Meet the residents

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.

Amanda White, DO, MBA

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m from Fort Ashby, West Virginia.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

The residency staff has truly created an environment where you feel like you’re with family.The program directors genuinely care about the well-being of their residents. Novant Health’s physicians are excellent role models for me both professionally and personally

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My interests are in women's health, obstetrics, preventative medicine and practicing healthcare in rural areas.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Choose a program that will not only nurture your academic pursuits, but will also make you a better person.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

I love that both the ocean and mountains are only a short drive away. Charlotte is a great place for families.

Elizabeth Ferruzzi, MD

Where do you consider your hometown?

I am from Lenoir, North Carolina.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

For my undergraduate education, I attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina and earned a degree in marine biology. For medical school, I attended The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I chose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program because I wholeheartedly believe in their vision – to train and inspire future physician leaders in Family Medicine to provide remarkable patient-centered care in an ever-changing healthcare system. From the moment I met the team, I knew they were role models and leaders who would inspire me in both my professional and personal life. The emphasis on well-being and encouragement as a team is unparalleled, as the program believes it is extremely important to have work-life harmony.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My interests in family medicine are broad, which is why I chose this specialty. I love taking care of a pregnant mother in clinic, helping her deliver her baby, seeing her newborn in clinic, while also seeing the rest of her family young and old – to me that is the dream! In particular, I have a heart for international medicine as well as rural and underserved populations across the nation and globe. In addition, I greatly enjoy teaching and mentorship in my communities.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Embrace the process, as you end up exactly where you are meant to be. The application season is one of personal growth and adventure - where you learn what is important to you. Know and trust that if you are true to yourself, the right program is out there waiting. Enjoy this exciting time.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

My favorite part of living in Charlotte is all the incredible activities that you can do! From hiking the Appalachian Mountains to rafting at the Whitewater Center to riding roller coasters at Carowinds Theme Park, as well as plenty of parks, museums, and festivals – it is such a lively place to live.

Katherine Haga, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, North Carolina.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I chose to join the Novant Health Family Medicine Residency Program because of its supportive environment, its focus on patient and resident well-being and its ability to tailor the curriculum to my individual and professional interests.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

As a family medicine physician, I look forward to empowering my patients by educating them on preventative and holistic care. Within family medicine, I am interested in optimizing healthcare delivery, studying alternative primary care models and advocating for improvements within the healthcare system.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Remember that choosing a program is an incredibly personal decision. What is a good fit for one person isn’t necessarily a good fit for the next person, so focus on figuring out what matters to you most and look for those things during your interviews.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

I’m excited to live in the Charlotte area because Charlotte is a great city (there’s so much to do and so much good food out there). I’m also excited that there are also a lot of great places to do outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.

Lily Trout, MD, MLS

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m from Atlanta, Georgia.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I chose Novant Health because of the people. After my interview, I knew these people were the faculty and residents I wanted to work with during my residency.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My interests are in obstetrics, palliative care and international family medicine, which focuses on working with underserved populations in developing nations.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Relax, be yourself and enjoy the process.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

I love that there is always something to do.

Mary Cox, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I'm from Morehead, Kentucky.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I really connected with the faculty during my interview. I also appreciate the emphasis on work-life balance. It was important to train in a program with a very supportive environment.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My interests are in geriatrics, hospice and palliative care.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Identify your residency "must-haves" and use the residency interview as an opportunity to check off as many boxes as you can.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

I never get bored because there is so much to do here.

Radoslava Djigrova, DO, MBA

Where do you consider your hometown?

My hometown is a city in Bulgaria called Plovdiv. In the U.S., I call New Orleans, Lousiana and Beckley, West Virginia the cities I would consider my “hometowns.” It’s because I’ve lived in those places the longest and I have also made a lot of friends there. I now live in Huntersville, North Carolina and I absolutely love it here.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

Before joining the Novant Health Family Medicine Residency Program I attended the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, North Carolina.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I chose the Novant Health Family Medicine Residency Program because it was the most inspiring program I interviewed with and I felt like I could thrive there. The faculty and the residents were very enthusiastic and happy to be part of this innovative program. It made me want to work under their guidance and to get to know them.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My areas of interest in family medicine are preventive medicine, women’s care and pediatrics.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Go with your heart and choose the residency program that inspires you to be the best doctor you can be.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

It is so beautiful here and that there are plenty of cultural events and fun outdoor activities for me and my family.

