Residents Class of 2029
Introducing the Class of 2029
The Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Family Medicine Residency program proudly announces our third class of eight residents, who are taking the next steps on their journey to become family doctors. They will complete their training at Methodist Family Medicine Clinic in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which offers family medicine and primary care services for all ages, as well as at other clinical locations.
The new residents represent the Southeast region and beyond and are committed to providing whole-person care while serving their communities. We are pleased to introduce the individual members of the Class of 2029.
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Paul Alex
Lincoln Memorial University
“I chose to train at Methodist Medical Center because I developed deep connections to this region and the people who call East Tennessee home during my time in medical school. Additionally, the goals of the program align with my professional goal of becoming a well-rounded outpatient physician. I feel blessed to be training in Oak Ridge with physicians who feel similarly about the mission of serving East Tennessee, which has a deep need for primary care.” -
Tamia Chapman
Meharry Medical College
“As a Knoxville native, I always knew that I wanted to continue my training as close to home as possible. Methodist gives me the opportunity to be close to my family and friends while building meaningful relationships within the local medical community. Since I plan to practice in the area after residency, training here gives me the opportunity to earn the trust of the community I look forward to serving for many years to come.” -
Seta Ellis
Lincoln Memorial University
“I chose Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge because I was inspired by Dr. Schindler’s vision for training compassionate, community-focused physicians. I am passionate about partnering with patients to help them live healthier lives through education, prevention, and shared decision-making. I strive to create a welcoming, trusting environment where every patient feels heard, valued, and supported. I’m proud to be part of a program whose mission puts patients first and is committed to providing excellent, compassionate care that reflects Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge’s vision of being each patient’s best choice.” -
Nnenna J. Mbara
University of Medicine and Health, St. Kitts
“I chose Methodist Medical Center because I was looking for a program that offered strong clinical training, a supportive learning environment, and opportunities to grow as a physician. During the interview process, I felt that the faculty were truly invested in each resident’s growth and success. I was impressed by the collaborative atmosphere, the support among the team, and commitment to providing comprehensive training. Methodist felt like the place where I could be challenged, supported, and continue developing into the physician I hope to become.” -
Rashida M. Payne
Morehouse School of Medicine
“Methodist felt like home from the start. It’s in the region I have always wanted to build my career, close to family, with strong growth opportunities through Covenant Health and tracks I could not find elsewhere. Having grown up on a military base with parents who served, I feel a strong connection to the veteran population here, and caring for them feels like coming full circle. Most of all, the warmth of the faculty and staff won me over, and I am proud and grateful to be starting my career at Methodist, surrounded by a program that values both excellent patient care and the well-being of the people providing it.” -
Jacob L. Sanabria
Lincoln Memorial University
“I had the pleasure of interviewing with many great programs this cycle, but Methodist’s Family Medicine program checked every box that I had. I was very impressed by Dr. Schindler and his team’s commitment to the community, his dedication to mental health (as well as many other interesting tracks offered), and his genuine excitement about creating something new and preparing his residents for the future of medicine. I am local and will continue to serve this community in the future, but I would have chosen Methodist regardless of location. I am truly excited to be a part of the team!” -
Varun Sanghwan
St. George’s University
“After speaking with the faculty and learning about the program, I felt that Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge was a place where I would be supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The welcoming environment, strong mentorship, and emphasis on comprehensive family medicine made it the ideal place for me to begin my career as a family physician.” -
Garrison Smith
Lincoln Memorial University
“I am happy to be here. I originally attempted to match into OB-GYN but was not accepted, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The Knoxville area has been our home for many years, and it allowed us to stay close to both sets of grandparents. There is a lot to do in the area, and is a great place to raise a family. So far, this program has shown that the faculty care not only about the residents’ well-being but also about our getting a good education. It seems to be one of the most well-balanced ones that I have seen.”
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Meet the Class of 2027
Our Inaugural ClassIn March 2024, the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Family Medicine Residency program announced our inaugural class. We welcomed students from a variety of backgrounds and hometown locations who have a shared commitment to providing excellent care for their patients and the communities they serve.
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Meet the Class of 2028
Our Second Year ResidentsOur second group of Methodist Family Medicine residents began their program in 2025. They will have opportunities for advanced clinical training, interactions with faculty, preceptors, and staff at Covenant Health and other local healthcare facilities, and community service.
More About Our Residency Program
Methodist Medical Center, a member of Covenant Health, is the sponsoring institution of the new Family Medicine Residency Program which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The program is introduced in conjunction with a new physician practice, Methodist Family Medicine Clinic, also located in Oak Ridge.