Our Volunteers
M2 Contacts
Ben Apple
Email: bapple@utmem.edu
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Single/Married/other: married
Children: none yet
Pets: one dog (hopefully will have another soon)
Hobbies: spending time with Kari, working out, road trips, date night, reading, research, working in the yard, music
Academics: I went to Carson-Newman in Jefferson City, TN where I got a B.A. in biology and psychology and a minor in German and chemistry.
Other: I was a firefighter for the bustling metropolis (5,000 people) of Jefferson City during undergrad. After graduation
in 2005, I went to PT school at Belmont. I decided to try and get into med school after a semester of the PT classes.
Laura Boger
Email: lboger@utmem.edu
Hometown: Currently Memphis, but have lived in many different places
Single/Married/other: In a relationship
Children: None
Pets: 5 year old mutt named Max
Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, gardening, eating
Favorite things: puppies, the ocean, chocolate, coffee, movies, flowers (unpicked), taking Max to the park, spending time with family and friends
Academics: BA in Development Studies from Brown University; Post-bac pre-med classes at Tufts University
Other: I completed undergrad quite a while ago, and decided much later that I wanted to go to medical school. So, I know what it can be like starting med school
at a later age. I have also moved a lot, so I'd be happy to talk with anyone who might be having difficulties adjusting to being in a new place.
Matt Breeden
Email: mbreede5@utmem.edu
Single/Married/other: In a relationship
Children: One son, who is only 8 weeks old as of the start of my M2 year. Should be quite a ride!
Pets: One dog and two cats
Hobbies: Movies, books, bicycling, homebrewing, and the occasional video game
Academics: Rhodes College with a BS in biology
Favorite things: Revisiting a favorite film, finding (or making!) a great new beer, being with my girlfriend and our son
J.W. Catt
Email: jcatt@utmem.edu
Hometown: Grew up in West Memphis, AR... moved around in the Air Force for 14 years (Colorado, Wyoming, Mississippi, United Kingdom, Eastern Europe)
Single/Married/other: Single
Children: No
Pets: Too many... 2 dogs and 3 cats (that's why I'm not in vet school)
Hobbies: Rugby (three years in college), building houses, traveling, general mischief and mayhem
Academics: BS in Chemistry from Air Force Academy. That's it. One's enough.
Favourite Things: playing with my animals, planning the next trip, duck season, a nice tall bourbon drink
William Frederick Ergen
Email: wfergen@gmail.com
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Single/Married/other: In a Relationship
Children: none
Pets: none
Academics: BA in History from the University of Virginia (2005).
Favorite things: Running, film, museums, Seinfeld, the Economist, coffee, and international travel.
Other: I spent the first year after college in California pursuing a dream to make movies. After that I spent a couple years enrolled in a post-baccalaureate
program at UT-Knoxville. As a non-traditional student at UT, I know it can be overwhelming at times. Mainly I am here to listen. I may not have all the
answers, but look forward to an engaging discussion about our unique situation here in medical school.
Lauren Goss Whitley
Email: lgoss4@utmem.edu
Hometown: Memphis
Single/Married/other: married
Children: none
Pets: 1 y/o Goldendoodle Quincy
Hobbies: Church, running, basketball, volleyball,
drawing, painting, shopping for great deals, eating out, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, reading FUN books, movies, cooking
Academics: B.S. in Biology from Mississippi College
Other: My husband is a doctor in the Navy. Right now and for the past year we have had to live apart. A long distance relationship is difficult
but definitely managable during school. I have lived in Memphis my entire life. If you need someone to talk to or ask questions feel free to
give me a ring. I would love to help you in any way I can.
Ben Holmes
Email: BHolmes6@utmem.edu
Hometown: Maryville, TN
Single/Married/other: Just Married!
Children: none
Pets: My wife won't let me... nor will my budget.
Hobbies: the great outdoors, running, going on walks,
hiking/camping, ultimate/soccer fridays at Doc's field, college football, reading, learning anything I can, traveling, and mission work.
