General Surgery Residents
Matthew Beck, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Military Medicine, General Surgery vs. Vascular Surgery
Hometown and State: Davidson, NC
Undergraduate School: High Point University
Major and Degree: B.S. Biochemistry
Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Fitness, Golf, Surfing, & Fostering Dogs
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Masonboro Island is everyone’s private island
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: You will be at the sole major medical center for a large part of North Carolina.
Amanda Briese, DO
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: General Surgery
Hometown and State: Ormond Beach, FL
Undergraduate School: Integrative Biology- University of Florida; M.S. Medical Sciences- University of South Florida
Major and Degree: B.S. Biology, minor Medical Humanities
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine: Bradenton
Hobbies, Interests: Yoga, My two rescue dogs, Live Music
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington has been called “Wilmywood”. Popular television series and movies have been filmed here like “One Tree Hill” and “Iron Man 3”.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: You are trained to be well rounded doctor and skilled surgeon.
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Gowri Chandrashekar, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I - Preliminary
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: OB/GYN
Hometown and State: Troy, MI
Undergraduate School: University of Michigan
Major and Degrees: Neuroscience Major, Gender and Health minor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology minor
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Film photography, crocheting, college football, f1, painting
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Carolina Beach is one of the few places in the world that Venus fly traps can be found growing in the wild.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: It’s a really great learning environment that really helps you develop your clinical judgement.
Natalie Cuevas, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Rural General Surgery
Hometown and State: Brunswick and Forsyth County, North Carolina
Undergraduate School: University of California Los Angeles
Major and Degree: B.S. Psychobiology
Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Avid skydiver with over 100 solo jumps. I enjoy competing in 4-way formation skydiving which requires a team of 4 people to create a sequence of formations during 90 seconds of free fall.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington hosts the Azaela Festival each year which showcases the community's rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture through family friendly events.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Wilmington is a great place to live and Novant Health NHRMC is an even better place to learn with a fantastic community of master surgical educators prepared to support generations of future surgeons.
Macie Edwards, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Rural General Surgery or Endocrine Surgery
Hometown and State: Hamilton, GA
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia
Major and Degree: B.S. Chemistry
Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Reading, playing with my cats, CrossFit, live music
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Iron Man 3 was filmed in Wilmington and even parts at the hospital!
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: This program offers everything you could need in a program: early operative experience, family environment, connections/opportunities for fellowship, and a great location.
Amy Gin-Gossett, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided
Hometown and State: Oklahoma City, OK
Undergraduate School: Oklahoma State University
Major and Degree: B.S. Biochemistry
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Going to the beach and working out with my co-interns and running with my dogs.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington is full of restaurants; so, it is exciting to try all of them.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: There is immense support here from faculty and co-residents for education and personal life which I am so thankful for after moving away from home.
Jillian Graff, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Critical Care
Hometown: Candia, NH
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina
Major and Degree: BA in Psychology
Medical School: University of South Carolina-Columbia
Hobbies, Interests: Hanging out with my dog Obi, soccer, horses
Most interesting fact about Wilmington: It's very dog friendly!!
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Support you get from you co-residents and attendings!
Education
University of South Carolina- Columbia
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency
Bailey Gutierrez, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Probably Trauma and Critical Care
Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas
Undergraduate School: The University of Texas at Austin
Major and Degrees: B.A. Iberian/Latin American Languages and Cultures; Spanish, Minor in Chemistry
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Trying new bars/restaurants with my co-residents, cultivating my houseplant jungle, live country music and two-stepping, and snuggling with my cat Peggy (8lbs of pure cross-eyed, Siamese magic)
Most interesting fact about Wilmington: There are crazy big trees and a whole ocean here, which if you're like me and moved from West Texas, is dang cool
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: I came here after completing a prelim surgery year in Texas because I saw that they were a very busy surgical program that created surgeons who were ready to go right into practice. The hours are long, and the work can feel hard, but the co-residents and culture here definitely make the long days’ worth it!
