Family & Community Medicine Residency

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.

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.

Hi! I’m Jane Hatzell. I was raised in Collingswood, NJ—just over the bridge from Philly—and I’ve always felt connected to this city. I studied Biobehavioral Health at Penn State with a minor in Spanish, then spent two years working as a clinical research assistant in the psychiatry department at the University of Pennsylvania. There, I focused on nicotine addiction and smoking cessation in populations with disproportionately high smoking rates, which deepened my interest in community health and health equity.

I attended medical school at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, where I developed strong interests in addiction medicine, reproductive health, and caring for underserved communities. I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to build long-term, trusting relationships with patients and provide holistic care across a wide range of needs—from preventive health to advocacy and specialized care.

I’m so excited to be at Jefferson for residency! The program’s commitment to community medicine and serving marginalized populations aligns perfectly with my values—and the people here are truly wonderful. Outside of residency, I love running along the Schuylkill River, reading, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants. I’m grateful to keep living in my favorite city—Philly’s walkability, food scene, sports culture, and vibrant community make it feel like home!

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!     

Hi! I’m Elana Liebow-Feeser, a proud Baltimore native. I studied Psychology at Tufts University, spending six months in Santiago, Chile, and later coordinated a pulmonary study through Johns Hopkins at the National Institute of Child Health in Lima, Peru. That experience deepened my passion for working with Spanish-speaking migrant and refugee populations—and sparked a love for surfing and chicha morada along the way!

I returned to Baltimore to attend medical school at Johns Hopkins, where I focused on migrant and Latine health through research, medical Spanish education, and forensic evaluations for asylum seekers. Between my third and fourth years, I worked as a fellow at Asylee Women Enterprise, helping coordinate care and develop programs for foreign-born survivors of torture. That year was transformative and led me to Family Medicine—a field that offers the longitudinal relationships, advocacy opportunities, and holistic care I was seeking.

I’m thrilled to be training at Jefferson, a community that shares my values and commitment to health equity. Outside of residency, you’ll find me dancing bachata or salsa, hiking, learning new languages, and dreaming of waves (though I doubt I’ll be surfing the Schuylkill!). I’m excited to explore Philly’s walkable neighborhoods and incredible food scene.

Hi! I’m Anh Nguyen. I was born in Vietnam and moved to the U.S. in 2011. Since then, I’ve lived in South Philly, Center City, and Conshohocken, and I’ve come to love everything this city has to offer. I studied Biochemistry at Temple University and went on to earn my M.D. from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson. While I’ve always been drawn to science—thanks in part to some amazing biology teachers—volunteering in hospice and clinical settings helped me realize how much I value the human side of care. That’s when medicine truly felt like the right path.

Family Medicine stood out to me as the specialty where I could combine science, advocacy, and connection. It allows me to build long-term relationships, address systemic barriers, and empower patients to take control of their health. I chose Jefferson for residency because of its supportive environment and strong commitment to equity, especially for marginalized communities like immigrants, refugees, and non-native English speakers—causes I care deeply about.

Outside of residency, I love exploring new (non-spicy!) cuisines, watching horror and thriller movies, coloring, walking around Philly, and taking naps. Fun fact: my two sisters and I all share the same first name, Anh, so our friends call us Big Anh, Medium Anh, and Lil Anh. One of my favorite things about Philly is that there’s always a new food spot to discover—and I plan to keep exploring them all!

Originally from Sinking Spring, PA, I completed my BS in Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University and my MS in Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina before attending Drexel University College of Medicine.

Prior to medical school, I spent four years working at the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers in Camden, NJ, addressing the complex health and social needs of vulnerable populations through various initiatives including  maternal health programs, jail reentry, Housing First, and vaccination hesitancy efforts. My experiences in Camden solidified my desire to pursue medicine. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact physicians can have, particularly within historically underserved communities, sparked my commitment to provide comprehensive care and make a meaningful difference in people's health and lives. I continued these efforts throughout medical school as the community health events coordinator for Drexel’s health outreach projects where I got to connect with many residents throughout Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.

I was drawn to Family Medicine for the opportunity to provide comprehensive care for patients across their lifespans, finding deep satisfaction in the variety of daily practice and the chance to establish strong, long-term relationships with my patients. Family Medicine also provides me the space to serve as a dedicated advocate for patient well-being through both clinical practice and outreach. I chose Jefferson Family Medicine because its deep commitment to serving the diverse populations of Philadelphia aligns with my values, and I was struck by the warmth and supportive atmosphere among faculty and residents during my interviews. This combination of community focus and a positive learning environment made Jefferson the clear choice for me.

