Residents and Program Leaders

1st Year Residents

Will Ellis, MD

My name is Will Ellis and I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. For my undergraduate studies I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I studied Sociology. After college I worked in real estate and spent sometime living overseas in Malaysia before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. I returned to UNC for medical school and found that I loved the field of emergency medicine. My wife and I have been married for eight years and have two young boys that were born during medical school and will be having our first girl in the first few months of residency. I enjoy fly fishing, backpacking, golf, soccer, and spending time with my family.‍

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Asheville, NC

College: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine

EM Interests: Sports Medicine, Critical Care, Education

When I’m not at work you can find me: Hiking deep into the mountains to fly fish for wild trout

Favorite place in GVL: At home with my wife and kids

Spirit animal: Peregrine Falcon

Jordan Griep, MD

My name is Jordan Griep. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids,Michigan, and had resided there most of my life prior to my trek down here to Greenville, SC. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University, before taking a year and a half off to complete a research internship and work as a Surgical Support Tech. I then began medical school at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine where I met my wife Claire, who is an orthopedic surgery resident here at Prisma as well. We decided we needed to get out of West Michigan, because if we hadn’t, we may have never left. Greenville was the perfect place for our next big adventure; the food, the people, and the location were exactly what we were looking for. On days off you’ll find me enjoying everything outdoors, playing or watching hockey and soccer, and spending time with our fur family including our miniAussie, Lola, and two cats, Artemis and Margot.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

College: Grand Valley State University

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

EM Interests: US, Tox, Wilderness Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Golfing, hiking, finding a new restaurant to try, or at the local watering hole with my dog…and my wife if she’s not on call.

Favorite place in GVL: Soby’s

Spirit Animal: Llama - Fierce, Loyal, and Determined

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Sarah Guess, MD

Sarah recently completed her Family Medicine Residency at Prisma Health Upstate Greenville, and achieved her board certification in Family Medicine. She decided early on in this training, however that she would like to pursue training in Emergency Medicine in order to fulfill her goal of working in academic medicine. As such, she has taken on the endeavor of three additional years of residency, to become the best possible physician for her patients. Ultimately, Sarah would like to serve her patients by helping them in the worst possible moments of their lives, but also guiding those without a healthcare home to the right place. She envisions practicing in an academic setting with a few days each week allotted to each specialty. She is excited to begin this new journey as an Emergency Medicine resident, and is thrilled to learn from some of the best teachers in the field (even if it is a little crazy!!). Outside of medicine, Sarah, and her wife Anna, can be found snuggling or playing with their 3 dogs Mac, Cheddar and Bacon. If the weather is kind, they may bike up to Traveler's Rest for lunch, or kayak on Lake Robinson with a picnic in tow and Cheddar on the bow. There is always an adventure to be had in Greenville.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Columbia, SC

College: NC State University

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

EM Interests: Wilderness and International Medicine, High HealthCare Utilizers and Hotspots

When not at work you can find me: Snuggling with my dogs, outside (kayaking, hiking, relaxing) , woodworking or at a brewery

Favorite place in GVL: Falls Park

Spirit Animal: Red Panda

Mason Jackson, MD

Despite being born in Charlotte, NC I have lived in Fort Mill, SC all my life so I consider myself a native of the state. After living in the same spot my whole life, I ended up declining a soccer scholarship at a local school to attend Clemson University where I was fortunate enough to watch the Tigers win a national championship my senior year. While in undergrad, I obtained my EMT certification and worked Fire/EMS for both the University Fire Department as well as local agencies in Greenville and Anderson. Not long after I began medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, I was honored to receive a commission as a Naval Officer and look forward to providing world class emergency care to sailors and Marines.Greenville also allowed me to meet my now wife, Hayn, and we are excited to be staying close to home and family for residency.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Fort Mill, SC

College: Clemson University

MedSchool: UofSC School of Medicine Greenville

EM Interests: Critical Care, Toxicology, Tactical and Helicopter EMS

When not at work: You can find my wife and I trying new breweries in the area with our dog, Skipper. Otherwise we are probably drinking coffee somewhere or cheering on the Tigers

Favorite place in GVL: Neat Bourbon Bar/Up on the Roof

Spirit animal: Penguin

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Shelby Marx, MD

I was born in Denver, CO but grew up in Charlotte, NC. Becoming an EM doctor was always a dream of mine, ever since I was a young kid. I went to undergrad at the University of North Carolina in beautiful Chapel Hill and was lucky enough to stick around there for medical school, with a few years in between spent working in medical simulation. I'm a die hard UNC basketball fan and am quickly learning that "Carolina fans" around here aren't referring to the Tar Heels. I am so thrilled to be starting residency here at Prisma and have already fallen in love with the people and the program!

