Family Medicine Residents at UPMC Williamsport

Laura Christman, MD

Undergrad: King’s College, Wilkes-Barre
Graduate: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

About Me: I was born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania in a small town called Roseto tucked between the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley. I’m very close with my parents and older sister, so I’ve been very fortunate to stay nearby while pursuing my education and including medical school. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and my partner doing activities like gaming, crocheting, or checking out new restaurants or breweries!

Why Family Medicine? While in college, I had several experiences while studying abroad in Peru and while working in the emergency department that demonstrated the importance of preventative medicine and primary care. The area where I grew up is rather rural, so access to reliable transportation or affordable medication was a problem at times for some of my family members. Family medicine is focused on accessibility, devoted to holistic and compassionate care, and is meant to create long-lasting relationships with people of all ages – that is exactly what I want to provide to my patients.

Why Williamsport? I love spending time outdoors, whether I’m hiking, camping, or kayaking! There are so many different parks and trails nearby that my partner and I are looking forward to exploring. I’m looking forward to serving a close-knit community that is a short drive away from so many options to enjoy the outdoors.

Jason Grullon, MD

Undergrad: DePauw University
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University

About Me: Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, I longed for an adventure outside the hustle and bustle of the five boroughs. When college application season came around, I traded my surroundings for the picturesque streets of rural Indiana. There, I studied medical anthropology and Chinese language, earning a prestigious invitation to conduct public health research in Inner Mongolia. This incredible opportunity resulted in nationally-published research, marking the start of a pathway that saw me study overseas in Beijing and southern China, living in Buddhist monasteries and teaching in rural suburbs—it was a truly eye-opening time!

Upon graduating from college, I returned to the East Coast and—after completing additional qualifications—settled in New York for medical school. Throughout my career, I have maintained many hobbies outside of medicine, including outdoor exploration, DIY, language learning, and, of course, spending quality time with my family.

Why Family Medicine? Although my path in medicine has not always been linear, each experience has reaffirmed my belief that family medicine is where I belong. Throughout medical school, I came to value three core elements of my work: the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients, the ability to perform a wide range of procedures, and the versatility to care for people from all walks of life. In family medicine, I have found a unique blend that allows me to embrace each of these principles.

Why Williamsport? Coming from NYC, I sought a program that offered learning opportunities comparable to those in the ‘big city’, but within a community that cultivated a true sense of belonging and a base for studying an integral component of future medicine: Artificial Intelligence. This progressive, hometown feel is why I chose UPMC Williamsport. Every interaction left me smiling — before, during, and after the virtual interview. I will never forget how my expectations were exceeded throughout the application process, inspired by UPMC Williamsport’s charismatically produced informational videos and personalized, genuine emails. As an unopposed program, UPMC Williamsport even offers once-in-a-lifetime community opportunities, including a chance to actively get involved in the Little League World Series early in training! As a former little leaguer, the chance to take part in the Little League World Series is one more reason I was drawn here!

Mikayla Heid Strackbein, MD

Undergrad: Ithaca College
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

About Me: I’m from Archbald, Pennsylvania. I knew I wanted to be a physician from a young age and grew up with the goal of becoming a doctor. I also grew up taking dance classes every day and even danced for two companies in college. I earned my undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Ithaca College while also working as a nurse’s aide and doing some microbiology research in Puerto Rico. I returned to the Scranton area for medical school - my school was located just a block away from where I was born! In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with my dog Clark W Griswold Jr.

Why Family Medicine? I grew up wanting to be a family physician. When I began my third year rotations in medical school, I found myself wanting to pursue every specialty I experienced because I loved every aspect of medicine. I always found myself coming back to the idea of family medicine because of the ability to develop long-term relationships with my patients and the wide variety the specialty offers.

Why Williamsport? I rotated with this program at the beginning of my fourth year of medical school and instantly fell in love. I had so much fun while also learning and growing my skills each day - I was so sad to leave when the rotation ended! The atmosphere of support and family between everyone in the program - residents, attendings, staff members - create such a robust and positive learning environment.

Noah Hoffman, MD

Undergrad: Washington & Jefferson College (W&J)
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM)

About Me: I grew up in Muncy, PA where I enjoyed playing soccer and attending Boy Scouts. After high school, I majored in Biology and Spanish at Washington & Jefferson College. Then, I attended GCSOM and participated in clubs such as Walk with a Future Doc and the Hiking club. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, being outdoors, gaming with friends, and playing the piano.

