Meet the residents

Elec Atkinson, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I am a native Charlottean, specifically I grew up in Mint Hill, NC.

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

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Queens University of Charlotte and my Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus.

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

I chose this program because it was the perfect fit! The training philosophy that the program director, Dr. Higdon, has established aligns perfectly with my learning style and the way I plan to practice. The residents, faculty and staff were very welcoming, energetic, and honest. My wife and I both felt that we would easily integrate into the NHFMR family and be successful here.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I love all of family medicine! The three things I love most are osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT), chronic disease management, and knowing my patients like they are family.

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

Things are going to be way different for the class applying this year due to the pandemic. Do your best and know that it will all work out in the end. I am happy to answer any questions perspective residents have!

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

I am originally from the area and most of my family live here so being close to them is a great benefit. Charlotte has so much to offer that most people can find something they love here making it a great place to live, grow and have a family.

Carley Borrelli, MD, MPH

Where do you consider your hometown?

Alpharetta, Georgia

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

I completed my undergraduate education at the University of Georgia. I attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia.

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

I chose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program because of the people and culture. During my interview, everyone was down to earth, welcoming, and approachable. All the residents and staff had a positive attitude and seemed genuinely happy. This program is a great place to train in the full spectrum of family medicine and be a part of a close-knit community.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I am interested in women’s health, sports medicine, teaching and mentorship, and preventive medicine.

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

Think about where you will be the happiest. Speak to as many residents as you can to get a feel for the program. Pick a place where you feel supported. Take time to reflect after every interview and take notes so you can remember how you felt when rank approaches. At the end of the day, go with your gut.

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

Charlotte has everything you could ask for. The city is full of great restaurants and outdoor activities. I love living near Lake Norman. The city is very dog friendly. There is always something fun to do.

Kim Chekan, DO, MPH

Where do you consider your hometown?

Raleigh, NC

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

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia

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

I chose Novant Health because of the people and sense of community. I first met some of the residents and faculty at the NCAFP Family Medicine Day during medical school, and I was impressed with how genuine everyone was and their enthusiasm for Family Medicine. Everyone was great and welcoming during my interview, as well, and I could tell how proud everyone was to be part of this program. I knew it was a special place to be and that I would be fortunate to be a part of it!

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I really do enjoy all aspects of Family Medicine and that it allows providers to see patients of all ages with a range of medical conditions. I do have particular interest in public health, preventative medicine, and women’s health, so I look forward to exploring these interests more!

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

Trust the process and believe in yourself! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be kind and genuine!

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

As a North Carolina native, I’m a Panthers fan and I look forward to going to some games! I also enjoy spending time outdoors and like finding new hiking and walking trails.

Becca Groch, MD

Where do you consider your hometown?

Ottawa Lake, MI

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

I completed my undergraduate degree at University of Toledo and then went to medical school at Central Michigan University!

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

I chose to train with Novant Health because of the people! Everyone I met was kind, welcoming and had a smile on their face. It was exactly the type of environment that I was looking for and knew I would be supported every step of the way if I came here. The program offered everything that I wanted and checked all my boxes, but I ended up choosing it because of the people! I am so excited and honored that I get to work with this team!

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I’m truly interested in every aspect of medicine which is the main reason I chose family medicine as a specialty. I’m so excited to get to know my patients of all ages and perform as much of their care as possible! I have a particular interest in teaching and am happy to know this will always be a part of my career! I also really enjoy performing procedures and preventative medicine!

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

Do whatever is best for you! There are a lot of options for residencies and the process can be overwhelming, but in the end go with what feels right! Try not to stress too much as you will do great wherever you end up!

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

I love the small town feeling with quick access to large city necessities! It is the perfect balance that we were looking for. All the outdoor activities in the area have been fun to explore-plenty of hiking trails, lake activities and the US National Whitewater Center all just a short drive away! Plus, shopping at all the cute local stores has been another favorite.

Jackée Clement, MD

Where do you consider your hometown?

