Current Program Residents
Meet the general surgery residents at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center: a diverse group of future surgical leaders committed to clinical excellence and supporting the well-being of the communities we serve.
Richard Jernigan, MD
MD: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: surfing, board games, weightlifting
Alyssa Piscitello-Nolan, DO
DO: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Middletown

Hobbies & interests: hanging out with family and friends
Kathleen C. Riley, DO
DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) - Carolinas Campus

Hobbies & interests: playing with my French Bulldog, Winnie; trying new Wilmington restaurants, home improvement projects; running
Yvette Rodriguez, MD
MD: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: painting, Pilates with Amy, yoga with Amanda, weightlifting, being in nature, makeup
Adam Wegener, MD
MD: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: snowboarding, weightlifting, piano
Matthew Beck, MD
MD: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: fitness, golf, surfing, fostering dogs
Natalie Barnette, MD
MD: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: avid skydiver with over 100 solo jumps; competing in four-way formation skydiving (requires a team of four people to create a sequence of formations during 90 seconds of free fall)
Amy Gin-Gossett, MD
MD: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: going to the beach, working out with my co-interns, running with my dogs
Eric Minnix, MD
MD: Florida State University College of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: surfing, weight training, going to the beach with my kiddos
Hanah Lee, MD
MD: St. George’s University School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: animals, plants, macrame, hiking, camping, paddleboarding; anything outdoors or in the water
Macie Edwards, MD
MD: Mercer University School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: reading, playing with my cats, CrossFit, live music
Bailey Gutierrez, MD
MD: 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, two-stepping, snuggling with my cat, Peggy (8 pounds of pure cross-eyed, Siamese cat magic)
Patrick Juneau, MD
MD: Louisiana State University Health Shreveport

Hobbies & interests: fishing, hunting, mountain biking, golfing, fitness, gardening, spending time with my wife, surfing
Jernell Simmons, MD
MD: University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: weightlifting, sports, hiking
Anshika Bandy, DO
MD: New Mexico State University Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies & interests: traveling, Pilates, cooking, shopping, weightlifting, long walks with my dog
Christopher Goddard, DO
DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) - Carolinas Campus

Hobbies & interests: camping with my wife in our renovated pop-up camper, cycling, fishing at the beach
Arnavaz Hajizadeh Barfejani, MD, Pharm. D
MD: Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland

Hobbies & interests: long-distance running, cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, listening to a wide range of audiobooks
Payton O'Quinn, MD
MD: East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: reading (particularly historical biographies), being outdoors and exploring nature, college football (especially the NC State Wolfpack), playing video games, theology
Meera Parikh, MD
MD: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: photography, going to the beach, thrifting, trying new recipes/restaurants, crocheting, finding time to work as a film extra
Salomon Ariza, MD
MD: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: spending time with the fam, soccer, college basketball, music, chilling with the homies
Caitlin Blades, MD
MD: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: road trips, fishing, crabbing, thrift-store treasure hunts, trying new restaurants, rollerblading, baking from scratch
Bailey Boyd, MD
MD: Mercer University School of Medicine

Hobbies & interests: golf, travel, hiking, hanging out with my cat, Chloe
Gabriella Gee, MD
MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia

Hobbies & interests: working out, being in the sun, spending time with family and friends, baking, going for walks with my dog, finding fun coffee shops or new places to eat, reading, chatting about new music and shows (especially a good reality TV show) cheering on the Gamecocks
Casey Northrup, MD
MD: Albany Medical College

Hobbies & interests: volleyball, soccer, weightlifting, yoga, paddleboarding, pickleball, cooking, exploring new restaurants and cafés, traveling
Evan Peck, DO
DO: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies & interests: sports, especially Carolina Hurricanes hockey and UNC basketball; cooking; running; trying out local restaurants and coffee shops
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.Natalie Barnette, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-4
Having grown up in a small coastal community, I have a deep appreciation for the area's natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The people here are welcoming, hardworking and have a strong sense of community. Together, these qualities make Wilmington feel like home.Caitlin Blades, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-1
I love living close to the beach, the high volume and hands-on training, supportive culture and how welcomed I felt by everyone during my interview.Bailey Boyd, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-1
There are so many fun food and coffee spots to explore [in Wilmington], and, as a bonus, every single person I have met has been welcoming, kind and helpful.Gabriella Gee, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-1
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.Patrick Juneau, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-3
I’ve spent most of my life in Albany, NY, so I’m really looking forward to exploring somewhere new with a warmer climate where I can enjoy my hobbies year-round (or closer to it).Casey Northrup, MD, General Surgery Resident, PGY-1
From residency to real-world impact
We prepare our surgeons to take their next steps with purpose and confidence. Our graduates go on to grow as leaders, whether they pursue specialized training, move into roles in academic centers or pursue private practice.
A vibrant place to live and work
Meet our faculty
Our general surgery residency faculty are more than educators. They partner with you during your time here, teaching you evidence-based skills, offering support and creating a culture that sets our program apart.
Contact & support
For questions, email Program Administrator Kathy Radley, C-TAGME, at Kathy.Radley@NovantHealth.org.
Administrative Office Address
General Surgery Residency Program
2131 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401