Why Family Medicine? Growing up, my own family physician played a focal role in caring for me and my family. I knew that I wanted to practice medicine in a way that allowed me to develop long term relationships with my patients. I also enjoyed the breadth of knowledge and diverse responsibilities of being a family physician. I feel that family medicine is where I can have fulfilment and make a meaningful impact on my patients.

Why Williamsport? Growing up in North-Central PA, I knew that I wanted to stay close to family. Many alumni that I worked with spoke very highly of the program, and my experience rotating here as a medical student was very positive. I enjoyed working with the residents and faculty here, and the hospital was very welcoming. Moreover, I like the fact that Williamsport is an unopposed program with a well-established residency. I’m very excited to be here for my training.

Alexandria Pagana, MD

Undergrad: Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: St. George’s University

About Me: I was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and have spent my life immersed in the heart of central PA. Growing up, I played soccer, softball, and basketball, which sparked a lifelong passion for sports. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Bio-Behavioral Health from Penn State University, where I also played club softball throughout all four years. After graduating, I joined Penn State as a Teaching Assistant in Organic Chemistry before moving to Pittsburgh for a year to pursue research. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I embraced the opportunity to start medical school at St. George’s University. Outside of medicine, I enjoy seasonal activities such as softball, pickleball, water skiing, and snowboarding. On weekends, you’ll often find me cheering on Penn State or Notre Dame, or spending time with college friends in NYC/NJ or relaxing at the river lot.

Why Family Medicine? I’ve wanted to become a Family Medicine physician for as long as I can remember. Growing up in my father’s practice, I saw the power of meaningful, long-term relationships between doctor and patient. I watched people walk in anxious and leave reassured—thanks to a physician who knew their story, not just their symptoms. I’ve always valued deep connections, and Family Medicine naturally aligns with that. It’s a field where I can care for the whole person while building relationships that truly make a difference. Throughout medical school, I made a conscious effort to explore a variety of specialties, keeping an open mind. Yet, no matter which path I explored, I kept coming back to Family Medicine—for its versatility, comprehensive scope, and the meaningful connections it fosters with patients.  

Why Williamsport? Growing up here, I came to understand just how vital a Family Medicine physician is to this community. UPMC Williamsport stands out for its unopposed, well-rounded training that emphasizes close, one-on-one mentorship with both physicians and residents. Some of the most skilled and compassionate doctors I know are alumni of this program, which speaks volumes about its quality. What impressed me most is the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded physicians while offering personalized training tailored to individual interests. During my interview, it was clear that the residents and faculty genuinely love this area—a sentiment I deeply share and value.

Willard Wilkinson, MD

Undergrad: Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

About Me: I grew up in Cresson, a small town nestled in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, alongside my two sisters, our cat, and our two dogs. It’s also where I met my wife, Kayla. I left home to study biomedical engineering at Penn State, where I quickly learned that being good at math didn’t necessarily mean I enjoyed it. What I did discover, was a passion for physiology, teaching, and health, which ultimately led me to pursue medicine at Drexel.

Outside of my career, I enjoy being active and spending time with Kayla, especially when good food or a movie is involved. I’m particularly into weightlifting, distance running, climbing, and backpacking. We’re excited to explore everything the Williamsport area has to offer!

Why Family Medicine? Coming from a rural background and having interests across the spectrum of medicine, I knew early on in medical school that Family Medicine was the specialty for me. I look forward to forming trusted, long-term relationships with my patients, and to helping them avoid health complications before specialty care is needed. My particular interests are in rural, lifestyle, and preventative medicine.

Why Williamsport? I applied to Williamsport knowing it was unopposed, had a great reputation, and was in a region near home that appealed to my hobbies and lifestyle. The interview and second look completely blew me away, because even as an applicant, I felt valued and welcomed. It was abundantly clear that the residents felt the same way, and that they were very satisfied with their training.