Matthew G. Hager, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided, Trauma/Global Health
Hometown and State: Clearwater, FL
Undergraduate School: Florida State University
Major and Degree: Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, skateboarding, kayaking, hiking, woodworking, playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with my amazing wife and dog. Very much interested in medical missions/ global health.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington: Its got a lot of great surfing & people!! It’s a good mix of beach feels with genuine southern hospitality. Also, so many great parks and trails to explore!
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Close-knit family environment, where you are challenged but always supported and cared for. The people are genuine and truly seek your best interests. Also, high case volumes allowing graduates the competency to go straight into private practice, and/or the opportunity to pursue any subspecialty! All in all, it really boils down to the great people here at NHRMC!
Education
Florida State University College of Medicine
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Richard Jernigan, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided
Hometown and State: Belews Creek, NC
Undergraduate School: Barton College
Major and Degree: B.S. Biology
Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, Board Games, Weightlifting
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : National Geographic named Wilmington as one of the top 20 surf towns in the world.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The volume of opportunities for learning/growth is probably not matched by many other programs.
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Patrick Juneau, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided (CT, Vasc, Trauma)
Hometown and State: Destrehan, Louisiana
Undergraduate School: Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Major and Degree: Bachelor of Science, Biology and Chemistry
Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
Hobbies, Interests: Fishing, Hunting, mountain biking, golfing, fitness, gardening, spending time with my wife, now surfing.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met live here in Wilmington. The whole town is very dog friendly, and beach vibes permeate every street corner
Most important to know about NHRMC: We operate early and often, attendings genuinely care about residents and take time to sculpt us into excellent surgeons, residents love one another and will do anything for each other- inside the hospital or out.
Jill M. Kanney, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Acute Care Surgery
Hometown and State: Coldwater, Ohio
Undergraduate School: The Ohio State University
Major and Degree: B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, running, playing acoustic guitar, playing piano, cooking/baking
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Wilmington, NC was #1 on the list for most inbound residents and fastest growing metro area in 2022.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: We are a work hard, play hard crew. There is very little time to sit still on the job, but once we're off work you can find most of us enjoying the beach life and all of the restaurants, concerts, outdoor activities, etc that this beach town has to offer!
Education
The Ohio State University
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Joel Keefe, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Vascular Surgery
Hometown and State: Cheraw, South Carolina
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina, Columbia
Major and Degree: Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Hobbies, Interests: Golf, spending time with family, wakeboarding, hunting, soccer
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : President Woodrow Wilson lived in Wilmington from 1874-1882.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Early operative experience and high volume. Very supportive faculty and co-residents that quickly become part of your family.
Hanah Lee, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided
Hometown and State: Sayville, NY
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Major and Degree: B.A. Biology; Master’s in Public Health (Long Island University)
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Animals, Plants, Macrame, Hiking, Camping, Paddleboarding… anything outdoors or in the water!
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : There are many sunken ships nearby in the Atlantic Ocean providing great diving.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Supportive Faculty and Co-residents!
Justin Leavitt, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Surgical critical care
Hometown and State: Orem, UT
Undergraduate School: Utah Valley University
Major and Degree: BS; Emergency Services Administration
Medical School: University of Utah School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: The beach, photography, running, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, piano.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Michael Jordan lived in Wilmington, NC! Years later he would face off against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals where he definitely pushed off.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Our residents get a lot of varied experiences early and often at the largest medical center in the region. This prepares our residents for competitive fellowships or to go straight into practice.
John W. Miller, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Plastic Surgery
Hometown and State: Issaquah, Washington
Undergraduate School: Westmont College
Major and Degree: B.S. Neuroscience/Psychology
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Music, finding new restaurants around town/good food & drink, going to the beach, traveling, gardening, and video games
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : We are burgeoning food and music scene.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: We are a busy program but the surgical experiences and surgical training here is second to none.
