendings when here as a medical student. I also love the area of Norfolk, VA and felt the community-oriented program of EVMS fit well with the type of medicine I am trying to pursue.
Describe yourself in 5 words: Pokemon nerd and neuron enthusiast
Name 3 things you absolutely can't live without: My Chow Chow Latke, my husband, tea
Hobbies: Frankenstein, Treasure Island, etc.), kayaking (sunset kayaking on the Elizabeth River), road tripping
What is your favorite food? Sushi.
Do you have any food allergies or a special diet: Do not eat meat with cheese.
The person that inspires me the most is ...Dr. Choudry; he showed me how to be a passionate neurologist and encouraged me to pursue medicine
Something you may not know about me is....I had a strawberry birthmark on my forehead as a child.