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

College: University of North Carolina (Go Heels!)

Medical School: University of North Carolina

EM Interests: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Wilderness Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Outside! I love taking advantage of the incredible mountain biking trails in Dupont State Forest, which is right down the road from Greenville.

Favorite place in GVL: I'm still exploring this incredible new town but my favorite meal so far has been at Larkin's!

Spirit Animal: Sea Turtle

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Tibor Nagy, DO

I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States when I was13-years-old. We moved to High Point, North Carolina, where I graduated high school. I graduated 4 years later with a chemistry degree from Appalachian State University and where my hobby for fermentation sciences began. My goal was to become an Emergency Physician after being a medical scribe at Wake Forest Baptist. My medical career began at Campbell University where I was involved with many leadership initiatives and mentoring programs. I am also engaged to my amazing Fiancé, Elizabeth, and we will be getting married soon in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil

College: Appalachian State University

Medical School: Campbell School of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Administration, education and Ultrasound

When not at work you can find me: You can find me resting at home reading and taking my dog on walk across different parks in Greenville and the mountain area.

Favorite place in GVL: Paris Mountain

Spirit Animal: Wolf

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Samantha Shellhoss, MD

I was raised in the sunshine state near Tampa, FL until I moved to South Carolina for college and medical school. I attended Clemson University (Go Tigers!) and obtained my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. My husband Samuel and I are thrilled to get to spend the next three years in Greenville. We have loved living in the Upstate and enjoy the outdoors, restaurants, breweries, and hiking with our dog Darwin.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Tampa,FL

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

EM Interests: Medical Education

When not at work you can find me: Spending time with my husband and our dog. We typically can be found on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, playing Tennis at Cleveland Park, or enjoying one of the local breweries.

Favorite place in GVL: Cleveland Park/Swamp Rabbit Trail

Spirit Animal: Otter

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Michael Troise, MD

After The Citadel I served in the Air Force for seven years, which included deployments to Afghanistan and Africa. I became fascinated by military medicine, decided I wanted to do more to help out where it's needed most, and naturally leaned towards emergency medicine. I left active duty, joined the Army National Guard, then headed back to Charleston for medical school. I completed my clinical years in Anderson, SC and the Upstate quickly became home for me, my wife, and our two sons. We're excited to be part of the Prisma EM family and the greater Greenville community.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: LongIsland, NY

College: TheCitadel

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

EM Interests: EMS/tactical, wilderness medicine

When not at work you can find me: quality time with my family, visiting local farms, hiking, or camping

Favorite place in GVL: Paris Mountain State Park and Greenville Zoo

Spirit Animal: Bear, specifically one in a china shop

Halee Vaughn, MD

I’m originally from the small town of Belton, SC, and I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University in 2017. I went on to attend the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, and just recently graduated in 2021. My husband Keagan and I have been married for 3 years and have a baby boy named Warren and two very needy pups named Ollie and Marvin. I first fell in love with emergency medicine during my clinical education years, and I am so excited to continue my training as an emergency physician here in Greenville!

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Belton, SC

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of MedicineGreenville

EM Interests: Women's Health, Ultrasound, Medical Education

When not at work you can find me: Spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, attempting to bake something I found onPinterest, or at the beach

Favorite place in GVL: Falls Park

Spirit animal: Some sort of sea turtle/swan hybrid

Paul White, MD

Born and raised in North Carolina. Graduated from ECSU with a BS and MS in Biology and recently finished my 6 year term in the US Army Reserve.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Hertford, NC

College: Elizabeth City State University

Medical School: UNC - Chapel Hill

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Medical Student Education

When not at work you can find me: At the Life Center making gains, hiking or sitting in my Lazyboy

Favorite place in GVL: Downtown

Spirit Animal: Bald Eagle

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2nd Year Residents

Brandford Adobaw, MD

I am Brandford. I grew up in the Eastern Region of Ghana and moved to Smyrna, GA in 2009 where I completed my high school education [at the same High School as Julia Roberts], obtained my undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Georgia State University [same College as Julia Roberts] in Atlanta (Go Panthers), and then my medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia.

I enjoy playing soccer and watching soccer games, especially Chelsea FC and Atlanta United FC. I also enjoy spontaneous trips to new cities and appreciate any opportunity to visit a good museum, especially to learn about historical events. My absolute favorite museum is The Legacy Museum in Montgomery Alabama. Worth the visit.  

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Gomoa Kokofu, Ghana

College: Georgia State University

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

EM Interests: Ultrasound

When not at work you can find me: At home playing a soccer video game, watching a true crime TV show or listening to a podcast.