Lauren Womer, MD

Undergrad: Temple University
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

About Me: I grew up in Pottsville, PA with my parents, brother and sister. I knew I wanted to move to a big city for college, so I attended Temple University in Philadelphia, where I majored in Biology. Afterwards, I stayed in Philly for medical school at Temple where I discovered my passion for family medicine and my goal of practicing closer to home. While Philadelphia has been my home for nearly 9 years, I’m looking forward to moving to central PA (where the parking will surely be easier!). In my free time, you can find me thrifting for vintage treasures, embroidering, going on long walks, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Why Family Medicine? I chose family medicine because of the endless opportunities within the field, the personal relationships that can be created with patients, and the need for family doctors, especially in rural communities. During my medical school rotations, I was exposed to a few incredible family medicine physicians. I saw the impact these doctors had on their patients’ lives and knew I wanted to be that source of comfort and safety for my future patients.

Why Williamsport? I was initially drawn to Williamsport for its suburban-meets-rural setting, unopposed program structure, and diverse patient population, but it was the people who ultimately made me want to stay. Every resident, faculty member, and staff member I met during my interview and second look made the experience welcoming, genuine, and exciting — and I knew I could find my place here.

Seif Butt, DO, MPH

Undergrad: Drexel University
Graduate: Thomas Jefferson University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

About me: I grew up in Pottsville, PA with my two older siblings. I’ve always been interested in the life sciences and technology, so I majored in Biology and minored in Computer Science for undergrad. Afterwards I got my MPH and continue to be interested in the various socioeconomic and geographic factors that affect health. I wrapped up my years of education in Philadelphia at PCOM. In my free time I enjoy gaming, binge-watching TV shows, sketching, and hanging out with cats.

Why Family Medicine? Family Medicine speaks to my variety of interests in preventative care, lifestyle medicine, population health, and the opportunity to form long-lasting relationships with patients and be active in the community. I am looking forward to being able to improve and follow patients’ health with long-term continuity.

Why Williamsport? Williamsport provides a full-spectrum, unopposed program in a vibrant community close to my hometown and family. During medical school I met multiple alumni from this program who told me that it’d prepare me for anything I choose going forward. I know that I will be able to receive a broad-spectrum training that will prepare me for my future career.

Ayesha Kahn, DO

Undergrad: University at Buffalo (UB)
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU - COM)

About me: I was born and raised in Amherst, New York. I decided to stay at home for undergrad and attended UB, where I majored in Biomedical Sciences. At the start of the pandemic, I moved to Joplin, a small town in Missouri, to attend medical school at KCU. It was quite an experience living outside of Amherst for the first time in my life, and it made me realize what I had been missing out on in the world. I am excited to move to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to experience a new town and state! Some of my hobbies are embroidery, specifically cross stitching, and watching movies and TV shows, with comedy being my favorite genre.

Why Family Medicine? I knew since I was an undergraduate student that I wanted to pursue family medicine, and I had many experiences in the field from my family members. Family medicine is one of the few specialties where you can build long-term relationships with patients and get to know your patients as a person. With family medicine, I will have the flexibility with how and where I want to practice and be able to see patients of all ages and various clinical diseases. I cannot wait to continue my family legacy by becoming a third-generation Family Medicine physician!

Why Williamsport? Being from Amherst and spending the last four years in Joplin, I wanted to return to the northeast to be closer to my family, all while continuing to live in a small town. Williamsport was a perfect fit for what I was looking for. Also, UMPC at Williamsport is a well-established program that is full-spectrum, unopposed, and has osteopathic recognition. During the virtual meet and greet and interview day, I felt the close relationship that the faculty and residents possessed with each other. Also, the program's flexibility will allow me to pursue my specific interests in Family Medicine. I knew I would become the family medicine physician I always wanted to be at Williamsport, and I cannot wait to start!

Michael Kovalick, MD

Undergrad: Wilkes University
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

About me: I was born in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and have lived most of my life in Dallas, which is a small town on the outskirts of Wilkes-Barre. I am the son of two family physicians, and I live with my brother and my two dogs (Gronk and Mookie). I completed my undergraduate education at Wilkes University with a degree in Biology. My time at Wilkes was crucial in convincing me to pursue a career as a physician because of the faculty, advising and activities I was able to participate in. I then completed my undergraduate medical education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, PA. In my free time, you will often find me playing guitar, fishing, or just reading a good book! I also love to collect historical memorabilia.

Why Family Medicine? For me, family medicine is such a versatile and rewarding area of medicine to practice in. The fact that I can learn about and practice so many aspects of medicine is truly exciting and makes every day fresh. As a family physician, you are also on the front lines of medicine. You are often the first contact for your patients, and they will come to you with any questions and concerns. It is one of the only specialties where you can take care of generations of families. This allows you to build patient-physician relationships that are truly robust and that can help change a patient’s life for the better.

