Baptist Health Deaconess - Family Medicine Residency

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Resident Profiles

Third Year Residents

Madeeha Ahmed, MD

Class of 2026
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate Training: Sam Houston State University, Houston, TX
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Hobbies: There are so many things I love! Traveling, eating delicious food, playing violin/piano, live music and karaoke, working out, Astronomy, movies and binging my favorite shows, and spending time with my husband and our family and friends. Fun Fact: I won a dance contest when I was 10-years-old and the prize was a mini-sofa

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
I never thought I would find a program that embodied why I love medicine in the first place, but I found that at Baptist. The residents and faculty were like a family with each other. They actually cared about who we were as people, what we value, and the type of future we want to build. When I met all the residents at the meet-and-greet, I remember thinking they all looked so happy!! Everyone from the faculty and staff to residents presented their authentic selves and what we saw is truly what we got. BHDM was the only interview where faculty members gave practical advice saying “even if you don’t come here, do this-and-this thing because it will help you in the future, make sure you look for these things in your contracts, etc.” It was proof that the BHDM program provides career and personal development on another level. I have no doubt that BHDM will help me prepare for the future, while enjoying this rewarding and challenging process now.

CAREER GOALS
My goal is to be the type of family physician that I have always wanted my parents, family, and friends to have. A physician who cares not only about their physical health, but about them as a human. In a program like this I’ll have the opportunity to work with many different specialists first-hand, and not get lost in a sea of residents at larger programs or hospitals. Learning in this type of unopposed residency program will strengthen my knowledge of various specialties which will allow me to be the more holistic physician that I’d like to become. It will also give me the opportunity to work in rural areas with limited specialist support and possibly help people that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get the help they need. I’m ready and excited to learn to be a great physician who patients trust and to be a physician who cares about my patients mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Uqba Ahmed, MD

Class of 2026
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Undergraduate Training: University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Medical School: Caribbean Medical University
Hobbies: roots extend to India, but the richest years of my life were those spent in Pickering and Toronto, Canada which were where the cities I grew up in. I've lived in so many different areas across the US, but this is my first time in Madisonville, Kentucky. Outside of work I enjoy music, piano, soccer, ping-pong, home renovations, travelling, watching standup comedy shows, exploring nearby parks and nature trails and most importantly spending quality time with my wife, friends and family. Fun Fact: I can’t read music but I can play the piano by ear on my phone and pick up on random pattern of keys to play.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
I chose BHDFM because I loved my interactions with all the residents and faculty on the interview day and they truly felt like a family. Finding a residency program that felt like home was very important to me. I wanted to choose a program that was diverse, had a supportive environment with a comprehensive curriculum and provided equally high quality of clinical training in both hospital and outpatient settings. In addition, I'm glad that I'll be able to work with underserved populations while learning my best to serve and advocate for them. I strongly felt that BHDFM would be a place where I would get excellent overall training and have opportunities to grow in the areas I am most passionate about.

CAREER GOALS
I am primarily interested in hospital medicine, preventative and lifestyle medicine, procedures, and general practice primary care.

Hachel Cruz-Pardo, MD

Class of 2026
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergraduate Training: City college Miami, AVALON University
Medical School: AVALON University of Medicine
Hobbies: Gardening, hiking, animals, singing, kayaking

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
My goal was to find a program that would train me to become proficient in every health condition that I could face during my medical career. I decided to come to Baptist Health because, during my rotations in rural areas, I realized that my passion was to bring medical care to underserved communities. In addition, I want to bring excellent care to the geriatric population. Baptist Health had it all, integrated unopposed training, the underserved population, and access to geriatrics care training.

CAREER GOALS
My career goals are to work outpatient and inpatient. Create a medical office to integrate traditional, preventive medicine and procedures where the patients can find all their medical needs in one place.

Jasmin Goocher, MD

Class of 2026
Hometown: Spring, TX
Undergraduate Training: St. John's University
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Hobbies: CrossFit, enjoying the outdoors with my family and our dog, trying new foods.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
When deciding where I wanted to complete my residency, I knew I wanted to do it in a rural setting where the program would be unopposed. Baptist Health Deaconess had both. After my interview, where I felt very comfortable and welcomed, I realized how the current residents and faculty/staff treated each other like family. That’s when I knew Baptist was where I wanted to be.

CAREER GOALS
After completing residency, I would like to work in a family medicine clinic where I can focus on the importance of weight management and the impact it has on one’s health.

Jake Judd, MD

Class of 2026
Hometown: Pima, AZ
Undergraduate Training: I studied Athletic Training at Weber State University in Ogden, UT
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Hobbies: I love doing anything with my wife and kids such as camping, going to the sand dunes for the weekend, dancing in the kitchen or just simply watching a movie. Growing up my family’s hobby was rodeo. I particularly enjoy participating in the Team Roping event. I also enjoy carpentry.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess because I felt like I really clicked with some of the residents I got to meet when I visited the campus. I also enjoyed the small town feel while I was visiting, and I felt very comfortable there due to my upbringing in a small town. I feel like the training I will get here will be similar to what I will experience in my career back in Arizona.