Favorite Place in GVL: Falls Park, Gather GVL, and many of the countless restaurants in town

Spirit Animal: An Elephant, Ɔsono akyi nni aboa

Roy Anderson, MD

I was born in St. Louis, lived 7 years in Atlanta, but grew up most of my life on Lookout Mountain which is right outside of Chattanooga, TN. This is where I met my wife, Haley, at Covenant College. We moved to Savannah, GA, for medical school and enjoyed our time near the beach, but for residency we wanted to go back towards the mountains. We were excited about the thought of Greenville from the beginning, but what sold us on the program was the amazing residents and leadership of the program, as well as the proximity to our families and the many things there are to do in and around Greenville. I love spending time with my wife, working around the house and going on walks with our two dogs. I love playing sports, doing nearly anything active, as well as watching sports. My wife and I love traveling when we are able to.

We are excited and grateful to be a part of the Greenville EM Residency community! 

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Lookout Mountain, Georgia

College: Covenant College

Medical School: Mercer School of Medicine in Savannah, Georgia (Go Bears!)

EM Interests: Community Medicine, Critical Care, Sports Medicine, Wilderness Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Spending time with my wife, running with the dog, working around the house, and or chilling with friends and family

Favorite Place in GVL: My backyard chilling with my wife and playing with the pups

Spirit Animal: Labrador

Kelan Drake-Lavelle, MD

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the youngest of four. I left the Land of Enchantment and made my way to the upstate for the first time in the fall of 2011 when I started at Clemson University. After graduating with a degree in Biology, I spent a year roaming our nation’s capital where I was working as a scribe and Uber driver. I then returned to the Palmetto State for medical school in Columbia where I also dabbled as a substitute teacher, pie eating champion, and Prisma Health super-fan. I’m thrilled to return to Greenville with my soon-to-be wife, Sara, and our little puppy, Cooper. From the awesome faculty and residents to all the amazing food and activities that Greenville has to offer, the decision to join this program was as easy as pie!

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia

EM Interests: Sports Medicine and Ultrasound

When not at work you can find me: At Clemson football games, walking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, playing basketball or golf, cooking or baking at my house, watching Yankee games

Favorite Place in GVL: Swamp Rabbit Trail, Bex Coffee, too many great Greenville restaurants to pick, so I’ll shout out Smokin’ Pig in Easley, Nick Henry’s in Piedmont, and Esso in Clemson

Spirit Animal: Toucan

Sarah Hogan, MD

I'm originally from the small coastal town of Ocean City, New Jersey, but moved to Pittsburgh for both my undergraduate and medical school training (Go Panthers). I am so thrilled to be trading the cold and gray Pittsburgh winters for the beautiful Greenville, SC! I am super competitive so most of my free time revolves around games - whether that be watching college football with my husband Luke (a Clemson alum), crushing a board game night or training for a 10K. 

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Ocean City, NJ

College: University of Pittsburgh

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

EM Interests: Critical Care, Medical Education, Admin

When not at work you can find me: Running, kickboxing, cooking, lounging at the beach or pool, watching college football

Favorite Place in GVL: Falls Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail, Gather

Spirit Animal: Dolphin

Stefanie Musick, DO

I grew up in Tolar, Texas, home of the Rattlers (both the school mascot and the actual snakes). I graduated from Tarleton State University, where I ran track for two years. After college I attended graduate school at University of North Texas Health Science Center, and then worked as an ER scribe and an ophthalmology technician before being accepted into medical school.

I couples matched with my boyfriend Nathan, who is an Internal Medicine resident at Prisma Health Upstate. We live with our clingy dog Hapa and our weird cat Haiku (aka Kitty McFluffins). As a first-generation college graduate and the first doctor in my family, I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to be starting residency in Greenville!

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Tolar, Texas

College: Tarleton State University

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, Trauma, and Disaster Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Hiking, longboarding, looking up movie & TV trivia on IMDB, eating Mexican food, napping, or hanging out with my boyfriend and our animals

Favorite Place in GVL: Table Rock, Paris Mountain, my bed

Spirit Animal: Dr. Witt

Cooper Nickels, DO

My name is Cooper Nickels and I was born and raised in Chelsea, Michigan. After high school, I attended Central Michigan University (Fire Up Chips!), where I earned my degree in Biomedical Sciences. I was fortunate to attend medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Go Green!) in East Lansing. Outside of medicine, my hobbies include big game hunting, archery target and pistol shooting, hiking mountains, exercising, golfing, landscape and wildlife photography, watching football, hockey, and golf, and playing fantasy football. I am grateful to have an incredible group of co-residents and to have matched at such an amazing residency program.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Chelsea, Michigan

College: Central Michigan University

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine and Critical Care. What I enjoy the most about day-to-day emergency medicine, is being able to take care of patients of all acuities and doing procedures.