Why Williamsport? When I was looking for family medicine residencies, I always had the long-term goal of staying in Pennsylvania to serve the communities that have given so much to me. Therefore, I specifically looked for an unopposed program in Pennsylvania that was centered in a small city environment. For me, UPMC Williamsport offered me this and more. To be able to practice in Williamsport with all of the resources that UPMC provides was a true best of both worlds for me. The curriculum is very robust, and I especially appreciated this program’s emphasis on obstetric education. What really stood out to me though was the people. Everyone that I talked to was incredibly friendly and helpful, and it made me feel like I belonged.

Kayla Lee, MD

Undergrad: Saint Leo University
Medical School: St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine

About me: I was born in Florida and raised in a small community in The Bahamas as an only child. After graduating from high school, I returned to Florida for college and have called it home ever since. During undergrad, I discovered my passion for research and tutoring. I worked in education during my gap years prior to medical school. In my leisure time I enjoy quality time with family and friends, reading, biking and trying new cuisine. Despite my newly found mild aerophobia, I look forward to traveling whether by plane, ship or car-road trips whenever my schedule allows.

Why Family Medicine? Throughout my clinical rotations, the specialties that were most attractive were ones that allowed me to advocate for my patients on multiple levels. I chose Family Medicine because I can advocate for my patients throughout their lifetime. I can establish relationships to provide effective care in the ways that matter most to patients and that is important to me. Some of my interests in Family Medicine include women’s health and adolescent medicine.

Why Williamsport? On interview day I felt valued. I appreciated learning about the full spectrum training the program had to offer while being actively involved in the community. The program is unopposed with great mentors in women’s health. I look forward to becoming well versed in taking care of all patient populations with the training this program provides. During undergrad, I had a research project for 2 months in central PA. It was a picturesque town that felt oddly familiar in size and affection to the one I grew up in in the Bahamas. I am thrilled for the opportunity to train here.

Emily Snell, DO

Undergrad: The Pennsylvania State University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

About me: I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA with my younger sister and have loved the city ever since. After high school I went to Penn State and then up to Erie, PA for medical school and haven’t left the state yet! My undergraduate degree was in Microbiology and Biochemistry where I fell in love with the integration of medicine and research and bringing bench to bedside. In my spare time I enjoy learning new recipes, growing my plant family, and going out with my friends. You can find me on a Saturday afternoon in a coffee shop chatting with friends about our plans to check out a new restaurant or a new hiking trail for later.

Why Family Medicine? I went to medical school with family medicine as a specialty in the back of my mind. Throughout third year clinical rotations, I truly loved each and every one of my specialty blocks and had a difficult time choosing just one of them. During my family medicine rotation, I figured out that you genuinely do not have to give up any facet or population of medicine which is why I figured it was the perfect specialty for me! One of my greatest influences and mentors is my father who is a family medicine physician in Pittsburgh. I grew up watching him love his career and couldn’t be happier with my decision as well.

Why Williamsport? When I first arrived in Williamsport, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging as soon as I stepped in the door of the hospital. All the residents and faculty were so welcoming and truly felt like family. Coming from State College for undergrad, I love the feeling of a small town with the availability to function as a big city and the familiarity it brings is unmatched. I cannot wait to explore!

Sonia Talukder, MD 

Undergrad: University of California, Riverside
Medical School: St. George’s University

About me: I grew up in Irvine, CA with my older sister and parents. We grew up playing in sports like soccer, learning to play the piano, and in my case, painting. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Biology at UCR, a Masters in Global Medicine at USC, and finally my medical degree from St. George’s University. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading any RomCom books I can get my hands on, (with persuasion) running or hiking, and playing the piano! But honestly, I mainly just watch Netflix in my free time.

Why Family Medicine? I used to be very sick when I was young, and my family physician who took care of me through that difficult period left such a strong impression that she inspired me to go into medicine with the aim of becoming a Family Medicine physician. As a medical student, my interest in Family medicine was re-established when I realized that my favorite part of medicine was getting to know and build relationships with my patients. I also enjoyed seeing and being challenged by a broad range of issues (as opposed to only one category of pathology). Family medicine is the specialty that will allow me to excel in and enjoy both of these aspects of medicine to the best of my ability.