Academics: BS from Lipscomb University; Minors: Bible, Biology, History Favorite things: Spending time with the love of my life
(my beautiful wife, Kate), eating BBQ with people like Ty, having a good conversation every once in a while, and the Bible.
Kim Hunt
Email: khunt10@utmem.edu
Hometown: Hingham, MA
Single/Married/other: Married
Children: none yet
Pets: A 3 year old cat named Oscar and a one year old great dane named Lucy
Hobbies: Baking, Travel, fantasy football, facebook, I am a youth worker at my church
Academics: Trevecca Nazarene University 2006, BS in Biology and Chemistry
Favorite things: Family, friends, Football (go pats!), Wii fit, Church, any movie with Tom Hanks in it, Coffee, Mexican Food
Tristan McPherson
Email: tmcpher2@utmem.edu
Single/Married/other: Single
Children: None
Pets: None
Academics: Freed-Hardeman University: B.S. in Biblical Studies (Missions) & Biochemistry
Interests: mission work, Haiti,
reading, music (specifically, the Avett Brothers), Auburn Football, playing and watching tennis, spelunking, road trips, BBC news, naps
Other: I like medical school… but I also like a lot of other things. As much as we all enjoy hours of studying,
don’t forget to do the things that you enjoy and find fulfilling.
Rebecca Nass
Email: rnass@utmem.edu
Single/Married/other: Married
Children: None
Pets: None
Hobbies: Spending time with my friends and family, reading non-medical books, watching movies, karaoke.
Academics: Graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a BS in Counseling Psychology.
Favorite things: My husband, Redbirds games, good wine, B&W comedies and German chocolate cake!
Ari Oishi
Email: aoishi@utmem.edu
Hometown: Born in France, raised in Mexico, ended up in Franklin, TN
Single/Married/other: I’m almost an expert in long distance relationships! Been in one for years.
Pets: None. I used to have turtles.
Hobbies: Reading a good book, eating delicious food, watching movies, treasure hunting in thrift stores, spending time with family & friends.
Academics: BS in Biology from MTSU
Favorite things: Traveling, chocolate, french fries, sushi, art, music, yoga, Lego Star Wars and Dr. Mario on Wii.
Other: I also used to be an expert in not asking for help when I needed it. But sometimes things get too hard to deal with, and we all need all the support
we can get (especially when you first start medical school, and you’re trying to adjust to all the changes)! If you are struggling with something
(personal/family issues, academics, relationships…), I would love to share with you what has worked and helped me when I was overwhelmed, and pulling out
my hair.
Rebecca Overbury
Email: roverbur@utmem.edu
Single/Married/other: single
Children: no
Pets: I would love to adopt a puppy!
Hobbies: I still insist on finding time to read books that have nothing to do with medical school, watching movies
and netflix, cooking and eating healthy, and pint night at the Flying Saucer. Other hobbies have taken a back seat in medical school.
Academics: : BA from UT Knoxville (Anthropology and French); MS from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA (Biological and Forensic Anthropology). After
working for a medical examiner in Buffalo I realized that I wanted to study pathology and go to medical school. Luckily, I got in!
Other: I am older than many of my peers and very aware of the stress medical school can put on single people and students who may
lack a strong biomedical background. It can be easy sometimes to forget for what or why you are fighting. But you are worth the fight! And we are
all here to help remind you of that.
Katie Phillips
Email: kphill27@utmem.edu
Single/Married/other: Single
Children: none
Pets: my dog, Sophie
Hobbies: cooking, baking sweets, talking to people (I'd love to chat about anything if you need it!), reading books unrelated to class, watching movies
Academics: University of Arkansas: B.S. in Biology
Favorite things: playing with my dog, being outside, spending time with my family and friends, coffee, candy (have to have it to study!), watching
Arkansas sports
Laura Scott
Email: Lborg@utmem.edu
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Single/Married/other: Married
Children: No
Pets: Zero in Memphis, but my cocker spaniel, Oscar, is in Lexington
Hobbies: Running, volleyball, yoga, eating!