When not at work you can find me: Hiking in the Upstate/NC mountains, watching football, or dreaming about hunting big game out west

Favorite Place in GVL: Falls Park and the endless restaurants of downtown

Spirit Animal: Llama

Pooja Patel, MD

Hi! My name is Pooja, I was born and raised in Oregon before moving out to San Antonio, Texas with my family during high school. I went to undergrad at UT Austin (go Longhorns!) and made my way to Houston for medical school. I ventured out to Greenville for an away rotation during my final year of med school because I had some family in Anderson, and found myself loving the city of Greenville and the EM program here. I was beyond ecstatic to find out that I matched to a place that felt like home, and feel blessed to be here to train as an emergency physician. 

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

College: University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

EM Interests: Medical Education, Global Health

When not at work you can find me: Road biking (when I’m not off tearing my ACL), spending time with my family, playing the dhol (Indian drum), traveling

Favorite Place in GVL: Swamp Rabbit Trail, Spill the Beans

Spirit Animal: Hedgehog

Adam Shipley, MD

My name is Adam Shipley and I grew up in Atlanta, GA before attending the University of Alabama for my undergraduate degree (Roll Tide!). During my initial studies to become a mechanical engineer, I worked with the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa before pivoting to a degree in biology and eventually medical school where I discovered my love for the fast-paced life of Emergency Medicine. I am thrilled to be staying with the incredible residency program here to continue my training.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

College: University of Alabama

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenvile

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Critical Care, Simulation

When not at work you can find me: Watching the Crimson Tide, cooking, leather working, making craft cocktails, or playing video games. You can also catch me downtown walking my Aussie puppy, Talisker.

Favorite Place in GVL: Jianna for food, Sip for an after dinner drink

Spirit Animal: The bass lines of Justin Chancellor

Sarah Young, MD

Hey! My name is Sarah Young (or if you ask my sister it’s pronounced Sayruh) and I’m originally from Montgomery, Alabama. I did undergrad in Memphis, TN before returning to Alabama for med school at UAB. I swam competitively all through high school and college, and even did a few club swim events in medical school. I also love singing and music and am trying to teach myself how to play the acoustic guitar, though I must admit it’s not going well. I’m a huge nerd/dork—you can catch me watching reruns of Stargate, Merlin, or Lord of the Rings on any given free weekend. I love mountains/lakes over the beach, but I really hate bugs. I’m looking forward to marrying my amazing fiancé this year and being stable enough in my life to own a kitten.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

College: Rhodes College

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham

EM Interests: Global Health, Ultrasound, Critical Care

When not at work you can find me: Walking in nature unless it's really hot, then I'll probably be watching Netflix or lost in a good book.

Favorite Place in GVL: Falls Park and Spill the Beans

Spirit Animal: Turtle... I'm pretty introverted but steady and reliable!

Taylor Young, MD

I was born and raised in Auburn, Alabama, and I loved it so much I stayed and studied Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University (War Eagle). Prior to pursuing medicine, I worked on my family’s plant farm. After my away rotation in Greenville I had completely fallen in love with the city and the program, and knew I had to come back. In my future life I plan on traveling on as many medical mission trips as possible to all parts of the world. When I’m not in the hospital I enjoy playing golf, hiking, pretty much anything outdoors, traveling, and trying new restaurants (Greenville has plenty to offer). I wanted to come back to Greenville because of the amazing community and the even more amazing people in it!

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Auburn, Alabama

College: Auburn University

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

EM Interests: Sports Medicine, Critical Care, Medical Education

When not at work you can find me: Roaming around downtown finding a new restaurant to try

Favorite Place in GVL: Up on the Roof, Downtown Greenville

Spirit Animal: Puppy

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3rd Year Residents

Nick Cysewski, MD

My name is Nick Cysewski and I was born and raised in northern Idaho, a cold area near Spokane, Washington, before living in various parts of the country since my upbringing. I started college at BYU-Idaho, where I married my wonderful wife, Briana. I then took a step away from my studies to be a surgical technologist for 6 years. During the last 4 years of those 6 I earned a degree in biology at Eastern Washington University, in Cheney, Washington. We then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for Medical school. Through our long journey bringing us to the wonderful and beautiful Greenville area we also were blessed to have 4 children. I enjoy all sports, hiking, camping, and just spending time outdoors. I also love to watch sports, especially football. My family and I feel blessed and grateful to be here at this wonderful residency.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Post Falls, Idaho

College: BYU-Idaho

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

EM Interests: Taking care of patients, procedures, all of it. I’m not sure about subspecialties yet.

