Meet the Class of 2022
Brian Ingold, DO
Where do you consider your hometown?
Rockwell, NC
Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I completed my undergraduate education at Wingate University in Wingate, NC (it is also where I met my amazing and beautiful wife Sarah). I then completed medical school at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, VA.
Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I chose Novant Health primarily because of the incredible people and amazing culture. You can tell from the first moment you interact with NHFMRP residents they are intelligent, caring people who are genuinely happy with their residency program. The faculty and staff personify the level of professionalism, competence, and compassion I wanted to model in my own career. The program directors’ love of teaching and emphasis on the well-being of the residents really stood out to me as well. As a husband and a father I was seeking a training environment which would be academically rigorous while also valuing the importance of family, and I wholeheartedly believe I found it at Novant Health. The passion of the faculty is infectious and it is difficult to not be inspired by such an exceptional group of people.
What are your areas of interest in family medicine?
Absolutely everything, which is why I chose primary care. From taking care of pregnant patients and delivering babies all the way to palliative care and hospice, my intention is to provide truly holistic care while always putting patients/families first. I have a particular passion for education, as I believe in empowering patients with the information and understanding they need to partner with me in the care of themselves and their loved ones. Sports/Musculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine are other areas of FM I truly enjoy.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
Do your homework. Take some time identifying what is most important to you and seek out programs which you believe will “check those boxes.” Take every opportunity to ask questions, and just trust yourself. You will know when you find the right program.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?
I love that Charlotte is a big city with all the amenities, but so much of the surrounding area still has a small town feel. You have access to tons of places to eat, have fun, and spend quality family time. You also have the Panthers (Keep Pounding!), Hornets, and Knights right here in town so what more could you want?
Lindsey Matthews, DO
Where do you consider your hometown?
I am from Youngstown, Ohio.
Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I went to Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio.
Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
Everyone I met at my interview had so much enthusiasm for the program and family medicine; it was contagious. I felt that this program would be a great fit because it offered solid training and a nurturing and friendly atmosphere which would allow me to grow both personally and professionally.
What are your areas of interest in family medicine?
One of the reasons I chose family medicine is that it offers a broad scope of practice! Some areas I hope to focus on include osteopathic manipulative treatment, women’s health, integrative medicine, and international medicine.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
Try to enjoy the process. It can feel overwhelming since every program offers slightly different things, but when you interview at a program that is a great fit you will know it.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?
The weather and food are great! There are also so many cool places to visit – the city, Lake Norman, and it is in close proximity to the mountains. Charlotte truly has so much to offer.
Maegan Riggin, MD
Where do you consider your hometown?
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
Saint James School of Medicine Anguilla.
Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I chose to train at Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program for the people and the great sense of community that is embedded within the program. The faculty and residents during my interview exuded great pride in the program as well as in patient care, which left me feeling very inspired. I am thrilled to now be a part of this great team!
What are your areas of interest in family medicine?
My interests are preventative medicine, patient education, and forming long lasting relationships with my patients.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
Trust yourself and keep an open mind when interviewing. Ultimately, choose the place that feels the most like home, while also being in a place that will challenge you.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?
Being close to the water, but also having the luxury and perks of a big city close by.
Vanessa Crerar, DO
Where do you consider your hometown?
I am from Plymouth, Minnesota.
Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I attended the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
During my third year of medical school, I completed a family medicine outpatient rotation with NHFMRP. I quickly felt at home with the residents, faculty and staff that I worked with each day. They made me feel part of the team. The training at Novant is also extremely comprehensive, from lactation training to several months of hands on inpatient medicine. This education is alongside a group of faculty who truly support residents and offer an engaging and welcoming training environment. The last reason I choose NHFMRP is because the values I plan to bring to each patient encounter align with Novant's values. These include compassion, teamwork, diversity & inclusion, personal growth and courage to achieve remarkable healthcare.
What are your areas of interest in family medicine?
As fitting for a career in family medicine, I have a broad interest. I am interested in women’s health, sports medicine, osteopathic manipulative treatment, preventative medicine and also interested in mental health. I want to care for the entire family, from pediatrics to young adults, and geriatrics! I want to lead a practice that values a holistic mindset with each patient encounter.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
Be confident in the strength of your application and know your application well. Be honest in everything you write, say and do throughout the application and interview process. Be yourself and relax when needed. Lastly, be kind to everyone you meet.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?
Charlotte offers a balanced mix between big city living and outdoor beauty. There are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in year round and my goodness the food is wonderful! Especially if you’re looking for authentic NC BBQ. Cornelius also offers access to Lake Norman, which makes me feel as though I have a little piece of home (MN, the land of 10,000 lakes) nearby.
Mawuse Gbegnon, MD, MPH
Where do you consider your hometown?
Los Angeles, CA
Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I did my undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania and medical school at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I wanted a place where resident wellness and education was only second to patient care. It really seemed like the attendings took an interest in getting to know me on a personal level. Dr Higdon, the staff and the chiefs really go above and beyond to make you feel like you’re fully supported and come to them with almost anything. Also, the residents seemed genuinely happy and very personable. I was also looking for a place where the residents weren’t trying to sell me on a program but spoke candidly about their experiences. That lets me know that their answers are genuine. Finally, I came because of the scenery. Knowing that residency will be challenging, I wanted to go to a place where peering out the window at home or in a car would put me at ease.
What are your areas of interest in family medicine?
AI’m interested in doing community health outreach, particularly working with youth in underserved areas. I’m also interested in preventive medicine and community-based participatory research. I really enjoy teaching and mentorship as well.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
You can make all the spread sheets and algorithms for ranking programs, and that’s great. But trust your gut as well. I kept imagining myself here at NHFMRP and decided to rank them high. Consider what type of work life balance you will have. The program is great because you can live in the city or in the suburbs.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?
The weather, it’s comparable to Los Angeles, except the random and transient thunderstorms. Oh and mosquitoes, who doesn’t love mosquitoes?! But seriously, the people in Charlotte are amazing. So friendly, accommodating and personable.
Jimmy Chapman, DO
Where do you consider your hometown?
Sandusky, OH
Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I completed undergraduate studies at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, and completed my medical education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA.
Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
I was most impressed by the program culture. The interactions between residents and clinical staff were extremely positive
What are your areas of interest in family medicine?
I enjoy preventative medicine, diet/exercise, and musculoskeletal medicine.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?
The best advice I received was to attend the residency program where you mesh well with the other residents. Wherever you will fit in best and feel most comfortable is probably the best choice.
What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?
The city offers a wide variety of activities to provide for any kind of hobbies you may enjoy.