Academics: B.A. in Biology from Rhodes College with a minor in Religious Studies
Favorite things: My husband's sense of humor, Oscar, the Gilmore Girls, the smell of clean laundry,
Boulder, CO, Charade and Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roald Dahl books, shopping, trivia, UK basketball,
Fresh Market, twizzlers (!) and my mom's cooking.
One of my Favorite Medical Words: agammaglobulinemia (it just rolls off the tongue)
Other: I took 4 years off between Rhodes and med school and I just got married a week before
the start of our M2 year...I am happy to share my experiences with both of those things if any of you are going through something similar!
Lindsey Troy
Email: ltroy@utmem.edu
Hometown: Dallas, Tx
Single/Married/other: Taken
Children: no
Pets: Dog named Callie - throw her a tennis ball and you've found a new best friend.
Academics: B.S. in Psych from Washington University in St. Louis
Favorite things: being outside, hanging with friends and family, camping, hammocks,
sailing and any other water-related activities, peanut butter, Murder She Wrote (baller, I know).
Christen Marie Vavalides
Email: cvavalid@utmem.edu
Hometown: Grew up in Chattanooga, TN (Signal Mountain); family now lives in Knoxville
Single/Married/other: In a long distance relationship with my boyfriend, Colby, of almost 2 years
Pets: Belle, a 3 year old black lab
Hobbies: Working out, reading magazines and fun books, shopping, decorating, scrapbooking, going to movies, hanging out with my family and Colby, Belle, traveling, church activities
Academics: Undergrad I attended and graduated from UT Knoxville with a BS in Business (double major in finance and enterprise
management with a concentration in international business) ~ I definitely do not have a “normal” science background, but I love
learning about new things!
Other: I had a very tough time adjusting to medical school. I didn’t think anyone had been in the place I was in—I was wrong!
Use your resources…we are here for you because we have learned from our experiences and want to help anyone who is going through a similar experience!
Alicia Wright
Email: awrigh30@utmem.edu
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Single/Married/other: Married
Children: does my husband count? : )
Pets: 2 chihuahuas, Gidget and Riley
Hobbies: watching TV, yoga, reading, running, planning
Academics: B.S. Biological Engineering, Mississippi State 2006
Favorite things: spending time with my hubby, reality TV, eating out at expensive restaurants, 311 and Dave Matthews, sparkling water, a good book, bubble baths, mountain biking, bright colors (especially pink!), HGTV
Other: My first year was very difficult for me. I had been out of school for 2 years, and had minimal biology and biochemistry background from undergrad.
Throughout first year, I learned a lot about study styles and tricks that could help me learn the material more
efficiently. If you are having a hard time adjusting, need some study tips, or just need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to email me anytime!
Courtney Zola
Email: czola@utmem.edu
Single/Married/other: In a relationship
Children: No
Pets: No, though I would love to have one.
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, drawing, going for walks on sunny days, trying to stay in shape
Academics: BA French, Appalachian State University; post-bac year at MTSU
Favorite things: Hanging out with friends (and family, too, when I’m back in Nashville), balmy summer evenings, dinner parties, trying new restaurants, Trolley Night, traveling, seeing live bands, playing outside, the darkest of dark chocolate
Other: Please feel free to contact me if you’d like advice, a sympathetic ear, someone to vent to, etc. That’s what AOO is here for.
M3 Contacts
Danielle Nicole Anderson
Email: dander36@utmem.edu
Relationship status: Single
Children: None
Pets: None
Hobbies: Shopping; reading fictional books; talking on the telephone; going out to restaurants; going to the movies; volunteering; “enjoying life to the fullest”
Academics: I attended Duke University and received a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in personality and a minor in Chemistry.
Other: Since I believe that communication is important, I usually keep my phone nearby so I can easily be reached when anyone needs to talk.