Why Williamsport? Williamsport is an established, unopposed program that is known for providing excellent training to its residents. It also has a diverse, warm-hearted group of people who make up the faculty and residents. I chose this program because I felt confident that this program would give me the quality training I was looking for and also surround me with kind, lovely people who I would be happy to be with for the next three years. It also doesn’t hurt that my sister is within driving distance!

Morgan Thomas, MD

Undergrad: University of Jamestown
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

About me: I grew up in Pingree, ND where I spent most of my time with my ten siblings – yes, ten! Needless to say, family has always been a central part of my life. After completing my undergraduate degree in biology, I was excited to begin medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine (UND). My time at UND has reinforced my passion for medicine, however I continue to maintain my passions outside of medicine as well! I enjoy spending time with my husband Dakota and dog Lilly, collecting plants, exercising, making homemade pasta, and camping.

Why Family Medicine? Growing up in a rural area meant that I had two families – first, my parents, siblings, and relatives and second, my neighbors and fellow community members. Family has always been, and continues to be, an integral part of my life. When my passion for medicine blossomed, I knew family medicine was the right choice as community, flexibility, and lifelong meaningful relationships are at the forefront of this specialty. Not only is family medicine fulfilling, but it will also allow for the opportunity to give back to small communities like my own, which has given so much to me.

Why Williamsport? As a future family medicine physician, my interests are broad and I desire to learn a wide variety of skills. Williamsport has an unopposed program, faculty with a passion for educating, and a hospital system that provides ample learning opportunities for residents. Furthermore, Williamsport strives to give each resident the education they desire by personalizing our experiences as much as possible. I am confident that by attending UMPC Williamsport, I will learn the skills and techniques needed to pursue a lifelong career as a rural family medicine physician.

Hailey Chapin, DO

Undergrad: Indiana University of Pa.
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

About Me: I grew up in very rural northeastern Pa. with my 5 younger siblings. I then moved to western PA to attend IUP where I majored in biology and spent most of my free time playing the tenor saxophone in various musical ensembles. After spending a gap year working and traveling, I moved to Erie to attend medical school at LECOM. While there, I focused on becoming involved in the family medicine and sports medicine communities. In my spare time, I enjoy playing recreational sports, watching NFL football (go Colts!), crafting, and spending time with my Pomeranian and 2 orange cats.

Why Family Medicine? Coming from such a rural background with very few doctor’s offices around, I noticed a need for good family medicine doctors at a young age. I love every aspect of medicine and could not imagine focusing on one specific system of the body, so the variety of pathologies seen in family medicine is perfect for me. I also really enjoy forming long-term relationships with patients and being involved in the community, which are both very important aspects of family medicine.

Why Williamsport? I was originally drawn to UPMC Williamsport because it is located close to my family in NEPA and offers great full-spectrum, unopposed training. I had been to Williamsport a few times in the past and I already knew that it was the perfect mix of city and small town that I was looking for. After visiting the hospital and meeting the faculty and residents here, I could not have felt more at home and immediately knew this is where I wanted to be. Sports are also a huge interest of mine so the fact that Williamsport is the home of the Little League Baseball® World Series just makes it even better!

Lam Chau, MD

Undergrad: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

About Me: I was born and raised in Orlando, FL. I did my undergraduate education at the UNC Chapel Hill (Go Heels!). There, I had the opportunity to do research with obesity and Type II diabetes. These experiences showed me the importance of lifestyle medicine and ultimately formed the foundation of why I decided to become a physician.
During my free time, you will most likely find me at home watching Netflix. Everything from anime to true crime documentaries, I watch just about everything. I am a huge movie buff as well. My go-to fun fact about myself is I used to write film reviews for my college newspaper. Other hobbies include cooking, trying new places to eat, traveling, and video games.

Why Family Medicine? My passion as a physician is rooted in preventative medicine. Everything from nutrition to mental well-being, family medicine’s macroscopic view of health aligns well with my own beliefs and approach to medicine. I prioritize patient continuity and establishing a good repertoire with individuals. For me, family medicine offers a unique opportunity to build these types of long-lasting patient relationships.

