Family & Community Medicine Residency
College
- Center City Campus
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Degree Earned
- Residency
Program Length
3 years
Leadership
Program Contact
Connect
Current Residents
Amy Caffrey, MD
Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Seisha Centeno, MD
Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Hi there, I’m Seisha Centeno! I was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia before moving to Massachusetts, where I studied Music and Biology at Amherst College. I returned to Philly in 2020 to work as a Patient Coordinator for Prevention Point’s Wound Care Clinic during the pandemic. At the same time, I served as an educator and organizer for the Lunas Global Health Network. These experiences grounded me in practices of harm reduction and health justice, galvanizing my desire to become a physician.
I soon began my medical training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where I found that my clinical interests were inseparable from my personal and political commitment to LGBTQIA+ liberation. Family Medicine drew me in as a field where I can develop a broad clinical skillset while staying rooted within the communities I dearly love. During my final year of medical school, I had the privilege of rotating with Jefferson’s Family Medicine team. I was struck by the dedication and compassion of the residents and faculty I worked beside, and it quickly became clear that Jefferson was a place where I could grow into the kind of clinician, advocate, and educator I aspire to be.
I am thrilled to be back home in Philly and excited to reconnect with the city’s incredible food, vibrant music scenes, and thriving queer communities. Outside of residency, you’ll find me running tabletop games, playing banjo on my porch, weaving chainmail, deadlifting, or wandering around in search of interesting clouds.
Ailish Dougherty, MD
University of Michigan Medical School
My name is Ailish Dougherty, and I grew up in Bala Cynwyd, a suburb just west of Philadelphia. I majored in Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University, where I was captain of the women’s swim team. After college, I worked in Nashville as a 9th grade writing teacher, where I helped the school counselor implement trauma-informed teaching practices. However, I found myself wanting a broader understanding of my students’ lives and communities over time, so I decided to pursue primary care!
I went on to earn my M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School (Go Blue!!) and was drawn to Family Medicine for the nonjudgmental, curious lens we can bring to understanding patients’ behaviors. I'm excited about Jefferson’s diverse clinical settings (like LGBTQ+ and adolescent-focused specialty clinics) where I can build deep, trusting relationships with my patients and tailor care to what matters most to them.
Since college, my family has been based in Center City, just a few blocks from Jefferson, and I’ve also lived in West Philly. I truly love everything about this city. Fun fact: I once worked at Federal Donuts on South Street, where I ate far too many donuts and chicken sandwiches for my own good. In my free time, I love cheering for the Eagles, working the room at karaoke, tormenting my opponents in various board games, and knitting.
Hima Konduru, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine
My name is Hima Konduru, and I grew up in Rockville, Maryland. I went to the University of Maryland, College Park, where I studied Biological Sciences and Spanish, and then went on to attend the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Before medical school, I worked at Mobile Medical Care in Montgomery County, Maryland, an organization focused on providing care to low-income, uninsured patients. Working with such a passionate and dedicated team really shaped my interest in improving access to care and supporting underserved communities. During medical school, this interest only grew stronger, and I found that family medicine felt like the right fit; it allows me to build long-term relationships with patients while addressing a wide range of needs.
When I met the Jefferson Family Medicine team, it immediately felt like a place where people shared those same values. I found myself drawn to the strong focus on health equity and community involvement.
Outside of work, I love reading, traveling, hanging with my family and friends, spending time with animals, walking around the city, and checking out Philly’s food scene.
Nikki Drummond, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
Hi, I’m Nikki! I grew up in Collegeville, PA, about 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia. I completed my undergraduate degree at Penn State in Biological Sciences and Health Professions. After graduating in 2020, I moved home and took two gap years to work as an EMT during COVID with my local ambulance crew.
I attended medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine at the West Reading campus. During medical school, I volunteered as the Health Education and Events Coordinator with the Health Outreach Projects, where I found my passion for community medicine and continuity of care.
I quickly found my place in family medicine for its breadth of knowledge, ability to treat individuals of all ages, and opportunities to pursue my particular interests in women’s health, gender-affirming care, and medical education.
I am very excited to continue my training in Philadelphia at Jefferson. It was clear during my interview that my personal and professional goals would be supported by the amazing faculty and residents. Having always hoped to stay local and give back to the community, Jefferson’s strong commitment to serving and partnering with Philadelphia made it the perfect fit.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, Nova. We love to walk along the Schuylkill River Trail, try new restaurants, and play board games. Fun fact: I taught myself how to figure skate as an adult, and now it is one of my favorite hobbies!
