Center for Family & Sports Medicine

Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Baniasadi began her journey in healthcare with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Science in Tehran. She then moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Wichita State University, and a NIH research grant at Kansas University School of Medicine-Wichita.

After deciding to become a physician, Dr. Baniasadi obtained a second Bachelor’s in Biological Science from Florida International University in Miami, before going to medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Fla.

Her primary interests in medicine include full-spectrum family practice with a greater focus on preventative medicine, pediatrics and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Dr. Baniasadi is committed to providing her patients with comprehensive care and empowering them to take charge of their health. She is excited to be part of the Halifax Health - Family Medicine team.

When she’s not working, Dr. Baniasadi enjoys spending time with her family, including walks and playground visits with her baby girl and coffee dates with her husband, as well as visiting virtually with her sister in Iran.

Dr. Garner Boogaerts was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala. He attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where he earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in biology. He then obtained a Master of Science from UAB where his research focused on halophilic archaea and astrobiology. Dr. Boogaerts' worked as a Patient Care Technician in an Emergency Department at a community hospital in Birmingham, Ala., while applying for medical school. He attended UAB School of Medicine and simultaneously completed a Master of Public Health through the UAB School of Public Health.

Dr. Boogaerts is interested in providing care to underserved populations as well as the geriatric population. During medical school, he volunteered at a student-run free clinic, Equal Access Birmingham, and conducted research focused on fall prevention in the geriatric population with Dr. Cynthia Brown.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Boogaerts loves the outdoors, reading, watching documentaries, spending time with his wife Ariana, and taking their 9-month-old mini poodle Mila on outdoor adventures.

Dr. Burns graduated with his Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in business from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He furthered his studies graduating from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine also at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Burns tutored for the medical education department during medical school and plans to continue teaching and mentoring in academic medicine.

Dr. Burns has a passion for rural and underserved medicine, caring for patients at rural clinics in Guatemala and Tanzania. He is a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice.

Dr. Burns grew up as the middle of five siblings in Orlando, Fla. During his childhood, he enjoyed swimming competitively and gained an appreciation for service and the outdoors as an Eagle Scout. In addition to medicine, he enjoys the outdoors and likes cycling, walking his dog and running at the beach.

Dr. Corinne Cade was raised in the small town of Tallapoosa, Georgia. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology during her time at Georgia Southern University while working in an organic chemistry research lab and fulfilling various roles throughout the organic chemistry department. Before beginning medical school at Mercer University, she enjoyed teaching as a professor of English. Her interest in rural underserved medicine was solidified during her time at Mercer, and she was fortunate to be a part of the last medical mission to travel to Honduras before the pandemic. She served as the student lead in one of the first swab sites for the CDC in the country and was on the executive boards of the ethics, palliative care, and rural medicine interest groups.

Dr. Cade grew up in a home that highly valued education, history, music, and religion. Growing up with two brothers in the heart of the countryside, she has developed passions for gardening and wildlife. She loves growing dahlias and taking care of her pet cats and ball pythons. She came to Florida with particular appreciation for marine ecosystems and anticipates scuba diving adventures. Her other hobbies include reading about anthropology and herbal medicine as well as playing the piano and singing. Outside of her academic interests, she has always been an avid weightlifter in her free time and appreciates the camaraderie of the gym communities she has been a part of, finding it a unique place to encourage individuals in achieving their health goals. Above all of these things, she has always prioritized her spiritual relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and gives glory to Him in all things. She is excited to practice in a field with such robust diversity where all patients can find care, and she knows that the Halifax Family Medicine Residency program is among the best in preparing those that desire to practice full spectrum family medicine.

Dr. Cetraro graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Exercise Science. He was part of the inaugural class of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in southern Utah. He is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish and participated in RVU’s Global Medicine honors track. He also was involved in their Military Medicine track as he is a Captain in the U.S. Air Force through his Military Scholarship. Dr. Cetraro continued teaching as a dedicated tutor in Anatomy, Osteopathic Manipulation, Pathology and Clinical Sciences.

Dr. Cetraro is from Utah and helped his father run a karate studio and teach karate in Logan while growing up. During college, he continued teaching as a ski and snowboard instructor in Park City, Utah, as well as serving a 2-year voluntary mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fortaleza, Brazil. He will miss skiing in the beautiful mountains and hiking the red rocks of Utah but is excited to train in the Sunshine State with endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with his wife and baby.

Dr. Cetraro loves Family Medicine because of the opportunities to work with a diverse population of all ages with a wide variety of medical conditions and is excited to join the Halifax Family Medicine team.