Why Williamsport? The people at UPMC are undoubtedly what drew me to Williamsport. A familial team dynamic and nurturing learning environment were two of my biggest priorities when looking for a residency program. On interview day, I felt an immediate sense of ease and support from everyone at the program. UPMC’s excellent reputation, alongside the program being unopposed, gave me the utmost confidence that I will come out of residency as a well-rounded, capable physician.

Jonathan Goldstone, MD, MS

Undergraduate: Colorado State University
Graduate: Colorado State University

Medical School: American University of The Caribbean School of Medicine

About Me: I grew up in Denver, CO where I always played sports and enjoyed many other outdoor activities, including fly fishing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking. I completed my undergraduate and graduate education at Colorado State University with a major in Biomedical Science. Learning the intricacies of the human body, conducting medical research, shadowing numerous local doctors and being both a student and educator convinced me to pursue a career in medicine. This decision was further validated when I traveled to Kenya for a medical relief trip and was exposed to the great need for skilled health care providers in underdeveloped countries. I attended American University of The Caribbean in St. Maarten where I met my amazing wife, Cristina. We have a beautiful daughter, Vivian. We love spending our free time together doing a variety of outdoor and other activities.

Why Family Medicine? Family medicine provides me with the opportunity to practice a broad spectrum of medicine and treat a diversity of patients and diseases. I look forward to forming a trusted relationship with my patients and getting to know them as unique individuals rather than just their medical conditions. I value having skills across many fields of medicine to confidently treat a variety of medical conditions faced by my patients.

Why Williamsport? I grew up visiting Laporte, PA, just 45 minutes away from Williamsport. My grandparents had a vacation home there and I spent my childhood summers swimming and canoeing at Lake Mokoma and hiking the Loyalsock trails. I have wonderful memories of the small community, beautiful rural scenery, multiple outdoor activities, and time spent with family. Most importantly, the UPMC program offers everything I was looking for in a residency. The comradery between faculty and residents, unopposed aspect of learning, small class size, diverse population served, and state-of-the-art facility make UPMC the best choice for me.

Rabail “Belle” Hussain, MD

Undergrad: George Mason University
Medical School: Chicago Medical School

About Me: I grew up in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. I studied biology at George Mason University, where I began fostering my interest in medicine. My pursuit of this career led me to the vibrant city of Chicago, where I attended Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University. Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring hiking trails, baking new concoctions, and cheering on my beloved Washington Capitals.

Why Family Medicine? Throughout medical school, I discovered a passion for primary care and fostering long-term patient relationships. I loved how the family medicine physicians I worked with were truly able to integrate themselves into the community to provide accessible health care to individuals of all ages. During medical school, I had the opportunity to work with many underserved populations, furthering my interest in understanding the social determinants of health and reinforcing my commitment to addressing health disparities in primary care settings.

Why Williamsport? I was looking for an unopposed program that offered rich community involvement and an encouraging learning environment. I was drawn to the strong training this program offers in pediatrics and inpatient medicine, as well as the opportunities for global medicine. After five years in Chicago, I was looking for a program that put me closer to my family. Williamsport has the advantage being 3.5 hours from where I grew up in Northern Virginia, allowing ample opportunity for me to see my loved ones!

Tina Kieu, DO

Undergrad: Oregon State University
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

About Me: I was born and raised in Beaverton, OR. I have three sisters and a total of 18 aunts and uncles who all live in Oregon; our frequent family gatherings were always huge and with great food! While in Oregon, I enjoyed hiking, clamming, and floating the Willamette River. While in Idaho for medical school, I enjoyed hot springs and found a love for primary care and lifestyle medicine. In my spare time, I like to learn new skills, like sewing, playing basketball, cooking, or painting. Although I am not the next Picasso, this does not stop me from learning and having fun while doing so!

Why Family Medicine? I value patient continuity and the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with patients. In family medicine, I find it incredibly rewarding to understand patients’ unique needs and create tailored care plans with them.

Why Williamsport? UPMC is a well-established program supported by kind faculty members who are invested in the success of their residents. As a full-spectrum, unopposed program with osteopathic recognition and a lifestyle medicine curriculum, I am confident in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent physician. Williamsport is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and provides the tranquility and outdoor activities that I value outside of residency.