Giovanna Sena, MD
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Hi! My name is Giovanna, and I’m the daughter of two Brazilian immigrants. I was born and raised in New York City, where growing up surrounded by diverse communities shaped how I connect with people and view the world. I moved to Philadelphia for college and attended the University of Pennsylvania on a full-ride scholarship, where I studied biology and minored in chemistry. During my time there, I fell in love with the city, especially celebrating the Eagles’ Super Bowl win, which turned me into a lifelong fan. Go Birds!
After graduation, I spent two gap years working as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic in New York while also participating in community-based global health work in Brazil, experiences that further shaped my approach to patient care. I then moved to Chicago, where I earned my medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
I was drawn to medicine because of its ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships and truly impact people’s lives. Family Medicine felt like the natural fit for me, as it embodies everything I value: continuity, prevention, and whole-person care. I am especially passionate about working with underserved communities and hope to continue developing my interests in substance use disorder care, behavioral health integration, Latinx health, and reproductive care. Jefferson stood out to me because of its strong commitment to community-centered care, its broad clinical training, and its location in a city I already feel deeply connected to.
Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my family, friends, my partner, and my mini Australian shepherd. I’m a bit of a serial hobbyist and enjoy cooking, collecting houseplants, and building LEGO sets. One of my favorite traditions in medical school was starting a “breakfast club” with a group of friends, where I would cook a full breakfast every Sunday after exams as a way to unwind and connect. I’m incredibly excited to be back in Philadelphia, rediscover the city, and eat my way through all the amazing food it has to offer.
Anushka Shah MD, MA
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Madison Smih, MD
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Hi, I’m Madison! I’m originally from Denver, Colorado, and attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where I studied Neuroscience. After graduating, I spent a gap year with AmeriCorps in Traverse City, Michigan, working as a Community Health Worker at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). In this role, I worked closely with migrant farmworkers, participated in street medicine, and partnered with local community-based organizations to improve patient care. This experience sparked my passion for community-based care and inspired me to join the National Health Service Corps, to continue to serve in an FQHC setting.
I was grateful to attend Jefferson for medical school, where I could continue to pursue my interests in community engagement. During medical school, I volunteered with JeffHOPE (Student-Run Free Clinic), Refugee Health Partners, and the needle exchange program at Prevention Point. I’ve loved working with the Philadelphia community and learning from physicians who have shaped the kind of doctor I hope to become. I chose Family Medicine for the opportunity to combine my interests in advocacy, full-spectrum care, and longitudinal patient relationships. I’m excited to continue my training in Philadelphia and to keep working with the communities and organizations that inspired my passion for Family Medicine. Long-term, I’m interested in FQHC work, addiction medicine, street medicine, and women’s health.
Outside of medicine, you will find me hiking, hosting board game nights, playing racquet sports (pickleball and tennis), running along the Schuylkill, at a fitness class, or picnicking at a park. What I love most about Philly is the walkability and getting to explore new neighborhoods and restaurants!
Nicholas Wells, MD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hi! I'm Nick Wells. I was born and raised in Asheville, a small city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. I received my bachelors degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!). After college I worked as a scribe and diabetes health coach in a rural doctor's office for two years and fell in love with family medicine. I returned to Chapel Hill for medical school and continued learning about the beauty of this specialty. I particularly appreciate that family medicine will prepare me to care for patients at every stage of life - "from cradle to grave," as they say. I love that in this field we focus on getting to the root of patients' problems, and on teasing out the interconnected nature of their medical, social, and psychological needs.
I was drawn to Jefferson, in particular, because of its strong relationship with the community and its emphasis on caring for underserved patients across Philly. I also have a particular interest in sports medicine and LGBTQ care, which Jefferson provides strong training in.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy playing pickleball and volleyball, doing crosswords, traveling, and eating good food. One of my favorite places in Philly is the Magic Gardens on South St and so far my favorite restaurant is Monk's Cafe. I am excited to continue exploring Philly's food scene and pickleball courts, while caring for the community in every way that I can!
Sophia Zylstra, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
Born in South Dakota, raised in Baltimore, Maryland, I have remained close to home throughout my educational journey. I studied Natural Sciences, Pure Mathematics and Spanish for the Professions at Johns Hopkins. My studies continued at Drexel University College of Medicine, where I received my MD. I have previously worked in the restaurant industry, scribed in various clinical settings, and tutored math.