Having lived in Philly for nearly a decade, there are many things that have made it feel like home. I love the strong connection amongst neighbors, the passion for all things Philly sports, and exploring the exciting food scene throughout the city. Outside of residency, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, sharing home-cooked meals, trying new recipes, and relaxing outside or on the beach. My partner and I are also incredibly excited about the arrival of our first baby this summer!

Hi! I’m Mirelle Rojano. I’m originally from Mexico and moved to Houston, TX when I was eight. I studied Biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, completed a postbac at the NIH, and went to medical school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. I’ve always been passionate about improving access to care for underserved communities, especially after witnessing how hesitant my own family—and many others—were to seek medical attention. These experiences inspired me to become a physician who builds trust and advocates for equity in healthcare.

Family Medicine felt like the right path from the start. I love its focus on holistic, culturally sensitive care and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients. I chose Jefferson because I immediately felt a sense of belonging. The program’s commitment to refugee health, LGBTQ+ care, and community engagement aligns perfectly with my values, and I’m excited to grow alongside such a supportive and mission-driven team.

Outside of residency, I enjoy thrillers and horror movies, checking out cocktail bars, reading fantasy novels, and watching reality TV. I’m not a great cook, but I make an amazing flan—and I’m always snacking on chips with hot sauce. I love Philly’s walkability, diversity, and endless opportunities to explore new cultures and neighborhoods.

Hi! I’m Miriam Solowey, a proud Northeast Philadelphia native and Central High School alum. I studied Pre-medicine at Penn State and attended Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson, where I also worked as an Anatomy and Physiology TA. I’ve always been drawn to medicine’s ever-evolving nature and the opportunity to learn continuously—from research, colleagues, and especially patients.

I chose Family Medicine for its focus on prevention, early intervention, and continuity of care. I love building long-term relationships and helping patients manage their health holistically. Staying at Jefferson for residency felt right—I’ve seen firsthand its commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care and its deep connection to the Philadelphia community.

Outside of residency, I enjoy exploring brunch spots and ice cream shops, going for long walks, binging Netflix, and spending time with friends and family. During COVID, my best friend and I got into DIY hair styling—with mixed results! I’m excited to continue living and working in Philly, surrounded by great food, green spaces, loved ones, and plenty of Wawa hazelnut coffee

Hi! I’m Isabelle Lynn Williams. I was born in Albany, New York, and grew up in Snellville, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. I studied Biochemistry with a minor in Anthropology at the University of Georgia—Go Dawgs! Throughout high school and college, I worked in a variety of people-facing roles like gymnastics coaching, waitressing, food service, and tutoring. These experiences helped shape my passion for medicine and my desire to build meaningful connections with others.

I was drawn to Family Medicine because of its holistic approach and its ability to address both individual health and broader social determinants. I’m especially interested in reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and culinary and lifestyle medicine. I chose Jefferson because of its strong training in these areas and its commitment to serving urban underserved communities. The warmth and support I felt from the residents and faculty made it an easy choice.

Outside of residency, I love trying new recipes and restaurants, exploring nature trails, taking on new workout classes, and spending time with family and friends. I’m excited to be in Philly and can’t wait to discover all the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, green spaces, and food spots!

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! 

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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.

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).

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! 

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.  

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I decided to venture out of my hometown and move to Boston where I got a bachelor's degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Massachusetts Institiute of Technology. During my summers off from college, I would volunteer at hospitals in South Los Angeles, and those experiences caused me to want to address health disparities and work with underserved communities by becoming a physician.

I got to dive deeper into that passion at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine by being involved in student organizations like White Coats for Black Lives and Clínica Martín-Baró. I learned the power of community-centered care by working with these organizations to increase access to healthcare for Black and Latinx patients. I decided to pursue family medicine to continue forming lifelong relationships with my patients and with my community.

Continuing my training at Jefferson was an easy choice for me because of the family & community medicine program's clear commitment to advocating for our patients and promoting health equity throughout Philadelphia. I'm excited to explore my interests in behavioral health and integrative medicine while here.

Outside of medicine, I love Afro-Carribean dance, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, taking care of my plant babies, and exploring restaurants in the city.

I grew up in a very small town in Southern New Jersey called Shamong. If you've never heard of it, don't worry, no one has (it has one Wawa and a stop light-- that's about it). After finishing high school, I went to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and majored in Biology after completing one year at Rutgers New Brunswick. Throughout high school and college, I was a competitive cheerleader and won 2nd place at UCA College Nationals. After graduating college, I took a gap year working as a medical scribe for a cardiology group in South Jersey.

I stayed in South Jersey for medical school, attending Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, NJ. I loved being able to get out into the community and helping Camden's underserved population through our many service programs, my favorite being the Camden Prenatal Collaborative, which helped provide resources to high risk prenatal patients.