When not at work you can find me: hiking, swimming, or just hanging out with my wife and kids

Favorite Place in GVL: The Parks and Paris Mountain

Spirit Animal: Phoenix

Thomas Ems, MD

Hello! I am currently the oldest (and wisest, haha) EM resident at Prisma Health Upstate.  In a former life, I played the cello professionally for a lot of different groups including with Peter Gabriel, My Morning Jacket, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and quite a few symphony orchestras in the United States and Japan. I became interested in medicine after dating a physician and decided to change careers in my early 30s. It has been a humbling and rewarding change so far, and I'm so happy to be in Greenville for the next few years and beyond! In my free-time I like to be outside mountain-biking, surfing, and hiking. I have done some very-low budget traveling to Central America and Southeast Asia and I hope to continue that tradition after I graduate residency.  I look forward to being an excellent physician and I'm so happy to be a part of the residency-family that I've joined here in Greenville.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Floyds Knobs, Indiana

College: Butler University, Indiana University, Purdue University

Medical School: University of Louisville

EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, EMS (as you might have suspected from my last name), and Critical Care

When not at work you can find me: Riding my mountain bike or spending time with my family

Favorite Place in GVL: Walking along the Swamp Rabbit Trail downtown

Spirit Animal: Australian Shepherd that can fly

Danny Ernest, DO

I grew up in Illinois where I studied biology before discovering a passion for medicine as an ER scribe. My love for the outdoors led me to Colorado for medical school. I first heard of Greenville as a second-year medical student during my search for residency programs that would provide a great education in an area with plenty of outdoor recreation. Greenville proved to be exactly what I was looking for during my audition rotation and I couldn’t be more excited to continue my training here.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Plainfield, Illinois

College: Olivet Nazarene University

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine, Critical Care, Electrocardiography, and learning how to manage patients in resource-poor settings

When not at work you can find me: Mountain biking, hiking, camping, snowboarding, traveling, playing guitar, seeing live music, listening to podcasts, drinking coffee or craft beer, cooking, or aimlessly exploring new places. 

Favorite Place in GVL: Paris Mountain State Park

Spirit Animal: House cat, mostly calm with occasional short bursts of energy

Will Hunnicutt, MD

My name is Will Hunnicutt and I was born in Nashville, TN. My family moved to Greenville when I was a toddler and have since called the Upstate my home. I majored in bio engineering at Clemson University for undergrad and then moved to Columbia for medical school. My wife, Amy, is also from Greenville but we did not meet until we were in school at Clemson. We are huge Clemson fans (Go Tigers!) so there is a good chance you can find us at Clemson football games during the fall. We also enjoy hanging out with our golden doodle, Rhodes. Other interests of mine include golf, soccer, running, being on the lake, and hanging out with family. 

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Sports Medicine, EMS

When not at work you can find me: Watching Clemson Football and hanging out with Amy and Rhodes

Favorite Place in GVL: The Trappe Door

Spirit Animal: Dog

Colton Jamieson, MD

My name is Colton Jamieson, and I am a proud native of Greenville, SC! I went to Clemson University (Go Tigers!) for undergrad before heading to medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC.  

I am so excited to be back home in Greenville.  My favorite places in Greenville are the river walk, and Flour Field (Go Drive!).  If I am not working you can find me traveling with my wife, Jessica, or cheering on my favorite sports teams.  My medical interests include EM ultrasound, and sports medicine.  My spirit animal is a Dog because I am loyal, I am easily trainable, and I like treats.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Sports Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Traveling or keeping up with my favorite sports teams

Favorite Place in GVL: The view of the Greenville skyline from Up on the Roof

Spirit Animal: Dog

Jordan Lawson, DO

I was born in California and raised outside the DC area in Northern Virginia. I have aspired to become a doctor since I was 8 years old. I fell in love with Emergency Medicine during the two years I scribed in the ER prior to medical school. In my free time you’ll find me baking, spending time outside, traveling or exploring Greenville. This program was my #1 choice because of the amazing people and city!