Dr. Joseph Christensen grew up in Springville, Utah where he enjoyed being active and running and obtained a scholarship to compete for Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Cross Country and Track and Field teams. After a year at UVU, he put his education and athletics on hold to spend two years as a volunteer missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jamaica. Upon returning to UVU, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and conducted research in running biomechanics. He then attended Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM).

During medical school, Dr. Christensen became one of RVUCOM’s Ultrasound Scholars, training other medical students in ultrasound techniques. He also engaged in the Community Outreach and Medical Mentors Club, mentoring high school students interested in pursuing medicine.

Dr. Christensen’s athletic and missionary experience inspired him to pursue medicine, and he chose family medicine to create lasting relationships with patients and optimize their health for better lives. His passions within family medicine include lifestyle and preventative medicine and sports medicine.

Dr. Christensen enjoys exercising, astronomy, snowboarding, hiking and spending time with his wife, three children and dog.

Dr. Joseph Cook was born in Edgewood, Kentucky and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. During medical school he served as a volunteer with an inner-city ministry, worked at the Jackson Free Clinic, and conducted research in obesity physiology and post-operative outcomes for African-Americans compared to white Americans.

As a volunteer on several medical and church mission trips, Dr. Cook discovered his passion for serving underserved populations, developing relationships with his patients, and practicing primary care, thus leading him to pursue a career in Family Medicine. He is excited to join the team at Halifax Health Center as they share the common goal of providing the highest level of healthcare to every patient.

His professional interests include health disparities, longevity health, and sports medicine. Outside of medicine, he enjoys various outdoor activities, exercise, painting, and spending time with his family, friends and fiancée.

Dr. Dianet Falcon is youngest of three sisters born in Santiago, Cuba and raised in Orlando, Fla. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Science Education from the University of Florida and earned her Doctorate from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, Ala. She is passionate about teaching, helping minority populations, serving on medical missions and providing women’s health.

During medical school, Dr. Falcon was president of the Hispanic Community Medical Outreach. She has been on medical missions to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Santiago de Veraguas, Panama where she was able to provide medications and healthcare to those who needed it the most. In 2019, Dr. Falcon was given the American Osteopathic Foundation Minority Award for her service to the community.

Dr. Falcon chose family medicine because she loves connecting with her patients on a deeper level and developing long-term relationships with her patients. She is excited to be at Halifax Health serving the people of Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas.

Her hobbies include photography, videography, cycling, going to the beach, watching movies, walking her dogs and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Hermida was raised in Melbourne, Florida.  The oldest of three brothers, Dr. Hermida spent his childhood enjoying the east coast Florida beaches and playing sports year-round. After high school, he attended Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg, Florida, where he played college baseball and finished his Associates Degree. After Lake Sumter, Connor then transferred to the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He continued his education at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York where he obtained his medical doctorate.

During college, Dr. Hermida developed a passion for community service after volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He continued his service by volunteering with the LaSalle School during medical school. Dr. Hermida was drawn to family medicine for the opportunity to serve both his patients and make an impact in the community. As a future family medicine physician, he can’t wait to take care of patients of all ages and make a true difference in the medical wellness of his community. Dr. Hermida has professional interests in sports medicine, ultrasound, medical education and full-spectrum family medicine.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing sports, watching the Florida Gators and hanging out with friends and family. Dr. Hermida is extremely excited to get back to the east coast of Florida and the opportunity to train with the incredible people at Halifax Health – Family & Sports Medicine.

Annie Jacobson, MD grew up in Duluth, Minn., along the shores of Lake Superior as the second of four kids. Living in one of the coldest and snowiest cities in the U.S., she learned to enjoy the outdoors in all its extremes:  skiing, trail running, hiking and camping were a few of her favorite things. She attended Providence College in Providence, R.I., where she studied in the liberal arts honors program, in addition to completing her B.S. in Biology, with a minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies. During her undergraduate years, she enjoyed working as a peer minister in campus ministry, receiving a fellowship to teach English in Tucumán, Argentina and being given the opportunity to study in Sevilla, Spain for a semester.

Returning to Duluth for medical school at the University of Minnesota, she met her husband and they developed a love of rural medicine through the Rural
Physicians Associate Program. During this time, she developed an interest in full-spectrum family medicine, especially obstetrics, and is also interested in fertility awareness and appreciation-based methods and their medical applications for women’s and men’s health. She is a trained Creighton NaPro Medical Consultant.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Jacobson enjoys discussing faith, spending time outdoors, running, gardening and trying new recipes. She and her husband are excited to explore the Sunshine State with their dog, Rosie, along for the ride.