Going into medical school, I had a broad array of interests. On recent survey I found from my first year, I noted that I actively did not want to be a Family Medicine physician (joke's on me now). In my 3rd year of medical school, I found that my favorite part of medicine was building long-standing relationships with my patients and connecting with them on a deeper level irrespective of their medical conditions. I also found that Family Medicine provided me the opportunity to explore my interests and seek out further education in whatever area of interests I have, from Maternal Child Health to Point of Care Ultrasound to Medical Education.

Thomas Jefferson was my first choice for residency programs because I could readily identify with the people and their mission. The faculty and residents are so warm and welcoming and really appealed to my inner social butterfly. I also loved the idea of continuing to work with underserved patients in the Philadelphia community, just as I did in Camden.

Outside of medicine, I love to hang out with friends, watch reality TV, take long romantic walks through Barnes & Noble. I love reading good book cuddled up with a blanket sipping coffee. I also love listening to true crime podcasts and taking scenic walks outside. I am also a proud mom to Kiwi, the cutest gray cat you ever did see. Although I still live in Jersey, I'm excited to find the best Philly eats and see where I can get the best pasta to fulfill my carb cravings.

I grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts with my parents and two younger brothers. I went to Bowdoin College in Maine, where I studied neuroscience and education and spent most of my weekends playing outside.

After college, I split my time between two jobs. In the first, I was an international hiking and cycling guide, honing my Spanish skills and my passion for outdoor adventures. In the second, I taught therapeutic horseback riding and was licensed through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. Through this work, I had the opportunity to combine my loves of developmental neuroscience, adaptive curriculum design, and integrative therapeutic modalities. I specialized in teaching children with developmental disabilities and adolescents with mental health diagnoses. I have a deep-seated love for trauma-informed teaching and for multidisciplinary collaboration. My students and their families led me on a winding road to medicine.

When I started at Weill Cornell Medical College, I had a vision of the type of doctor that I wanted to be but not the specialty that I wanted to be in. I knew that I wanted to build relationships with my patients and to think broadly about health in the context of their lives and communities. As I explored my interests, I realized that family medicine was a perfect fit. I love that I can practice broad spectrum medicine, that my patients will push me to constantly learn new things, that my career requires me to think holistically, and that justice is a central tenant.

I am so excited to be at Jefferson! As is true of many of us drawn to family medicine, my interests are broad and include integrative medicine, trauma-informed care, reproductive justice, accessible primary care, gender affirming care and addiction medicine. When I’m not working, you can find me on my bike in Wissahickon Valley Park, trying new recipes and exploring Philly with friends.

I’m from Upstate New York. I studied Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy at Brandeis University. After college, I served in AmeriCorps VISTA as a rural behavioral health grant writer and program developer. Simultaneously, I worked as a nursing home support attendant and ballet teacher. These experiences established my dream in medicine: care for patients and lead community health projects. This led me to SUNY Upstate Medical University. There, my biggest role models were family medicine physicians who championed healthcare advocacy and full spectrum care. I’m delighted to continue my interests at Jefferson and serve the people of Philadelphia. Outside of medicine, I enjoy hosting potlucks with friends and faith-based communities, rollerblading, watercolor painting, watching ice hockey, and reliving my ballet/orchestra days. In three years, I look forward to trying food from every country that Philadelphia has to offer!

I’m from New York City, but my family moved to Utah when I was young. I spent a lot of time outside in Utah’s mountains before moving back East to go to Colby College in Maine. I spent my time there either nerding out in the chem lab or running around the rugby pitch with my best friends. I took a job in a rural Arkansas town as a high school Algebra II and Chemistry teacher. I fell in love with teaching, but more so, I became impassioned by the stories of my students. After a few years learning about educational, health and racial inequities, I moved back to Portland, Maine where I became a caseworker at a shelter serving Portland’s homeless community. I found my niche working alongside women who were managing substance use disorders, sex work, and histories of childhood trauma. 

I went to Dartmouth for medical school knowing I wanted to be a Family Medicine doctor. I chose Jefferson because of its robust community medicine curriculum and partnerships with amazing clinics all over Philadelphia. I wanted a program that prioritized building a community out of its residency, and Jefferson is the best of them.

I grew up in a rural area of Northeastern Pennsylvania along with my 7 brothers and sisters. I chose to stay close to home for college and attended the University of Scranton majoring in Biomathematics (Go Royals!). It was at Scranton that the value of “cura personalis”, meaning care for the whole person, cultivated my dedication to promoting human dignity and care for mind, body, and spirit. After graduating from the Scranton, I went on to pursue my MPH in Epidemiology at Drexel University which paired my love for math and passion for understanding how to better care for populations through public health initiatives. During my time at Drexel, I saw first-hand how integral preventative medicine was to communities, especially those who were underserved. It was then that I chose to apply to medical school, and I was lucky enough to stay in Philly at Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) at Jefferson.