Gabriel Bruffy-Holmes
Email: gbruffyh@utmem.edu
Relationship status: Single
Children: No
Pets: No
Hobbies: Soccer, Chess, Piano, Hebrew, Spanish
Academics: University of Connecticut: B.A. in Judaic Studies
Other: I came to UT with a B.A. and very little science background. I know first hand how difficult med school can be, especially when seeing a lot of the material for the first time. During my first year, I spoke with a lot of the students ahead of me and they helped by sharing their perspective and letting me know what to expect down the road. I look forward to sharing my experience and talking about school or whatever.
Eric Cohen
Email: ecohen@utmem.edu
Hometown: Army "brat" so I moved around quite a bit and lived all over
Relationship status: In a long distance relationship with my girlfriend of 3 years.
Children: No
Pets: No
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, Reading, Watching and playing any sport, Fishing
Academics: BS in Biology from UT-Chattanooga
Favorite things: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice cream (it is a toss up), Wii (when I get a chance to play it)
, Long drives, Watching House, Grilling out with my friends, Running, Reading a good book,
Catching big fish, Canoeing, and Naps.
Ryan Dougherty
Email: rdoughe2@utmem.edu
Relationship status: Married
Favorite Things: my wife, chocolate & peanut butter, The Daily Show, Jack Johnson, The Princess Bride, LOST,
The Office, Mountains Beyond Mountains, and a Tuscan Sun from Miss Cordelia’s
Academics: College of William & Mary ’05 – B.S. Neuroscience, minor Art History
Old Dominion University ’07 – M.S. Biology
Other: My motivation for going to medical school originates from my experiences abroad. I’ve been given the opportunity to
serve on medical relief trips to the nations of Haiti, Guatemala, Trinidad, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic,
Mexico, and Panama. Thru these experiences I’ve realized my desire to help others and dream of establishing an international
relief organization in the future.
Heidi Griffith
Email: hgriffi3@utmem.edu
Hometown: Collierville, TN
Single/Married/Other: In a relationship
Children: No
Pets: No
Hobbies: Reading, shopping, trips to the lake, cooking, napping, watching movies
Academics: : Louisiana State University 2006, Biological Sciences
Favorite things: Family, friends, LSU Football, Will and Grace, my new car, Coca-Cola in a can (not a bottle!), riding
with the windows down, sleeping under a ceiling fan, candles, waterskiing, re-reading a good book, home-cooked food…
Paul Kunk
Email: pkunk@utmem.edu
Hometown: Military Brat so really don't have one...(Germany, Seattle area, San Francisco Bay area, San Antonio and now Memphis!)
Single/ Married/ Other: Single
Children: No
Pets: None but REALLY want a dog
Hobbies: Rowing (three years in college), soccer, movies, learning Spanish
Academics: BS in Biology and BS in Chemistry; Minor in History from Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Favorite things: anything to do with the water, Netflix, traveling, Orange Fanta, chocolate, not taking science all the time, delicious liquors,
my family, Boondock Saints, trying to persuade my friends to go somewhere else other than Beale Street every night.
Shayla Merry
Email: smerry@utmem.edu
Hometown: Jackson, TN
Relationship status: Single
Children: No
Pets: None; Sometimes it’s enough for me to walk and feed myself after a long day in the GEB!
Hobbies: Working out; playing basketball; reading; going to museums and cultural exhibits; trying to
learn how to play the acoustic guitar!
Academics: BA in Biology from Fisk University
Favorite Things: Learning more about God and sharing the love of Christ with everyone
I meet; Music! I love gospel music and jazz; poetry; quiet time; lazy summer afternoons; naps after church on Sunday
Adam Militana
Email: amilitan@utmem.edu
Hometown: Cookeville, TN
Relationship status: I have been in a relationship for three years.
Children: No
Pets: My girlfriend and I have a tuxedo cat and a Boston terrier.
Hobbies: Smallmouth fishing, jig tying, independent music, exercising (hopefully).
Academics: I majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Belmont University in Nashville.