Dr. Michael Krusick was born and raised in DeLand, Fla. He graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University in 2019 with a Major in Health Sciences and Minors in Chemistry and Spanish. As an undergraduate, he enjoyed volunteering at the Good Samaritan Clinic for uninsured patients. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Florida State University College of Medicine, where he grew his love for primary care and underserved medicine. Dr. Krusick rotated at Halifax Health during his time as a medical student at FSU’s Daytona Beach campus and he greatly enjoyed his time working with the members of the residency program.

As a bilingual individual coming from a Cuban household, he is excited to help treat Florida’s large Spanish-speaking population as well as improve the health and well-being of all diverse cultures within the community. The approachable and knowledgeable residents and faculty coupled with the emphasis on full-spectrum family medicine and underserved medicine were what made him fall in love with Halifax Health. He is passionate about lifestyle medicine and using motivational interviewing strategies to collaborate with patients in coming up with lifestyle plans that can change their lives for the better.

In his free time, he enjoys playing sports such as basketball, golf, volleyball, pickleball and spikeball. He is a movie buff who enjoys a wide variety of films, with his favorite being Good Will Hunting. Dr. Krusick is happy to come full circle as his first job as a high school student was at Halifax Health in the Gift Shop.

Dr. Maya LaPrade is an outgoing and bubbly individual who is a proud South Florida native. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida (USF) with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in psychology. During her time at USF, she helped establish an on-campus food pantry for students in need as well as led multiple mobile pantries and food drives during her time as President of Feeding America USF.

Attending Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) in Tennessee was an easy choice for her as she relished the family-like, caring environment she experienced during her interview process. During her time at medical school, she continued her community outreach by volunteering at various free clinics and food drives. Dr. LaPrade’s family grew in Tennessee as she got married and adopted four dogs that she spoils rotten. She also began working with local shelters and has had the privilege to foster more than fifty animals throughout her years in medical school.

Dr. LaPrade fell in love with family medicine because she enjoys the ability to form long-term relationships with patients as well as address a plethora of concerns all in a day’s work. She loves the challenge each day brings, and the variety seen daily.

Dr. LaPrade is beyond excited to start her residency at Halifax Health as she felt an instant connection with this supportive and robust program. Her interests in medicine include health disparities, underserved community outreach, as well as women’s and children’s health. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, cooking, laying out on the beach as well as cuddling up with her fur babies and watching a good movie.

Alexander Macia, DO is a first-generation Cuban American born in Miami, Fla., and was raised in Jupiter, Fla. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Florida. During his time at UF, Dr. Macia went on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua where he helped run clinics in underserved parts of the country where he developed an interest in underserved medicine and public health initiatives. Dr. Macia attended Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. He was active in public health outreach and initiatives including volunteering at COVID-19 vaccination sites and delivering meals and care packages to members of the community.

Before starting medical school, Dr. Macia worked as a mathematics instructor for students of all grade levels. He is passionate about teaching and helped co-found his medical podcast. Dr. Macia became interested in family medicine while working as a student at a community health center. He learned about and helped address health disparities in patient education and continuity of care. Dr. Macia is excited to join the Halifax Health team to provide the highest quality of healthcare to all members of the community.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Macia enjoys walking on nature trails, podcasting, trying new foods and spending time with his family’s pet corgi Hollie.

Dr. Logan Malter grew up locally in Ormond Beach, Fla. After graduating from Seabreeze High School, he attended Florida State University. While at FSU, he double majored in Environmental Studies and Political Science and was lucky enough to become a double Seminole after his acceptance into FSU College of Medicine.

For his clinical years, Dr. Malter moved to the Fort Pierce regional campus and developed a love for all aspects of medicine, which led him to the field of family medicine. While gaining an interest in underserved medicine, he received firsthand experience helping the community through United Against Poverty in Fort Pierce and learning the struggles of uninsured patients at the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in Stuart, Fla. Dr. Malter is very humbled and excited to return home and make an impact in the community that shaped him.

Outside of medicine, he loves to be outdoors in the sun and heat, especially playing tennis or struggling at golf. He loves all things sports and has a special place in his heart for FSU football. He is looking forward to moving home to see his family more and is excited to start a life together with his fiancé, Rianna.

Dr. Courtney S. Mangum was born and raised in Jackson, Miss., and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Miss. She was a member of multiple organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Jackson Heart Study, a longitudinal investigation of genetic and environmental risk factors associated with the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease in African-Americans and served as president of the United Negro College Fund’s National Pre-Alumni Council.