While attending SKMC I fell even more in love with Philadelphia and most importantly the people! I value Jefferson’s focus on caring for the underserved and have always felt privileged to be part of this community. I was overjoyed to match here for residency, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and serve this city!

In my free time I enjoy going to any and all Philly sporting events, running along the Schuylkill trail, spending time with my nieces and nephews, and eating my way through Philly’s great restaurant scene. 

I was born in Gatundu, Kenya where some of my fondest childhood memories include chasing my grandma’s chickens and climbing my neighbor’s mango trees despite getting in trouble every time.  During 3rd grade, my family relocated to Worcester, MA and they have remained there since.  I then went off to college not too far away from home, yet far enough. At Boston University I Majored in Biology and Minored in Psychology. It was also there that I took Swahili classes throughout my 4 years as a way of continuing to stay connected to my Kenyan roots. Before medical school I pursued a Master’s degree in medical sciences with my thesis focused on PCOS which is when I discovered my interest in women’s health. I then decided to stay in Boston and attended Tufts University School of Medicine.

Throughout medical school, I continued to pursue my interests in serving underserved populations by volunteering as a sexual and reproductive health counselor in our student-run clinic and becoming a NICU cuddler for neonates with NAS. I was a co-president of SNMA and worked with my colleagues to spearhead various anti-racism campaigns. I continued to incorporate mentorship by serving as a mentee for underrepresented premed students.

I immediately knew I wanted to come to Jefferson because of its impressive community partnerships, the opportunity to train in full-scope FM, its commitment to health equity at the institutional level, and its dedication to fostering a supportive environment. I’m clearly an East Coast girl, no matter the continent, so I am so excited to be in Philly and join the JFMA family!

My interests in Family Medicine include community-based medicine, mentorship, and maternal and reproductive health. Outside of medicine, I enjoy catching up on sleep, binge-watching shows, trying new restaurants (especially for brunch), going to concerts, and being surrounded by water without actually going in!

I was born at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and grew up in southern New Jersey. I always loved people and science and went on to study Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. I stayed in Baltimore for several years to work in brain cancer research, inpatient psychiatry, and healthcare policy consulting. While living there I also earned a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. I returned to Philadelphia to study medicine at The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where I expanded on my interests in health equity and improving primary care. While there I felt complete when I realized through rotations that family medicine was the obvious and natural path for me to combine my interests into a fulfilling career. I’m so excited to continue learning from my patients and colleagues as a resident at Jefferson. When I’m not working, I’m having adventures and snuggling on the couch with my son, husband, and dog. 

Hello, my name is Adetutu Olowu (please call me Tutu!). I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to my lovely parents as the third of eventually four children. When I was three years old, my family of six moved to New York, and it has been our home ever since. I have always had a love for science, so it was no surprise to anyone when I decided to pursue a career in medicine.

I attended the freezing yet charming Clarkson University for my undergraduate degree in Biology with a focus in Cognitive Neuroscience. After graduation, I continued my education at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine for a master's in Biomedical Sciences. I took a year off to spend time with my family and explore my interests before finding my way to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple for a dual degree in Medicine and Urban Bioethics. As I entered medical school, I was eager to learn how to enhance my education to care for underserved communities. In Philadelphia, I found a city with both a significant need and impassioned people dedicated to serving this population. I knew Jefferson was the place for me because this program radiates an undeniable warmth that I knew would bring out the very best in me. I plan to continue exploring the biopsychosocial dimensions of well-being, ethical care delivery, and advocacy in healthcare. I am eager to continue my passion in working hard for those who depend on me, and I am so proud to do that as part of the Jefferson family.

I grew up in Orlando, Florida. While my family is still in Florida, and I love visiting them, Philadelphia has become my adopted home. I went to undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania where I majored in Biological Basis of Behavior and minored in Deaf Studies. While I was at Penn, I worked for the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program in the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. This experience sparked my interest in harm reduction and addiction medicine. After graduating I spent a year as a research assistant at Philadelphia FIGHT. I worked on studies focusing on adolescent sexual health and attitudes toward PrEP.

I went to medical school at Temple, and I was in the combined MD/MA program in Urban Bioethics. My thesis was an ethical analysis of safe supply, an emerging harm reduction strategy. I chose family medicine because I saw the impact primary care can make on patients’ lives. I was active in student clinics at Prevention Point, Students for a National Health Program, and Medical Students for Choice.

I was drawn to Jefferson Family Medicine because of their involvement in the community. I am interested in addiction medicine, HIV, and adolescent health. Outside of medicine, I love all Philly sports, bad reality TV, and spending time with my husband and our spoiled cat, Peanut.

I am looking forward to learning to become a family physician over the next three years with such an amazing group of co-interns!