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Herndon, Virginia

College: James Madison University

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Academics, Teaching, Women in EM

When not at work you can find me: At the pool

Favorite Place in GVL: Jianna Restaurant

Spirit Animal: Llama

Conor Lucas-Roberts, MD

I grew up in Walla Walla, Washington and joined the Marine Corps after college. The Marine Corps and humanitarian work after that took me all around the world for 8 years.  I worked with a lot of great doctors during that time and feel in love with medicine. So, I came back to the US and went to the University of Michigan for medical school. When my wife and I found out about Greenville, we knew that it was the perfect fit for us.  We enjoy exploring our beautiful new city and learning about the community we live in.  We love hiking in the parks and running through the neighborhoods.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Walla Walla, Washington

College: Washington University

Medical School: University of Michigan

EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine and Disaster Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Riding my bike, running, at Greenville Drive games, playing sports with my wife in the park

Favorite Place in GVL: Paris Mountain

Spirit Animal: I have always been partial to Snow Leopards

Michael Mauhar, MD

I grew up on the side of a mountain in Asheville, NC before attending Clemson University where I studied Chemical Engineering.  During my time at Clemson, I enjoyed playing club water polo and competing in club triathlon.  After my time at Clemson I moved to Greenville and worked as an engineer at a carbon fiber manufacturing facility.  After three years as an engineer I decided it was time to pursue my dreams and  and began medical school here in Greenville where I found a passion for Emergency Medicine.  I'm excited to be staying in Greenville to be a part of this residency program.

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

EM Interests: Sports Medicine, Community Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Swimming, cycling, running, hiking, or otherwise playing in the mountains

Favorite Place in GVL: Altamont Rd descent on Paris Mountain - Furman side

Spirit Animal: My dog, Maddie

Sally Peterson, MD

I was born in Calhoun, GA (carpet capital of the world!). I attended Emory University for undergrad where I played basketball and ran cross-country/track for the Eagles. I moved out to Seattle to be a ski bum for a year before completing graduate school at Boston University. I went to medical school at USCSOM-Greenville and married my husband, Josh, 2 years ago. He is a 3rd year pediatric resident at Vanderbilt. We have a very fluffy and destructive golden retriever named Fitz and a very sour cat named Draco. I love to travel, ski, read, hike, and bike. I'm easy going and up for any new adventure. 

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia

College: Emory University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, Community Outreach, Public Health

When not at work you can find me: Adventuring with my husband and golden retriever

Favorite Place in GVL: Paris Mountain

Spirit Animal: Platypus

Courtney Smith, MD

I’m from the small town of High Point, NC (furniture capital of the world, not to brag). I attended the University of South Carolina for undergraduate school and for medical school (Go Gamecocks!). I am happy to be at an amazing residency program and living in Greenville, SC. My favorite places here are Paris Mountain, Falls Park, and the Grateful Brew coffee shop. My emergency medicine interests include trauma and critical care. 

Fast Facts:

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

College: University of South Carolina

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia

EM Interests: Trauma, Critical Care

When not at work you can find me: Hiking, curled up with a good book, playing board games with friends, and cheering on the Carolina Panthers.

Favorite Place in GVL: Paris Mountain, Falls Park, Grateful Brew

Spirit Animal: My 10 year old puppy, Milly, because she understands that any time is a good time for a nap

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Program Leaders

Cami Pfennig, MD

Program Director

Dr. Pfennig-Bass is a graduate of Marquette University and the Indiana University School of Medicine and currently serves as the Program Director of Prisma Health Greenville Emergency Medicine Residency. She is also involved at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville as the Faculty Director of the Colleges and as an Osler College Mentor. Following her Chief Residency at Indiana University, Dr. Pfennig completed the ACEP Teaching Fellowship and then obtained her Masters of Health Professions Education from Vanderbilt University. Prior to the transition to Greenville from Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Pfennig was the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education and EM physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. P is a certified group fitness instructor and teaches a variety of classes at the Caine Halter YMCA and the Life Center. In addition, Dr. P is an endurance athlete having completed four Ironman triathlons including the World Championship Ironman in Kona in 2014. Dr. P and her husband David got engaged at the 2013 Boston Marathon and both continue to enjoy fitness activities, athletic events, exploring Greenville’s dining options, and traveling to visit family and friends.  Dr. P and David have two young daughters, Harper and Berkleigh.

Fast Facts:

EM Interests: Student and Resident Education, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Obstetrical Emergencies, and Electrolyte-related Emergencies

When not at work you can find me: Exercising, teaching at the YMCA or Life Center, or spending time with my husband and daughters

Favorite Place in GVL: Swamp Rabbit Trail

Spirit Animal: Monkey

Scott Witt, MD

Assistant Program Director

Dr. Witt attended college at the University of South Carolina. After graduation he spent a year working as an EMT in Columbia, South Carolina; an experience that started him on his path to becoming an emergency medicine physician. He completed medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina and stayed in Charleston, SC for residency training. He served as chief resident during his final year of training. His wife, Megan, is an internist in Greenville Health System. They have three children, two boys and a girl.