Favorite things: Falling snow, drinking coffee, finding arrowheads, watching Antique Roadshow, etc.
Adrienne Moul
Email: amoul@utmem.edu;aemoul@gmail.com
Hometown: Harriman, TN
Relationship status: Married
Children: No
Pets: two cats, Penny and Jude
Hobbies: spending time with family and friends, playing with my kitties, reading for fun
Academics: B.S. in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University, plus a minor in Chemistry
and Health Education; A.S. Roane State Community College
Favorite Things: purses, school supplies, organizers, movies, the internet
Janice M. Nazario
Email: jrober81@utmem.edu
Hometown: Anywhere and nowhere…. A military brat
Single/Married/Other: Other-Divorced
Children: No
Pets: No pets yet
Favorite things: Hanging out with family and friends, traveling, bowling: both in an alley and on the Wii, cooking,
the gym, chocolate chip cookies, the beach, reading-anything non-medical, watching re-runs of the Golden
Girls, finding a good sale….
Academics: BS in Biology, minor in chem.- University of Memphis
Other: A non-traditional student with seven years of military experience (U.S. Air Force)
who’s willing to be an open ear to anyone who needs help.
Joshua Parlaman
Email: joshua.parlaman@gmail.com
Relationship status: In a relationship for 3.5 yrs
Children: No
Pets: Gunnar, ~6 yo Weimaraner. Can be found cowering in the bathtub during thunderstorms and firework displays.
Hobbies: Forcing myself to workout in the sweltering Memphis heat. Hunting for fun restaurants/hangout spots in town.
Watching the Food Network and HGTV. I just played Frisbee Golf the other weekend...is that a hobby?
Academics: : I graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech in 2003. Go Hokies.
Other:I worked for several years after college before starting medical school, so I can relate to folks not feeling
like they fit in age wise. Also I'm particularly interested in helping GLBT students having a hard time adjusting in Memphis.
I know what it's like to feel like you stick out like a sore thumb.
Urvi Patel
Email: upatel2@utmem.edu
Hometown: Born in Florida, raised in Zambia, Africa.
Relationship status: Single
Children: No
Pets: No
Hobbies:reading, baking (usually from Betty Crocker boxes), and movies.
Academics: B.S. in Integrated Life Sciences from Kent State University, Ohio
Favorite Things: Chocolate (it’s an addiction!), ice-cream (preferably with the former),
sleeping, Harry Potter books, and spending time with family
Amerson Pegram
Email: tpegram@utmem.edu
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Relationship status: Currently Dating (started before M1 year)
Pets: None here, but two Boston terriers in Murfreesboro. Almost bought a turtle.
Academics: B.S. in Advanced Mathematics with a minor in chemistry and physics
Hobbies: Tennis, cycling, riding my scooter, going to the movies, and starring in concerts in my car on the way to school in the morning.
Favorite things: Music, trying to exercise, anything outdoors, mindless television, and playing with dogs.
Van Pham
Email: tpham1@utmem.edu
Relationship status: Doing the whole long distance thing with a very busy guy.
It’s been two years and 3 months. It’s been really hard, but it’s definitely doable
Children: No
Pets: None, but I do want a kitten or a puppy.
Hobbies: Baking, reading trashy/fun magazines, reading fiction, pretending to be healthy, and attempting to be environmental.
Academics: Graduated from Rice ’06 with a Biology degree. I took a year off to travel and bum around before med school.
Favorite things: Dinners with friends, good conversations, hanging out with great people, watching movies, and eating food!
Racquel Spencer
Email: rspence7@utmem.edu
Hometown: Moscow, Tennessee
Relationship status: Married
Children: One daughter, Mya
Pets: Two dogs, Scooby and Prince Charming
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, listening to music especially praise and worship, and spending time with my family.
Academics: : I earned a BS in Biology from Xavier University of LA. I took several years off before coming to medical school.