I chose to practice medicine as it is a profession that actively engages your heart and mind. I am continuously learning new things and connecting with colleagues and patients every day. Ultimately, I chose Family Medicine for numerous reasons: its broad spectrum of practice, longitudinal patient-physician relationships, and intimate involvement in the holistic care of patients.
Jefferson's mission resonated greatly with me. I knew I wanted to stay in the city of brotherly love and continue to serve the people that make it so great! I felt that the world was my oyster at Jefferson as they have so many resources to help guide my path in Family Medicine.
A fun fact about me is that I wrote my college common app essay about Orioles baseball games. Also, most of the cats in my family have been named after the Eevee Pokemon evolutions.
What excites me most about Philly is its cultural diversity and all the amazing eats that come with that. I also appreciate Philly's passion and grit, especially when it comes to sports. Outside of the hospital/clinic, I enjoy baking, watching reality TV, exploring cafes, cuddling my cat and working out.
Sambina Anthony, MD
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Hi! I’m Sambina Anthony, originally from Seaford, a small town in southern Delaware. I studied Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish at Northeastern University, and before medical school, I worked as a physical therapy tech and research assistant. I’ve always loved connecting with my community and teaching, and when paired with my passion for science, medicine felt like a natural path.
I chose Family Medicine because I love the continuity, versatility, and lifelong learning it offers. Being able to care for patients at any stage of life and build lasting relationships is incredibly meaningful to me. My time as a medical student at Jefferson was everything I hoped for, and my rotations with JFMA confirmed that this is where I want to continue growing—I knew I had to stick around.
Outside of residency, I enjoy singing and playing guitar, reading, running, crocheting, and learning new languages. Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 10 years and I release music on Spotify and Apple Music! I’m excited to be moving in with my partner and staying in Philly to keep exploring the city’s amazing food scene.
Brittany Chavez, MD
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Hi! I’m Brittany Chávez, born in Silver Spring, Maryland to Honduran immigrants. I studied Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland, then completed a master’s in Biomedical Science at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. After graduating, I worked as a medical assistant in a dermatology office, where I saw firsthand the value of long-term patient relationships and knew I wanted to pursue medicine. I moved to Philly in 2021 to begin medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson.
With my background in nutrition and a deep interest in physiology, Family Medicine felt like the perfect fit. It offers the opportunity to build meaningful connections while providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. My family medicine rotation at Jefferson reaffirmed my commitment to the specialty—I saw providers consistently advocate for their patients and create space for their voices to be heard. I’m excited to train in an environment that prioritizes empowerment, equity, and holistic care.
Outside of residency, I enjoy lifting weights (I used to compete in powerlifting!), taking long walks with my dog Leo, exercising, and slowly working through puzzles. I’m excited to keep exploring Philly’s museums and food scene, and I’m grateful to stay close to family and the lifelong friendships I’ve made here.
Jane Hatzell, MD
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
I grew up in West Hartford, CT and then went to Williams College where I received a degree in biology with a concentration in neuroscience. After undergrad, I spent three years in San Francisco writing about diabetes and cardiometabolic disease for professional- and patient-facing publications, with a primary focus on technology and digital health. I then spent a year at Onduo, a diabetes telehealth startup based in Newton, MA. I then completed an MD/MBA at the University of Pennsylvania.
I’m excited to join Jefferson Family Medicine and serve my Philadelphia community with holistic, trauma-informed, high-quality primary care. Jefferson beautifully integrates 1:1 relationship-driven medical care with social- and community-based interventions to deliver better health to many
Outside of medicine, you will find me playing/teaching drums or consuming some form of live music, wandering in the woods, playing a pickup sport, taking great care of my cat, taking mediocre care of my plants (despite my best efforts), or laying down somewhere.
My favorite thing about Philly, my home since 2020, is the city’s bikeability – I rarely leave home without my bike. We also have an amazing music and arts scene
Brian Levine, MD
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
I grew up in West Hartford, CT and then went to Williams College where I received a degree in biology with a concentration in neuroscience. After undergrad, I spent three years in San Francisco writing about diabetes and cardiometabolic disease for professional- and patient-facing publications, with a primary focus on technology and digital health. I then spent a year at Onduo, a diabetes telehealth startup based in Newton, MA. I then completed an MD/MBA at the University of Pennsylvania.