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Eric Minnix, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY II
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: General Surgery or Acute Care
Hometown and State: Clearwater, FL
Undergraduate School: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Major and Degree: B.S. Biology/Chemistry
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Surfing, Weight training, Beach with my kiddos
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : There is a brewery on every corner.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The residents and faculty are the most supportive group of people I have ever met.
Alyssa Piscitello-Nolan, DO
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Undecided
Hometown and State: Monroe, NY
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina: Wilmington
Major and Degree: BA, Psychology (Minor: Neuroscience) MS, Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences (Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown Campus)
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown Campus
Hobbies, Interests: Hanging out with family and friends.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Venus flytraps only occur naturally within a 75-mile radius around Wilmington, North Carolina.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: Co-residents in these programs are supportive and willing to help you with anything.
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Lindsey Register, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: General surgery
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergraduate School: University of Florida
Major and Degree: B.S. Nutritional Sciences
Medical School: University of South Carolina-Greenville
Hobbies, Interests: Traveling, sports, gardening, cooking, snuggling my son Bo
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Has a welcoming small-town feel, but lots to do both downtown and at the beach.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: This place is a hidden gem- you will work hard and learn to be a great surgeon, but you will have a family of co-residents and attendings that care about you and support you along the way.
Education
University of South Carolina-Greenville
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency
Kathleen C. Riley, DO
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Plastic or Breast Surgery
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina
Major and Degree: B.S. Biology, minor Medical Humanities
Medical School: VCOM-Carolinas
Hobbies, Interests: Playing with my French Bulldog Winnie, trying new Wilmington restaurants, home improvement projects and running
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : The best higher end food of any city I have ever lived in
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: We operate a lot with phenomenal instruction and that we truly are family here. My best friends are my co-residents.
Education
University of South Carolina
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency
Yvette Rodriguez, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY IV
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Acute Care Surgery or Colorectal Surgery
Hometown: Miami FL
Undergraduate School: Florida International University
Major and Degree: B.S. Biology; minor in psychology
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Painting, Pilates with Amy and yoga with Amanda, weightlifting, being in nature, and makeup.
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Carolina Beach State Park is one of the few places in the world where the Venus flytrap can be seen in its native environment.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: A lot of personal and professional support
Education
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Residency
Jernell Simmons, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY I
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Trauma/Acute Care Surgery
Hometown: Selma, AL
Undergraduate School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Major and Degree: B.S in Biology and M.S in Biotechnology
Medical School: University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Weightlifting, sports, and hiking
Most interesting fact about Wilmington : Iron man 3 was filmed here
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: It is a great program to be a part of. It really does feel like a family here and everyone is very supportive of one another from faculty, staff, and co-residents.
Sanja Sljivic, DO
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY V
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: Acute and Reconstructive Burn Surgery
Hometown and State: California
Undergraduate School: Rhodes College in Memphis, TN
Major and Degree: B.S. Psychology with emphasis in Biology
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: It’s a great program that will provide you with operative experience early on in your training.
Adam Wegener, MD
Novant Health General Surgery Resident, PGY III
Biography
Anticipated Career in Surgery: General Surgery
Hometown and State: Oxford, NC
Undergraduate School: North Carolina State University
Major and Degree: MS-Biomedical sciences (Duke University), BS-Biology, Minor-Nutrition
Medical School: UNC School of Medicine
Hobbies, Interests: Snowboarding, Weight Lifting, Piano
Most interesting fact about Wilmington: SNL deli has a sandwich named after one of our attendings.
Most essential thing an applicant to the program should know about NHRMC: The quality and quantity of cases in this program is second to none.
Residencies
New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Current Resident
Contact Us
Residency Administrative Office
Surgery Residency Program 2131 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401
For questions concerning the residency program, contact:
Kathy Radley Program Administrator
910-667-9287
kathy.radley@novanthealth.org
For questions concerning student rotations, contact:
Dusty Brandon Academic Program Specialist
910-667-9220
dusty.brandon@novanthealth.org