Class of 2027

Greg King

Hometown: Stuart, FL

Medical School: ​​Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Why VTCEM: ​​ When applying to residency, I knew I had a lot of interests I wanted to explore. I was looking a residency program that would allow me to explore my interests and prepare me to practice in any setting, academic or community, rural or urban. I chose VTCEM because of their acuity, diverse patient population, and their success in fellowship match and the job market. During my interview, I felt comfortable and knew I’d fit right in!

Seth Pekoe

Hometown:  Virginia Beach, VA

Medical School
: ​​ Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia
  
Graduate School: Eastern Virginia Medical School  

Why VTCEM: ​​ Rotating at New River Valley as a medical student, I realized early on that VTC was a friendly and welcoming place dedicated to improving patient care in the underserved areas southwest Virginia. I chose VTC above all others because it provides the unique opportunity to serve rural and urban populations while learning emergency medicine from faculty with extensive US, EMS, PALS, and wilderness medicine training. Go Hokies!

Matt Widmer

Hometown: Orem, UT

Medical School
: ​​ Touro University, Nevada

Graduate School (MS): Romney Institute of Public Management, BYU

Why VTCEM: ​​Big city, high acuity medicine without the big city.  Rigorous training in a kind, supportive environment with opportunities in ultrasound, flight, and wilderness medicine. Top-notch faculty who model excellence in work-life balance. Easy access to forests, rivers, and crags for the family to explore on pedal, paddle, and foot. 

Hank Flynn

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Medical School
: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Graduate School: National Security Studies, American Military University

Why VTCEM: ​​I chose the Carilion Virginia Tech Emergency Medicine program for my residency because of the instant connection I felt with the engaging faculty during the interview process. The program’s emphasis on developing leaders in medicine, with a strong focus on team-based care and procedural expertise, was exactly what I was looking for in my training. With multiple training sites, including a large trauma center, community hospital, and rural hospital serving a diverse population, I knew I’d gain comprehensive experience. Plus, Roanoke’s vibrant community, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to outdoor activities make it an ideal place to live and grow. 

Hansol Park

Hometown:  Suwanee, GA

Medical School
: ​​​ Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, GA

Why VTCEM: ​​ ​ The two biggest things I looked for when choosing a residency program were patient volume and acuity. VTCEM offers a vast array of complex pathologies that I believe would make me successful anywhere after residency.  The staff, residency camaraderie, and of course the mountains are a bonus.

Hunter Williams

Hometown: Hagerstown, MD

Medical School
: ​​​​University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why VTCEM: ​​ ​​I had travelled up and down the east coast for school but wanted to stay closer to home for residency and Roanoke has been great so far! VTC EM exposes you to a diverse range of pathology with high quality attendings who are incredible mentors. VTC EM positions each resident for success, allowing you to pursue your own interests within residency and endless opportunity for your pursuits after graduation.

Sara Azher

Hometown:  Virginia Beach, VA

Medical School
: ​​​​Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Why VTCEM:​ ​ I chose Virginia Tech because it offers a great education – you get to train in a big academic hospital, a mid sized community hospital and a small single provider ED. Additionally pediatric training is built in year round rather than just 1 month on peds. Additionally I wanted to be close to family, residency is an uphill battle and I wanted all of the social support I could get, I was pleasantly surprised to find a  tight knit South Asian/Muslim community in this area.

Ryan Corlett

Hometown: Longwood, FL

Medical School
: ​​​​​Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska

Why VTCEM : When ranking programs for EM residency, my wife and I prioritized a training location that would promote professional growth in a setting that affords access to the outdoors, opportunities for community interaction, and, of course, high acuity ED exposure. VTC checked all of those boxes and we couldn’t be happier to have matched here.“

Ruth Stockton

Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado

Medical School
: ​​​​​​Eastern Virginia Medical School

Why VTCEM:​ ​ This program is the perfect blend of academic rigor and down-to-earth practical teaching, with an incredible group of residents, faculty, and staff who give everything to support us and help make our academic and career goals a reality. When we’re not working you can find us rafting with the Wilderness Medicine faculty, trying to keep up with our program director at the next marathon, teaching at the med school, or enjoying one of the countless events in downtown Roanoke. I am so grateful to be a part of this hard-working play-harding residency program, and would choose VTC EM again in a heartbeat. 

Jonathan Axford

Hometown: Edgewood, WA

Medical School
: ​​​​Wake Forest School of Medicine

Why VTCEM:​ ​​​I chose VTC for my emergency medicine residency because every attending and fellow I met who trained here spoke so highly of the program and genuinely enjoyed their experiences. The area itself was also a huge draw for me; I’ve spent countless weekends camping and hiking around here, and I wanted to live somewhere that let me easily get outside and enjoy my hobbies. The supportive atmosphere created by the residents and attendings made me feel right at home from the start. Plus, the opportunity to work with a critically ill patient population in such a large catchment area was exactly what I was looking for.

Kylee Karczewski

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Medical School
: ​​​​​West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Why VTCEM:​ ​I chose VTC EM for the great mentors, various training sites, and the individualized approach to planning your career. Roanoke is the perfect size for those who want to be at a level 1 trauma center and enjoy the comfort of the small-town feel. The outdoorsy vibes and close mountain hikes make getting outside a must. Great people in a great city. 

Kaylin Ryan

Hometown: ​​​​​Valley Center, CA

Medical School: A.T. Still University - KCOM

Why VTCEM: ​I chose VTCEM for a multitude of reasons, such as diverse patient population, the exposure to both urban and rural populations, and the opportunities here that would prepare me for a sports medicine fellowship. I love that our residency puts so much effort into being involved in our surrounding community. The people within the program, including both residents and attendings, have all been amazing and phenomenal to work alongside