I’m excited to join Jefferson Family Medicine and serve my Philadelphia community with holistic, trauma-informed, high-quality primary care. Jefferson beautifully integrates 1:1 relationship-driven medical care with social- and community-based interventions to deliver better health to many
Outside of medicine, you will find me playing/teaching drums or consuming some form of live music, wandering in the woods, playing a pickup sport, taking great care of my cat, taking mediocre care of my plants (despite my best efforts), or laying down somewhere.
My favorite thing about Philly, my home since 2020, is the city’s bikeability – I rarely leave home without my bike. We also have an amazing music and arts scene
Elana Liebow-Feeser, MD
John Hopkins University School of Medicine
Anh Nguyen, MD
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Janelle Ozorowski, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
Mirelle Rojano, MD
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Miriam Solowey, MD
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson
Isabelle Williams, MD
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Chinonso Akuchie, MD
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
My name is Chinonso Akuchie and I was born in Houston, Texas to Nigerian immigrants. I went to Brown University through the Program of Liberal Medical Education, where I obtained a degree in Health and Human Sciences and I continued on to attend medical school at The Warren Alpert Medical School.
Since I was young, I have had an interest and passion for medicine. As I continued my medical education, I learned that I enjoyed everything about the field from delivering babies to inpatient medicine to doing procedures. I discovered that family medicine is the perfect field for me— it is a field that allows physicians to interact with and develop long lasting relationships with a large and diverse patient population and as well as explore a wide variety of ever evolving interests.
Jefferson immediately felt like a place that I could see myself learning and growing at for years to come. Residents and faculty alike are so clearly passionate about the community and that passion is palpable; it’s what drew me to this program. Outside of residency, I hope to continue doing things that I love: reading, painting, cooking, and adventuring. I am so excited to live and work in the city of brotherly love!
Julia Beatini, MD
Harvard Medical School
I grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey with my mom and sister. I left my hometown for the first time to attend Vassar College, where I majored in Hispanic Studies and Neuroscience. Within Hispanic Studies, I focused on Latin American film and protest movements. In the neuroscience department, I studied sensory ecology and researched hearing in saw-whet owls (widely known as the cutest owl). However, I pivoted towards medicine after discovering how much I loved caring for my community as an EMT. Throughout my time in college, I helped run a campus EMS service and advocated for harm reduction approaches to substance use. The experience cemented my desire to practice medicine as a means of working toward a more just society.
After undergrad, I moved back to Northern NJ and worked as a research assistant at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, where I studied brain development throughout the life span. In doing so, I developed a strong interest in preventative care, as I witnessed the close ties between a person’s social, environmental, and economic circumstances and their mental and physical health.
These interests carried over into medical school at Harvard, where I fell in love with family medicine. I found that it allowed me to build long-term relationships with patients while exploring the areas I am passionate about, which include reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care, and improving access to healthcare among equity-seeking groups. This made Jefferson an obvious choice, with its close ties to the Philly community and strong academic foundation.
Outside of work, I love going for walks around the city with my partner, snuggling with my cat, cooking, hiking, reading, hanging out at the Jersey shore, and sampling the Philly food scene!
Rachel Blaustein, MD
University of Michigan Medical School
I grew up in a suburb of Boston and went to undergrad at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. I majored in biochemistry and minored in rhetoric with a concentration in film studies. It was here that I discovered my love for ultimate frisbee, and continue to play the sport to this day!
Following undergrad I moved back to Boston and joined a rheumatology and immunology laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Before medical school, I left this job and moved to Denver, where I lived with friends and hiked, climbed, camped, canvassed, and composted my heart out. I then began medical school at the University of Michigan, where I got involved in street medicine, gynecologic research, and the tutoring of local elementary and college students.
I have always wanted to work with patients who face barriers to accessing medical care. I chose Jeff because it was clear to me that this community is truly committed to the marginalized populations they serve. Additionally, I knew Jeff would support me in pursuing my many interests, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-affirming care, addiction medicine, HIV care, adolescent medicine, and mental health care.
Outside of work, you can find me sleeping, puttering around my house, and finding ways to get outside!
Munifa King, MD
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
I was born in Trinidad and Tobago and was raised in Brooklyn, NY. As a child, I was drawn to medicine based on my experiences with Childhood Asthma. I was an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student at Stony Brook University during my undergraduate studies. Since then, I participated in various pipeline programs, including NERA Medprep and CSTEP. As a product of these programs, I am passionate about mentoring, advocating for, and empowering disadvantaged students to achieve their academic goals.