Favorite Things: Watching movies with my daughter, Snuggling with the hubby, Comfy pajamas, Coke Zero =),
Pedicures, Shopping on the clearance rack, Sharing the Gospel of my Lord and Savior
Blair Walden
Email: wwalden@utmem.edu
Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Relationship status: Single
Hobbies: Playing guitar, Crossfit, Climbing, Cycling, Hiking, Slacklining, The Outdoors, Beale Street,
Eating
Academics: Biomedical Engineering at UT Knoxville (Undergrad)
Favorite Things: I really like barbeque, Jimi Hendrix, watching good movies, road trips, the lake, ice cream, and hanging out at the lake.
M4 Contacts
Harry Michael Baddour Jr. "Michael"
Email: hbaddour@utmem.edu
Relationship status: I've had a girlfriend for four years. We made it through the first year of med school long distance after hanging out everyday in college. It's doable but no fun.
Children: None
Pets: I have a roommate who lives like an animal.
Hobbies: Crossfit, the best exercise program ever, trying to beat my brothers 13.8 lb bass record, golf, stocks, darts, listening to Goljan for fun, dancing so hard at Alfreds I hurt myself.
Academics: I attended the University of Georgia and received a B.S. in Genetics and a minor in Spanish.
Other: Like I mentioned above I am in a long distance relationship (10 hours away = flights only), so I am here to help anyone who might be struggling with this situation.
Jason Booton
Email: jbooton1@utmem.edu
Hometown: Bristol, TN
Relationship Status: Currently Dating
Children: None
Academics: BS from Lipscomb University in Biology
Hobbies: Backpacking, sports, biking, running, traveling, Mission Trips (the only way to see the world is through the eyes of change)
Favorite Things: Sharing my life in Christ with others, traveling to third world nations or my backyard, spending time with friends and making new ones.
Lynn Ferguson
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Married, no children
Pets: my two dogs, Penny and Nickel
Academics: B.S. in microbiology from UTK, minor in Asian Studies and ¾ of a minor (so close!) in piano.
Hobbies: reading, food (making it, eating it, talking about it, reading about it, anything to do with it), sewing.
Favorite things: Puttering around on my motorcycle (even better if it’s with my husband), penguins, aquariums, hugging my dogs and talking to them,
crossword puzzles, my MacBook, avoiding the sun, traveling (if it’s not on my tab),
planning scuba diving trips (but none have actually happened yet), Japanese TV and comic books, lazy Sundays at the house with my husband and dogs, teas.
Heather Holmes
Hometown: My dad was in the Air Force, so I moved around quite a bit. However, I attended high school in Oregon and college in Tennessee.
Relationship status: I have been dating Dan for a year and a half, and luckily he just moved here from Missouri to teach at an inner-city high school (no more commuting!)
Pets: One very fat cat. He fuzzes everything.
Hobbies: I love playing outside; climbing, camping, biking, diving, riding, playing catch, and rollerblading (80’s style ;-)
Academics: I earned a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish from Vanderbilt, but took a couple of years off before deciding to go to med school.
Favorite things: Along with my hobbies I love Rio Loco’s queso and margaritas, reading (non medical books), Netflix, google-ing random things, playing in the ocean, karaoke night at P&H, salsa dancing, and watching dodge-ball tournaments.
Lesley Starnes
Email: starnes@utmem.edu
Hometown: Waverly, TN
Single/Married/other: Married
Children: None
Pets: None
Hobbies: Biking, Traveling, Reading, Music, Cooking
Academics: B.S. in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) from UT Knoxville
Favorite Things: UT Football, Dr. Pepper, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Lord of the Rings, Skittles, Flip-flops, Special Dark Chocolate
Faculty Advisor
Renate H. Rosenthal, Ph.D.
(Clinical Psychology)
Professor
Director of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry
Hometown: Born in Germany, raised in Austria
Education: Ph.D. from University of Arizona
Favorite things: The outdoors, time with Robert, time in my yard
with my dogs. Great old trees. Driving through the Delta while listening
to folk music and the Blues. Travel, good food, art, and live music
events.
