Current Program Residents
Your training family
Meet the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center family medicine residents.
Lauren Askew, MD
MD: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: reading, going to the beach, antiquing and spending time with my family, friends and my dog, Kiwi
Avery Bernstein, DO
MD: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia Campus
Hobbies & interests: yoga, anything outside (beach, hiking, walking, farmer's market, etc.), any and all live music, travel with my fiancé, Travis
Walker Coughlan, MD
MD: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: spending time with my family
Claire Namboodri, MD
MD: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: staying active, reading, politics, travel
Danielle Nerber, DO, MPH
DO: New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: trying new restaurants, Bills Mafia, watching movies with my husband and dogs, and, of course, exploring the beautiful beaches of coastal NC
Abby Nicks, DO
DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Louisiana Campus
Hobbies & interests: antiquing, art, reading, spending time with my dog
Zachary Blumenkehl, DO
DO: Cambell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: tennis, pickleball, hiking, anime
Courtney Caruthers, MD - Rural
MD: Medical University of South Carolina
Hobbies & interests: spending time on the beach with my best friend — my sweet lab; acrylic painting, especially landscapes, as a creative way to relax; regular workouts to stay active; binging a new anime series.
Hannah Hulshult, MD, MPH - Rural
MD: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: spending time outdoors — hiking, running, playing volleyball or pickleball, going to the beach — reading novels, traveling to new places, spending time with family and friends
Laken O'Quinn, MD
MD: East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: baking, exploring nature, weightlifting, playing pickleball, spending time with my husband and my dog
Carlos Ramos, MD
MD: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hobbies and interests: Latin dancing, playing volleyball at Capt’n Bill’s, Sunday soccer league, winding down by watching anime
Sujin Seo, DO
DO: Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: reading, cooking new recipes, playing board games with friends, DIY projects, exploring local farmers markets and thrift stores
Dario Vanegas, MD
MD: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: watching and playing soccer/basketball, reading non-fiction books, going on walks with my family
Isis Van Putten, MD
MD: Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School
Hobbies & interests: going to the beach, eating seafood, exploring the beautiful outdoors; being in Wilmington feels like a continuation of my roots, just with a little more sunshine and southern charm
Abdullah Assaf, MD
MD: Saint James School of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: mixed martial arts, running, lifting, coffee, food, cologne
Maia Cancro, DO
DO: Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: anything outside, especially on/in the water and with my dog Finn; hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, open water swimming
Cassidy Pfister, DO
DO: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: being active, specifically swimming, yoga, recreational soccer and walking my dog; reading fantasy by the pool or beach; playing Nintendo Switches; dungeons and dragons with friends; painting mini figurines
Kennedi Roman, DO
DO: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: spending time outdoors, including hiking, walking or hanging out at the beach; traveling and spending time with my cats
Luanne Sheaffer, MD
MD: Oceania University of Medicine
Hobbies & interests: spending time with family and friends (preferably outdoors), running, hiking and kayaking with my dog, traveling (especially to snorkeling destinations), watching college basketball and professional soccer, building Legos
Arkhum Smith, DO - Rural Resident
MD: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: spending time with my wife, son and dog; playing golf, fly fishing, traveling and trying new restaurants
Danielle St. Hilaire, DO
DO: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies & interests: trying new coffee shops — which is a great activity in Wilmington as there are so many to choose from! Spending time with family and friends, Bible journaling and hanging out at the beach
I went to UNC Wilmington for undergrad and I've been trying to make my way back to Wilmington ever since! I like that it's close to my family in NC, and a few of my friends still live in the area.Maia Cancro, DO, Family Medicine Resident, PGY-1
As a rural track resident, I get to experience the best of both worlds: comprehensive inpatient training in Wilmington and meaningful connection-building in Burgaw. The mix of excellent clinical education and community training involvement has made my residency experience especially rewarding.Courtney Caruthers, MD, Family Medicine Resident - Rural, PGY-2
Everyone was extremely kind and welcoming! It is the optimal program because of the robust curriculum that will prepare you to be a full-scope family medicine doctor, while being in a smaller community setting that is very supportive. I also think Wilmington is an amazing place to do residency!Laken O'Quinn, MD, Family Medicine Resident, PGY-2
I chose Wilmington because it has a great balance of community, nature, and opportunity. The best part is being close to the water and surrounded by people who genuinely care about what they do.Sujin Seo, DO, Family Medicine Resident, PGY-2
I chose this program because of how wonderful my experience here was during my fourth-year medical student rotation. Everyone was so warm and welcoming; I felt that the residents and faculty were deeply invested in my learning. I knew this would be the perfect place to learn and grow as a resident.Danielle St. Hilaire, DO, Family Medicine Resident, PGY-1
I was looking for outstanding clinical training, meaningful connection to community, opportunities to care for diverse patient populations and a culture where I can be my authentic self and maintain a healthy work/life balance. From the moment I joined, I've known my family and I can flourish here.Dario Vanegas, MD, Family Medicine Resident, PGY-2
Program graduates
To stay connected with our current and former remarkable residents, follow Novant Health NHRMC family medicine residency on Instagram.
A vibrant place to live and work
Our faculty
Learn about the expert team of educators who will use their diverse experience to train you into the best physician you can be, all while getting to know you individually.
Contact & support
For questions, email Program Administrator Heather Hawkins at Heather.Hawkins@NovantHealth.org.
Administrative Office Address
Family Medicine Residency Program
2523 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403