Taylor J. Rider, DO

Undergrad: Mercyhurst University
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

About Me: I am a product of a rural and medically underserved community in the southern tier of upstate NY called Spencer-Van Etten. I was known to be particularly academic, but also grew up enjoying opportunities to enrich my community with the arts, sports, and service. My undergraduate years were spent in Erie, Pa. where I majored in Forensic Anthropology, contributing to several active forensic case recoveries and analyses in NY, OH and PA. It was about this time that I decided to pursue medical school to further my career as (I thought) a forensic pathologist. I completed a condensed master’s degree in Human Anatomy at D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY and spent a second gap year working as a clinical assistant in an orthopaedics office in Ithaca, NY. As a medical student at PCOM, I coveted opportunities to engage and serve vulnerable populations, particularly rural communities and those individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. My hobbies include reading (favorite genre: psychological thrillers), wood furniture restoration and refinishing, and doting on my cat, Poe.

Why Family Medicine? You may consider my trajectory to family medicine unconventional. I refer to it as the journey to my heart. I was initially inclined to pursue forensic pathology, but my knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and a need for living contacts and conversation (ha!) persuaded me to consider orthopaedic surgery. I enjoyed the operating room but loved clinic. My fulfillment is human connection. I aspire to be more than a physician. I care to be an ally, educator, mentor, and advocate. It is my professional aspiration to inspire health, not coerce it – the very calling of family medicine.

Why Williamsport? Above all else, my intuition brought me here. I experienced an inherent sense of belonging in the Family Medicine Residency Program at UPMC Williamsport. The personally notable attributes that I valued included the ideal blend of urban and rural exposure that will optimize my aspired future practice in rural America, and, as an osteopathic graduate, the evident pride for and commitment to the osteopathic philosophy and treatment modalities. It is an honor to join the profession of family medicine, the UPMC medical system, and the Williamsport practice. I look forward to navigating and experiencing these formative years of my career with this community.

Chelsea Toner, DO

Undergrad: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

About Me: I grew up in Sugar Valley within a small town nestled among the central Pa. mountains, a little less than an hour from Williamsport. For undergrad, I decided I wanted to experience the “big city” life so I packed up and moved to Pittsburgh (Hail to Pitt!). During my time at Pitt, I had the opportunity to travel to North Carolina several times and knew that was my next destination. It was while working with the rural underserved eastern North Carolina population during my medical school rotations that I realized rural family medicine was my calling. I could think of no better place to train and practice than the place I call home. Coming back to north central Pa. is truly a full-circle moment for me. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my pandemic puppy, Navi, listening to true crime podcasts, teaching myself new songs on my guitar/piano, and honing my baking skills.

Why Family Medicine? Growing up in a rural area meant that my main interactions with the medical field were through my family doctor, who took care of me from birth up until I moved away for college. When I pictured a doctor, I pictured a family medicine doctor who does it all. Though I kept an open mind during my clinical rotations, I found myself enjoying parts of every specialty. I thrived during clinic days where I got to interact with patients of different ages and a variety of ailments. Deep down, I had a strong desire to be able to see and take care of anyone that walked through the door. When it came time to decide what specialty I wanted to practice, I knew in the back of my mind that family medicine was for me.

Why Williamsport? Once I discovered that there was a Family Medicine Residency so close to home, I knew I had to come to UPMC Williamsport for a rotation. From the moment I got to campus unitl the moment I left, everyone I interacted with was so welcoming and kind. I could sense the comradery, support, and genuine friendship between all the residents and faculty. I knew this was the place I would thrive.

Kelly Weiss, DO

Undergrad: Mount St. Mary's University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU KPCOM)

About Me: I grew up in Ellicott City, Maryland, and I always knew I wanted to go into medicine. For undergrad, I attended Mount St. Mary's University with a major in biochemistry and minor in Spanish. Afterwards I did a master's degree in healthcare administration while working as a medical scribe. I then made the move to Clearwater, Florida for medical school. In my spare time, you can catch me watching football (Go Ravens!), baking, or reading.

Why Family Medicine? I went into medical school knowing that family medicine was the place for me. I love that I can see patients through all of their ages and stages in life. Seeing multiple members of the same family is also so fulfilling. Family medicine, in my view, is often the first stop for a lot of people in their healthcare journey, so I enjoy getting to be a part of that with my patients.

Why Williamsport? I spent a lot of time during medical school doing clinical rotations in northern PA, so this region feels very comforting to me. This program and the faculty have also been so welcoming to me.