At Hackensack SOM, I volunteered as a student mentor/academic success coach for underrepresented students in medicine. I was a volunteer navigator for the Hackensack Meridian Health Accountable Health Community (AHC) Program, bridging clinical and community services by addressing health-related social needs. I have always been passionate about primary care and advocating for underserved communities, and family medicine cultivated this passion. In medical school, I was the founding president of the Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) and vice-president of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). I am most proud of creating a student-led pipeline program called Hackensack Physician Pipeline Program (HPPP) to help undergraduate students apply to professional programs by providing research, mentorship, and shadowing opportunities.
In recognition of my research on smoking cessation in disadvantaged communities, I was awarded the Excellence in Public Health Award in 2023 by the US Public Health Service Physician Professional Advisory Committee. This led me to pursue a master’s in public health from Jefferson College of Population Health to further my education on positively impacting communities from a population health standpoint. Jefferson was a top option for continuing my residency training due to its robust academic background, urban location, and commitment to caring for the community. This program mirrors my goals in community medicine, advocacy, and dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education as a physician.
I love home improvement, DIY projects, exposed brick walls, and being a plant mom. My favorite activities include trying foods from different cultures, exploring cafes, and experimenting with lattes. My favorite aspect about moving to Philly is its rich history, artistic vibes, and great food options!
Martina Knechel, MD
University of Virginia School of Medicine
I grew up in Gainesville, FL, but I’ve been slowly working my way north to escape the humidity! In 2018, I got my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill and moved to Bethesda, where I completed 2 years as a post-baccalaureate researcher for the National Cancer Institute. My gap years were filled with an abundance of career exploration and existential questions, but in the end, it brought me to an exciting career in medicine!
Four years later I graduated from medical school at the University of Virginia. During my training, I explored many different specialties, but I eventually realized the common thread in my journey: an interest in aiding the underserved in my community. Throughout medical school, I volunteered at the Charlottesville Free Clinic, helped run UVA’s Homeless Consult Service, and put together a conference entitled “Sheltering Health: Addressing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity in Healthcare”. While my journey to family medicine was circuitous, in the end, it was an easy choice. In my (totally unbiased) opinion, family medicine provides the optimal platform for patient and community advocacy, and Thomas Jefferson truly embodies these ideals.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me reading, snuggling with my cat Daisy, convincing myself to go to a workout class, or exploring the city!
Kelly McGuigan, MD
SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University
I was raised in Bucks County, PA, where I developed my connection to the city of Philadelphia. And as for medicine, I have been drawn to it since I was a little girl playing doctor with my Barbie dolls.
For my undergraduate studies, I did a 5-year program across the river at Drexel University to obtain my BS and MS in biomedical engineering, focusing on tissue engineering with a minor in Spanish. At that point in my life, I thought I wanted to grow organs, but after working for my school co-ops at CHOP, I realized I wanted to be on the patient side of things. During college, I fostered dogs from a local shelter and volunteered with Girls on the Run. I took two years off after college to apply to medical school while I worked as a scribe in rheumatology.
I pursued my medical education close to home by attending Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. In medical school, I liked everything and every clerkship, but I did not find the perfect fit until I did my family medicine rotation. I loved the longitudinal relationships that were developed with patients and families. I especially loved seeing mom and baby post birth. Jefferson and the Philadelphia community have served me well for many years. My husband and I have many friends and family here – so it was an easy choice to stay. I am excited to give back to the city and continue to make it a better and healthier place to live. My professional interests include promoting the importance of primary care and access to it, vaccine education, and maternal-child health.
Outside of medicine, I love to cook – a skill I learned from my grandmothers and watching the Food Network growing up. I have multiple signed cook books from my favorite chefs including Giada and Ina Garten. Outside of healthcare I also love to walk my dog (a shih-poo named Koko) and explore different areas in Philly. I am always excited to try a new restaurant or farmers market find. My husband and I have an ever evolving list of the best cheesesteaks and pizzas in the city. What I love most about Philly is the palpable passion that permeates every aspect of the city, whether it's cheering for a sports team, patronizing a local water ice vendor, or any other endeavor—Philly residents approach life with unwavering fervor. This diversity translates into a myriad of unique cultures, neighborhoods, cuisines, and more throughout the city, enriching and educating us all at every chance.