Chandini Rathee, MD

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m from Bayonne, New Jersey.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the American University of Antigua College of Medicine.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

The people I met on my interview day really drew me in. During my residency search, the three main things I was looking for: were a great place to learn, role models in my leadership, and a good feeling. I felt like Novant Health Family Medicine Residency Program had all three of the things I was looking for.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

Preventative medicine and patient education are important to me.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Try to enjoy the residency interview process. It can be intimidating at times, but trust your gut.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

The weather and lifestyle I am able to live here, but having my family close by is priceless.

Christine Wu, MD

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I chose Novant Health for its innovative and unique program with numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills and personalize my training experience.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I’m interested in women's health, community medicine and dermatologic conditions.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Choose a program that helps you develop a strong career in medicine and not just prepares you for a job.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

My favorite part of living in Charlotte is its great weather, kind people and it feels like a large city environment to me.

Corey Mottesheard, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m from Arlington, Virginia

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine -Virginia campus for Medical School and James Madison University for my undergraduate degree.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

The company has a great reputation in the community. When I told people I was interested in the residency program they would say Novant Health is the only place they would take their loved ones for healthcare. Now that I'm a part of the Novant Health team, I feel fortunate to be working with great mentors and a support staff who genuinely care about my ability to thrive in residency.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I particularly enjoy working with patients who have musculoskeletal issues, and applying my training in osteopathic manipulation. Also, family medicine also allows for long-term relationships with patients, which was an important factor in my decision to pursue family medicine as a specialty. I value the time I'm given to earn a patient's trust, and collaborate with them to devise the best plan possible for their health today and for many years to come.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone when applying to different residency programs, but don't get carried away with applying to programs that you would never consider joining.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

I actually consider my new home the Lake Norman area because I feel like it has its own special identity that stands on its own and is uniquely different from many suburbs, but I do appreciate the close proximity of Charlotte and the opportunity to work in the city on some rotations.

Kelsey Ann Reindel, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I’m originally from Toledo, Ohio.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I was an undergraduate at Florida Atlantic University and then went to medical school at Nova Southeastern University.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I chose NHFMRP because of the people involved in the program. I felt this residency would be the best place for me to grow as a physician as well as a person. Even though this was a new program, I had no doubt NHFMRP would provide all of the support and education I would need to be successful.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My areas of interest in family medicine are women’s health, preventative medicine and patient education.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

My advice would be to choose a program that will support you, a program that you enjoy the people you work with and a program that will help you grow not only as a physician, but also as a person.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

My favorite part about living in Charlotte is all the things you can do! You have a city where you can hike, visit the lake and climb the mountains.

Shannon Sanchez Oviedo, MD, MS

Where do you consider your hometown?

I grew up in San Jose, California.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

Because of the positive role models we get to work with on a daily basis and supportive environment to help shape and mold my career into what I desire it to be.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I’m interested in obstetrics, maternal and child health and providing community medicine to underserved community members.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

Go where you know you will be happiest and keep an open and curious mind at all times.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

It’s a great place to raise a family.

Sonam Vashista, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I grew up in a small town of Childersburg, Alabama.

Where did you go to school prior to joining Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

I went to University of Alabama at Birmingham for undergraduate studies and William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississppi for medical school.

Why did you choose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program?

Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program was my first interview and I left completely enthralled by the supportive faculty and their vision for a program that emphasizes physician well-being. I knew they would advocate for their residents, as well as their patients.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

My area of interest in family medicine is providing excellent care to patients in rural or underserved areas.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are applying to residencies this year?

The advice that I would give students applying for residencies this year is to enjoy the interview process and really advocate for yourself as an applicant. Regardless of your personality type, this is a time where you have to be proactive and reach out to the program you are interested in.

What’s your favorite part about living in the Charlotte area?

My favorite part of living in the Charlotte area is its wide variety of things to do. While living in Huntersville, I have the peacefulness found in a small town but also the amenities and activities of having a big city close by.