Fast Facts:

EM Interests: Resident and medical student education, Critical Care

When not at work you can find me: Spending time with my family

Favorite Place in GVL: The Grateful Brew

Spirit Animal: Nick Saban

Megan Cifuni, MD

Assistant Program Director

Dr. Cifuni grew up in South Carolina and attended Clemson University where she earned a degree in Microbiology. After college, she taught high school biology for a brief period of time before entering medical school. Dr. Cifuni completed residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then practiced for several years in Raleigh, NC.  In 2015, she and her family moved to Greenville, SC where they have been since.

Fast Facts:

EM Interests: Resident education, Physician wellness and resiliency

When not at work you can find me: Chasing around 3 crazy kids!

Favorite Place in GVL: Swamp Rabbit Trail to Falls Park

Spirit Animal: Whale

Shandell Goldsmith, MHSA, MBA-HR

Program Coordinator

Shandell was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. She moved to Greenville when she was in the 9th grade. She attended the University of South Carolina Upstate where she studied business marketing. She also attended Strayer University where she earned a dual masters in Human Resources and Health Services Administration.

When not at work you can find me: Outside of work, Shandell loves to travel and to see Beyonce in concert. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur baby, POLO. Shandell and her husband are also expecting their first child in August of this year. A baby girl named Olivia Nicole.

Favorite Place in GVL: At home

Spirit Animal: Lioness

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Alumni

Caroline Astemborski, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

When not at work you can find me: Downtown Greenville, but days off during the winter are spent at Sugar Mountain and days during the summer, Lake Keowee.

Favorite Place in GVL: Food - Pomegranate or Otto Izakaya, Drink - Vault & Vator, Brewery- Carolina Bauhaus, Place - West Village

Spirit Animal: Maggie, my eight year old yellow lab

Where is She Now: Medical Education & Technology Fellowship, Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina

Selom Avotri, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Gadsden, Alabama

College: University of Alabama Birmingham (Go Blazers)

Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Trauma

When not at work you can find me: Traveling to different cities, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, in ATL.

Favorite Place in GVL: Downtown Greenville

Spirit Animal: Eagle

Where He is Now:

Ethan Brown, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Pickens, South Carolina

College: Clemson University

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

EM Interests: Disaster Medicine, EM administration, teaching

When not at work you can find me: hunting or fishing

Favorite Place in GVL: Cabelas

Spirit Animal: Wolf

Where is He Now: Prisma Health Upstate at Oconee Memorial Campus in Oconee, South Carolina

Andrew Connor, DO

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Becket, Massachusetts

College: Augsburg College

Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

When not at work you can find me: At Paris Mountain State Park hiking with my family, or riding my bike

Favorite Place in GVL: Hampton Station

Spirit Animal: Mountain Goat

Where is He Now: Critical Care Fellowship, Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon

Grace Dion, MD

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

College: Clemson University

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

When not at work you can find me: Sleeping, traveling, or camping

Favorite Place in GVL: Dave and Busters

Spirit Animal: Dog

Where is She Now: Ultrasound Fellowship, Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina

Erich Burton, DO

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

College: University of Florida

Medical School: Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Blacksburg, VA

EM Interests: Trauma resuscitation, all things ketamine, POCUS, critical care, electrocardiography, meta-cognition, cognitive errors/biases, and anytime I can document "Unable to obtain ROS."

When not at work you can find me: Whitewater kayaking! More likely though I'm reading and hanging with the girlfriend and pups

Favorite Place in GVL: Methodical Coffee, Halloween on Earle Street 

Spirit Animal: our blue heeler Leeloo and lab mutt Rosie

Where He is Now:

Will Manning, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Jericho, Vermont

College: St. Lawerence University

Medical School: University of Vermont‍

When not at work you can find me: Crushing some yard projects or at a minor league baseball game

Favorite Place in GVL: Fluor Field

Spirit Animal: Sloths seem to have things figured out

Where is He Now: Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina

TJ Davis, DO

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Riverside, California

College: Azusa Pacific University

Medical School: Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

EM Interests: Critical Care

When not at work you can find me: Outside exploring the Upstate's mountains

Favorite Place in GVL: Downtown Greenville

Spirit Animal: Trout

Where He is Now:

Hunter Matthews, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

College: The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

When not at work you can find me: Well, hopefully you can’t find me. I love getting out of cell phone range on the small trout streams of western North and South Carolina. I find that this time away from the pressures of residency is crucial to my mental wellness and is endlessly rejuvenating.

Favorite Place in GVL: Jones Gap State Park – I love heading out to this state park on my afternoons off. Just thirty minutes from the hospital you can find yourself in “the mountains,” surrounded by a clear freestone river full of beautiful wild trout and plenty of trails to hike with the pups.