During her undergraduate studies, Dr. Mangum conducted basic science research in HIV and prostate cancer. Upon graduation, she continued her education at the Jacob’s School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo in New York. She has always been adamant about health disparities and public health in her community. These passions lead her to become a member of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians serving as a student representative to the Congress of Delegates and participating in the Public Health Committee. During her second year of medical school, she created the Courtney S. Mangum Scholarship where she funds the cost of the MCAT exam for one junior from Tougaloo College. This is something she values and is interested in continuing throughout her journey in medicine.

She continues to be a mentor to those who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. During her spare time, she enjoys running her online tea company and podcast. Courtney is the eldest of two siblings and will be the first medical doctor in her family.

Jared McOmber, D.O. grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to going to college, he lived for two years in Texas as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he fell in love with southern barbecue and rural community life. He received his bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Brigham Young University. Dr. McOmber worked during his university studies as a care coordinator for an accountable care organization and as a project assistant for Utah Medical Association and volunteered as a resource coordinator for a free community clinic. These experiences helped him garner an interest in medical advocacy and legislation.

He received his medical school training and a degree from Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, Dr. McOmber served for three years as a legislative committee member for the Utah Medical Association and volunteered for a local food bank. Dr. McOmber desires to eventually practice in a rural or medically underserved area and chose family medicine due to its broad scope of training which would allow him to be prepared to fill a variety of needs in that role. He plans to continue to be involved in the legislative process of his local community and state, advocating for physicians and their patients. In his free time, Dr. McOmber enjoys painting both digitally and on canvas as well as scuba diving.

Dr. Sara Oliveira was born in one of the seven wonders of the world, the “City of God”, Rio de Janeiro. She came to the U.S. at around 6 years old. During high school, she volunteered at a nursing home where she found her passion to help the most vulnerable and gained a knack for bedside manners. She attended Valencia College and The University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College and College of Medicine where she earned a summa cum laude General Studies degree, a magna cum laude Biomedical Sciences degree and the Distinguished Knight award. She had the privilege of working on cutting-edge biomedical research alongside the Mayo Clinic and top UCF engineering faculty.

Dr. Oliveira received her Medical Doctorate degree from The Indiana University School of Medicine. She was nominated for one of IU’s most prestigious Elite 50 award. During her medical school years, she became the first black president of the Latino Medical Student Association in the state of Indiana. While president, she advocated for the underserved by providing free resources and education for the Latino community. She was elected to the National Coalition of 100 Black Women for the state of Indiana where she assisted, advocated and promoted equality through free medical resources for minority women. She was selected as a commissioned officer in the United States Army where she proudly serves our country and hopes to be a part of international medical missions.

Halifax Health was her top choice for her residency as she was captivated by the warmth and inclusive atmosphere amongst providers who prioritized compassion, empathy and kindness through service.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys eating carbs, tanning at the beach, swimming, singing, making music and amusement parks. She loves spending time with her church family, her puppy, her family and her friends.

Dr. Miranda Ricart is a first-generation Cuban-American from Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Richmond where she learned about health disparities as a Bonner Scholar and gained the skills to lessen their effects on immigrant and underserved populations. In 2018, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She attended medical school at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine back home in Miami.

As a medical student, Dr. Ricart continued advocating for her local community through population health projects in cervical cancer screening and COVID-19 medical and social assessments. Additionally, as a member of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action (FCCA), she led initiatives to educate patients, health professionals and politicians about the effects climate change has on health. Her strong mother and other inspiring immigrant women in her life have further driven Dr. Ricart’s passion for medicine and helping others, particularly in women’s health.

As a family medicine doctor, she hopes to be a community leader and advocate for the well-being of all her patients. Miranda enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, baking (read: eating), camping and scuba diving.

Austin Rice, MD was born in Boise, Idaho, the 14^th of 15 children, and enjoyed fishing, camping and mountain biking in the mountains before moving to North Carolina. Dr. Rice spent time in Lincolnton, N.C. working and attending a local community college prior to attending East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. He received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in public health with a focus on statistical analysis. Dr. Rice spent time working in clinical trials research after graduation for two years before being accepted to medical school at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University where he developed a love for family medicine.

Dr. Rice finds joy in learning medicine and serving his community. He has been able to help organize volunteers for hurricane cleanup and relief, participate in a county-wide community health assessment and he also developed an information system for the Greenville Community Shelter Clinic, a free clinic in Greenville, N.C. This made it possible not only for the clinic to streamline services but was instrumental in presenting to the community the need for expansion of the clinic’s services.

Dr. Rice loves to explore the outdoors, and his favorite chess opening is the Dragon variant of the Sicilian. Austin is married to his beautiful wife Kimberly, and they have three wonderful children.