Julio Mejias Garcia, MD
Boston University School of Medicine
I’m originally from Havana, Cuba however I immigrated to Miami, FL with my parents when I was younger. I attended Florida International University (FIU) in Miami where I majored in Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies. During my time at FIU, I taught Spanish-speaking immigrants English, which was my introduction to working with my community. I took one gap year before medical school where I worked as a scribe at a predominantly Spanish-speaking hospital which solidified my choice to work with Latin and immigrant populations.
I then attended Boston University for medical school where I continued to engage with Latin populations through the Latin Medical Student Association and teach Spanish to my peers through the Medical Spanish club. I was fortunate to participate in the National Medical Fellowship’s Primary Care Leadership Program (PCLP), where I worked with community health site partners and received leadership training from PCLP mentors. Through these experiences, I became interested in Family medicine due to the longitudinal nature of the field combined with ample opportunities to become a community leader. Ultimately, I want to establish a strong presence within my community and actively participate in and lead community events, gradually transitioning into prominent leadership roles.
Jefferson appealed to me and my goals due to their clear commitment to their surrounding communities. I’m particularly excited to engage with the Philly community through the program’s Puentes de Salud clinic. I’m also looking forward to exploring my immigrant and refugee health interests while at Jefferson!
Outside of work, you will probably find me at the gym. I did combat sports for most of my life, but some injuries have caused me to explore other sports. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with improving my 3-pointer on the basketball court. I’m also an avid gamer and a huge fan of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs).
Sarah Muche, MD
SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University
I’ve lived in and around Philadelphia my whole life. I went to Saint Joseph’s University on the Mainline for undergrad and majored in Biology and minored in Art with a concentration in ceramics. I didn’t travel too far for medical school, but I’ve loved living in the city proper during medical school at Jeff. Like the liberal arts education I received during undergrad, I gravitated towards Jeff because of their focus on delivering holistic medicine. I also felt they cared about fostering my other interests including exploring the intersections between art and health. At SKMC, I had opportunities to learn more about health on an individual, community and public health level. I got involved with a patient care team that worked to address social determinants of health through an interdisciplinary approach. To me, Philadelphia is the perfect place to learn about the medical bio-social intersections of individuals and communities. My call to medicine was the ability to form relationships with individuals to deliver person-centered healthcare. I chose to stay at Jefferson for residency because I felt that at Jefferson Family Medicine, and Jefferson as an institution, there is a focus on delivering holistic and empathetic care.
My favorite activities outside of medicine include running, reading and ceramics. I especially love to do these activities with friends. A core memory from medical school was running the Philadelphia Love Run with two other medical students.
My favorite aspect of Philly is the artistic community. Being a ceramicist myself it is so interesting to connect with fellow artists in and out of the hospital!
Noelle Varney, MD
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Hello everyone! I am so grateful for the opportunity to complete my training at an amazing program like Jefferson. I’m originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia and grew up just a few miles away from the beach. For undergrad, I attended The College of William & Mary and majored in biology and minored in Hispanic studies. While I was a student there, I was a violist in the College’s symphony orchestra and a softball player. I also served as a volunteer Spanish/English interpreter at a federally qualified health center in my college town. I immediately became interested in underserved medicine for the creativity it requires to provide good care with limited resources and the ability to combine my love of medicine with my love of social justice and advocacy. I knew I wanted to do family medicine because of its wealth of opportunities to train and practice in underserved communities, as well as its huge scope of practice, focus on preventative care, and ability to build long-term relationships with patients.
I entered medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine medical school knowing I wanted to become a family physician. At VCU I had the amazing opportunity to be selected for the fmSTAT program, a four-year track for students with a passion for family medicine. Although I love my home state of Virginia, I’m super excited to start a new adventure in Philly and experience the amazing diversity and rich history of the city.
I fell in love with Jefferson because of its clear dedication to serving the most underserved community members of Philadelphia and the amazing opportunities it offers to gain training in areas like HIV care, LGBTQ+ care, and homeless healthcare. I loved that Jefferson would provide me with top-tier training in broad-spectrum family medicine while allowing me to explore my interests within the field.
Outside of residency, you can probably catch me trying to eat my way through the city’s food scene or going to as many concerts as possible and exploring the local music scene. You might also catch me walking along the river and pretending I’m at the beach.