Spirit Animal: Labrador retriever – highly energetic, always happy, food motivated

Where is He Now: Prisma Health Upstate at Oconee Memorial Campus in Oconee, South Carolina

Ashlee Davis, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Tifton, Georgia

College: University of Georgia

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine

EM Interests: Wilderness Medicine, Ultrasound, Research

When not at work you can find me: mountain biking/hiking, fitness boxing, reading a good book, listening to podcasts, playing saxophone

Favorite Place in GVL: Hampton Station – Greenville’s one stop shop for tacos, craft beer, and axe throwing (yes, you read that right)

Spirit Animal: Velociraptor (intelligent, team-oriented go-getters; basically what I strive to be as a resident)

Where She is Now: Wilderness Fellowship

Conner Graham, MD

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Gulf Breeze, Florida

College: Appalachian State University

Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

EM Interests: Ultrasound, Wilderness Medicine, Airway Management

When not at work you can find me: On a river, in the woods, or at home with my amazing wife and awesome dogs

Favorite Place in GVL: At my home, Harris Teeter

Spirit Animal: Blue Duck

Where He is Now:

Cody Meyers, MD

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

College: Gardner-Webb University

Medical School: University of Alabama Birmingham

EM Interests: Gripping and Ripping (airway management), Wilderness Medicine, Rural Medicine

When not at work you can find me: At home on the couch with a beer in one hand and my cat in the other

Favorite Place in GVL: Falls Park, Table Rock State Park

Spirit Animal: Golden Retriever

Where He is Now:

Jacob Sexton, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Luverne, Alabama

College: Troy University

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Working in my backyard garden, riding my bike on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, or golfing on of the local courses

Favorite Place in GVL: Favorite date night with the wife at Spare Time!

Spirit Animal: Success Hawk!

Where is He Now: Sport Medicine Fellowship, University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama

Bijal Shah, MD

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Nakuru, Kenya (now Atlanta, Georgia)

College: Georgia Tech

Medical School: Mercer University Savannah

When not at work you can find me: Casually riding bikes around downtown Greenville/Swamp Rabbit Trail

Favorite Place in GVL: Swamp Rabbit Trail, favorite restaurant: Sidewall Pizza

Spirit Animal: Elephant

Where is She Now: Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina

TJ Lynch, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

College: Norfolk State University

Medical School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University

EM Interests: Sports Medicine

When not at work you can find me: Going out to restaurants with my family, playing with my mixed German Shepard, Harley, watching and playing sports (mostly basketball and football), and playing video games.

Favorite Place in GVL: Downtown Greenville

Spirit Animal: Dolphin

Where He is Now:

Abraham Tanga, MD

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia

College: Mercer University (Home of the Bears)

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

When not at work you can find me: Making my own salsa, dancing to live music on main, stuffing my face with Greenville's unlimited delectables, working up a sweat on my living room elliptical, perusing Home Depot’s nursery for neglected succulents, watching the Office for the millionth time.  

Favorite Place in GVL: The Cancer Survivor Bridge on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Best post bike/run cool down not to mention inspiration for post shift in the department.

Spirit Animal: Lemurs, because they quick to sidestep nonsense.

Where is He Now: Navicent Health in Macon, Georgia

Graham Roberts, MD

Fast Facts:

Hometown: Oakwood, Ohio

College: University of Dayton

Medical School: Wright State University

EM Interests: Critical Care, EMS

When not at work you can find me: at home with my family

Favorite Place in GVL: C Pod (jk), Falls Park

Spirit Animal: Lion

Where He is Now:

Ben Theobald, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: South of Houston, Texas

College: University of South Alabama

Medical School: Vanderbilt University

When not at work you can find me: My wife and I intensely play board games and gently snuggle our two pups, Bentley and Guilia

Favorite Place in GVL: Pour Taproom and Cleveland Park

Spirit Animal: The Fox (what does it say?)

Where is He Now: Spartanburg Regional Hospital in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Hannah Shull, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Chapin, South Carolina

College: Wofford College

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

EM Interests: Global health, sports medicine and event coverage, practicing in low resource setting

When not at work you can find me: watching Braves games, at Wofford basketball games in the winter, reading a good book, jogging, volunteering at my church, or spending time with my friends or family for epic game nights and movie marathons.

Favorite Place in GVL: Main Street, The Harris Teeter patio with friends

Spirit Animal: Eagle

Where is She Now:

David Wong, MD

‍Fast Facts:

Hometown: Sudbury, Massachusetts

College: American University

Medical School: University of Connecticut

When not at work you can find me: At home playing with my son, Jackie

Favorite Place in GVL: Fluor Field

Spirit Animal: Liger

Where is He Now: St Joseph's/Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia

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