Dr. Braiden Shumway was born and raised on the Wasatch Front in Utah where his hobbies included reading, spending time on or near the water and creating and playing board, card and tabletop games. After graduating high school, he spent two years living in Mexico as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During that time, he became fluent in the Spanish language.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Utah State University, where he was actively involved as a tutor and teacher’s assistant. Before starting medical school, Dr. Shumway fell in love with his now wife, Christiane (Chris). As he applied for medical school, Dr. Shumway also applied for an immigration visa so that Chris could immigrate from Chiapas, Mexico to marry him. As Dr. Shumway has helped his wife to continue to navigate the challenges and intricacies of immigration, he has developed a profound desire to assist underserved and immigrant communities.

With the support of his wife, Dr. Shumway received his D.O. degree from Rocky Vista University in southern Utah. While there, he led and expanded a program called “Young Doctors” which mentored elementary school students and helped to prepare them for a career in medicine. Dr. Shumway has seen how education can change lives and strives to empower and comfort his patients by helping them to develop a greater understanding of their bodies and their personal health challenges.

Dr. Shumway chose family medicine because of its ability to prevent disease, heal patients and guide people through the healthcare system. Dr. Shumway has a strong desire to help and be with people through every stage of their lives, both the heart-warming and the heart-breaking.

Dr. Agueda Taylor was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nev. She grew up as a middle child with two siblings. During her childhood, she practiced taekwondo alongside her dad. She earned her first black belt at the age of 7. She is currently a fourth-degree black belt, and loves to teach whenever possible.

Dr. Taylor graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in biology with a minor in chemistry from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT. She continued her education at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, MI, where she obtained her Medical Doctorate. Dr. Taylor is passionate about sports medicine, women’s health and underserved medicine.

As a medical student, she enjoyed volunteering at the student-run gynecology clinic and family medicine clinic, where she was able to learn about disparities and give back to the community. She loves family medicine and caring for diverse patient populations of all ages with a wide range of ailments. Dr. Taylor is excited to join the Halifax Health family and help improve the health of the population in Daytona Beach, one patient at a time. Outside of medicine, Dr. Taylor loves to swim at the beach, practice taekwondo and spend time with her husband and Goldendoodle puppy, Benji.

Dr. Jacob Wilson was born and raised in metro Detroit, Michigan. He attended Wayne State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Honor’s Biological Sciences.

Growing up, his interests in medicine, service and global health were encouraged by his mother, a physical therapist assistant, and his father, an airman in the United States Air Force. During his undergraduate experience, Dr. Wilson further developed these interests while traveling to rural China to work with high school students as part of a service-learning exchange program. There, he met a student who dealt with lifelong difficulties because of polio. While his grandmother also faced similar physical disabilities because of polio, hers was due to a lack of medical knowledge and not a lack of access to resources such as vaccinations. This sparked an interest in family medicine where he hoped to provide primary care and improve access to medicine for those facing barriers.

Dr. Wilson then went on to earn his medical doctorate from Wayne State University School of Medicine. During medical school, he found an interest in activism when he co-authored several American Medical Association resolutions at the state and national levels and served as co-president for the student LGBT organization. He also continued to foster interest in global health with two international medical rotations in China and India.

The Halifax Health Family Medicine Residency Program was Dr. Wilson's number one choice for residency education. He is excited to grow as a physician with a program that not only values excellence in medical care but which works to understand and advocate for its patients and the unique health problems and barriers that they may face.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Wilson enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with his partner Elías and their white husky named Finn.

Dr. Maria C. Witherspoon was born and raised in Nashville, Tenn.  She graduated magna cum laude from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry. During her time at college, Dr. Witherspoon met advisors and mentors who continued to guide her on her journey to medical school. She served as chapter president for the American Medical Student Association for two years and was accepted into the Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine Program at Meharry Medical College also in Nashville. During her transition time before medical school, she became an advocate for the Wound Healing Foundation and served as a substitute teacher for Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Once Dr. Witherspoon began medical school, she knew she wanted to select a specialty that included broad-spectrum care of all age groups, in addition to being able to maintain long-term relationships with patients. Family Medicine was a perfect fit and throughout her time at Meharry, she enjoyed volunteering and working with the underserved population. Dr. Witherspoon received her Doctor of Medicine from Meharry Medical College.

Halifax Health was Dr. Witherspoon’s number one choice for residency due to the mission, friendly environment, strong curriculum, diversity and opportunities offered through the program. One of her primary goals in residency is to focus on health disparities.

In her spare time, Dr. Witherspoon enjoys trying new coffee shops, restaurants, and gaming and spending quality time with family and friends.