Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program

Covenant Health System

Meet Our Inaugural Class

We’re brand new! In March 2024, the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Family Medicine Residency program announced our inaugural class of eight residents. Our students come from throughout the U.S., and all share a strong desire to become excellent family physicians.

The group photo was taken at our welcome day and pinning ceremony for our new residents in July 2024. We are pleased to introduce the individual members of our Class of 2027:

Group photo of Methodist Family Medicine Residency's inaugural class

Kristy Adams edited photo

Kristy Adams

University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Hometown: DeLand, FL

“I chose the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Family Medicine Program because it offered the opportunity to be a part of something new, the dedicated faculty and the location.”

Rusul Alani headshot edited

Rusul Alani

Ross University Medical School

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

“Choosing to complete my residency training in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area is a testament to my dedication to giving back to my community. MMC Family Medicine Program presents an ideal opportunity for me to further contribute to the local healthcare system and allows me to stay close to my family and friends.”

Ashley Conley resident headshot

Ashley Conley

Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: Martin, KY

“I chose Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge because I knew I wanted a community program and was excited to be a part of building something brand new!”

Chad Manuel

Chad Manuel

Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown: Alexandria, LA

“I was drawn to the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Family Medicine Residency Program by its exceptional community-focused training environment. I believe that the opportunity to train in such a supportive community, alongside dedicated faculty and staff, will not only enhance my clinical skills but also shape me into a compassionate and well-rounded physician.”

Yen Quach headshot resident

Yen Quach

Xavier University School of Medicine

Hometown: Statesville, NC

“I chose Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge for my residency because it offers patient-centered care coupled with robust curriculum and diverse clinical experiences.”

Usama Shahbaz headshot resident

Usama Shahbaz

Saint James School of Medicine

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

“Choosing Methodist Medical Center for residency enables me to cultivate and apply my own distinctive approach to practicing medicine.”

Isabelle Marie Soares Smith headshot resident

Isabelle Marie Soares Smith

Ross University Medical School

Hometown: Miami, FL

“I chose Methodist Medical Center because their mission and goals align with my own. I believe this program will provide me with the tools and opportunities I need to become the best physician I can be.”

Jeremy Steiner headshot resident

Jeremy Steiner

American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine

Hometown: Dacula, GA

“My choice to join this new groundbreaking program was driven by three core aspects: innovation, a family-oriented atmosphere, and a nurturing and warm educational environment led by Dr. Schindler and the team. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to profoundly influence medical education and work with talented and compassionate preceptors, aiming to provide the highest level of care to the Oak Ridge community. Honored and eager, I look forward to becoming part of the Methodist Medical Center family.”

For questions about our program, contact Dana Blumenschein, program coordinator, at 865-835-5855 or [email protected].

View this video message from our program director, family physician James Schindler, MD, MPH, to learn more about the family medicine residency program. You can also visit our video library to learn more about our program and hear from other Covenant Medical Group primary care physicians about why they practice in East Tennessee.