Baltimore, MD

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

Duke University School of Medicine

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

I chose Novant Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program because of the people, the curriculum, and the emphasis on resident well-being. First and foremost, I was blown away by the positive, caring, and transparent nature of the faculty and residents. On my interview day, they were willing to answer any and all questions. The residents I spoke with were genuinely happy and said that they felt supported in pursuing their own interests within FM. The chief resident was even willing to have an hour long Q&A with me to help me get to know the program! And when talking to Dr. Higdon and Dr. Lawrence about the curriculum, it was clear to me that NHFMRP was focused more so on the future of family medicine. So I am confident that I will receive excellent training with Novant Health. And on top of all of this, the program genuinely emphasizes resident wellness to ensure that we have safe places to talk about our experiences and grow from them.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

I think of myself as a jack-of-all trades! I believe that’s what drew me to this specialty. However, I do love implementing population health initiatives as I get to put my problem-solving skills to good use. So I think I will lean towards learning more about population health and preventive medicine.

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

Before applying to your residency programs, take at least a few weeks to really think about what medical school has been like for you. What did you enjoy about it? What areas could have been improved upon for you? Keeping asking yourself these sorts of questions until you can really narrow down some specific characteristics that will help you find the right residency program. For me, it was factors like a well-rounded curriculum, rapport with faculty, a well-defined resident wellness course, and location.

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

I have not been in the Charlotte area long, but what I love most about Charlotte is that it’s a large city with a small town feel. Coming from a foodie town like Durham, I am really excited to experience the wide array of food that the Charlotte area has to offer. And I am thrilled to be near a city where there is a wide array of cultural experiences that I can participate in. For example, I attended a capoeira class in downtown Charlotte before. And if I get tired of the Charlotte area, there’s a great international airport that can take me wherever I want to go.

James “JT” Muller, DO

Where do you consider your hometown?

I am from Macungie, PA.

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

Before starting medical school, I attended Wake Forest University. Go Deacs! I attended Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine for my medical school education.

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

I was fortunate to rotate with the NHFMR Program as the last rotation of my third year of medical school and it immediately became the most meaningful month of the year. I got to see firsthand that this program is a family. I met amazing residents who were incredible physicians and advocates for their patients. They treated me as a member of the team and made me enthusiastic to come to clinic every day. I was also able to see how much the faculty cared for the residents. I could clearly tell that the relationships formed between the faculty and residents would last a lifetime. The staff of the clinic created such a welcoming and fun work environment, I couldn’t imagine training anywhere else. My interview day solidified my decision after being toured around town by the Program Director Dr. Higdon and getting to see so many familiar faces who shared their love of the program. This program offers me incredible training in outpatient family medicine and allows me to further pursue my interests in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.

What are your areas of interest in family medicine?

Family Medicine offers me the opportunity to get to know my patients and their families for many years to come. I learned during my rotations in medical school that I have a wide variety of interests and family medicine offers me the chance to pursue them. Every day at the office will bring something new and exciting! My areas of interest include obesity medicine, LGBTQ+ medicine with interest in Gender Affirming Care, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, working with underserved populations, and HIV care.

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

The adage “Fourth Year Best Year” is absolutely true. This is the time when you get to explore your interests in medicine and find out how you want to shape your career. My biggest advice is to take a big deep breath and enjoy the experience. Enjoy the away rotations and the interviews as you will meet incredibly inspiring students and preceptors, some of whom you will get to work with one day. During interviews, let the programs know what your biggest passions are and make sure the programs can offer you opportunities to pursue those passions. Lastly, take in those special words of wisdom from your preceptors and those special patients who make your days better. Take advantage of every last rotation as there is always something new you can learn. Treat everyone on your rotations and interviews with respect. Spend time with your best friends from medical school and give a huge thank you to your professors, mentors, preceptors, friends, and families whom have helped you along this journey.

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

The Charlotte area has so many fun activities and so many great places to eat. I never get bored looking for a new restaurant or food to try. I am already anticipating all the takeout I will be doing! I am also glad that the Charlotte area is extremely dog friendly, and I am able to take my dog (Mandy the Plott Hound) to brunch with me. There are so many great walking trails, especially around the Davidson and Lake Norman areas. I am glad to be in a location close to the mountains and the beach (get to see my family in Myrtle Beach.)

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.