CAREER GOALS
I would like to eventually return home to AZ and raise my children around family. I would like to join a family practice and in addition the family medicine use my education in athletic training to offer sports medicine as well.

Joseph Rollins, DO

Class of 2026
Hometown: Corbin, KY
Undergraduate Training: Eastern Kentucky University
Medical School: University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I am a hobby junkie – I’ve not met one I don’t like. I am a very hands-on person and enjoy expressing my creativity through woodworking, sewing, painting, drawing, and home-brewing. In addition, I love tinkering with technology, video games, and strategy table top games.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
I have a life long relationship with Baptist Health – I was born at Baptist Health Corbin (then Baptist Regional Medical Center), my mom was a nurse there, and I completed my medical school clerkships with Baptist Health Richmond, so I’ve come to know the excellence in care that the hospital system offers. What’s more, Baptist Health Deaconess offered the things I most desired in my medical training: the opportunity to learn and practice rural health in a facility with the advantages of a major healthcare system and an unopposed residency that would allow me to reach my full potential as a Family Medicine Physician. Their genuine care, compassion, and dedication to not only their patients and community, but to their residents, really solidified my decision.

CAREER GOALS
My goal is to practice as a Family Medicine Physician in rural Kentucky. I want to give back and support the communities that raised me throughout my journey to becoming a doctor. I want to use my knowledge and position as a pillar in my community to advocate and support marginalized groups and ensure that they are afforded quality and compassionate care.

Second Year Residents

Reid Baker, MD

Class of 2027
Hometown: Fredonia, Kentucky
Undergraduate Training: Murray State University
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: My family and my church in Fredonia, Ky are very important to me and take up much of my free time. I am married with kids and enjoy doing things like going to parks, playgrounds, beaches, and zoos with them. I love to play golf with my father and friends and have recently gotten my son into it.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
I wish to stay in this part of the state and have a traditional physician experience. Things change, but I enjoy the clinic, the emergency department, and hospital medicine and see myself doing a bit of each in a small and rural area. I enjoy getting to know my patients and where they are from whether I am seeing them in the office, during a minor procedure, or the inpatient setting. I hope to provide the best healthcare that I can and better the lives of those that seek my help.

WHY CHOOSE DEACONESS?
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville for residency because of the array of opportunities available here. Being an unopposed residency, we have the ability to get significant experience in whatever we are interested in.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
For me, the best part of living in Madisonville is being back close to family and friends. My family and I never cared for the years we spent in Kentucky’s larger cities for my medical education. I prefer rural areas with lots of nature to enjoy and a more peaceful pace of life. We appreciate being back in a town where your neighbors would do most anything for you, and so many people say, “Have a blessed day.”

Benjammin Barbee, MD

Class of 2027
Hometown: Indio, California
Undergraduate Training: Pepperdine University
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, exercising, football, outdoor adventures and reading.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
I want to practice as a Family Medicine Physician and to give back and support the communities that gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream. I want to help my patients develop healthier lifestyles and ensure that they are afforded quality and compassionate care.

WHY CHOOSE DEACONESS?
I can’t think of a better place to train and develop. Everyone here is friendly and welcoming. Baptist Health Deaconess is a highly supportive and organized program with a comprehensive curriculum. The opportunity to train in a rural community will give you plenty of valuable hands-on training. We are also near larger cities like Evansville, Nashville and Clarksville.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
Small town community, everyone here is so friendly. Cost of living is great. Beautiful community full of trees and lakes, fresh air and bright stars at night. You get to enjoy the 4 seasons and you’ll find it refreshing and quiet out here. Amazing parks and plenty of great trails if you’re into hiking, running, mountain biking, etc.

Michael Ebisi, MD

Class of 2027
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Undergraduate Training: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: Avalon University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: Originally from Nigeria. Love Boxing/MMA. Enjoy physical fitness and exercising. Enjoy playing video games in my downtime. Love trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
My goal is to go into sports medicine and open my own clinic.

WHY CHOOSE DEACONESS?
I do not like living in the city. The class is much smaller so I will have more one on one time with my attendings. Baptist Health Deaconess is a very nurturing place that I know will shape me into a great doctor.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
The residents are very kind and appreciative of their doctors. The small-town vibe is better for me than a big city. Madisonville is constantly expanding and growing.

Sanaa Mirza, MD

Class of 2027
Hometown: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Undergraduate Training: University Nicosia
Medical School: International American University College of Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I love to travel and explore new places, and I enjoy swimming.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
During residency, I'll explore different subspecialties to find my strongest interests. Baptist Health Deaconess offers a comprehensive training program that will provide invaluable insights, guiding me toward a specialty that matches my passion and strengths. This journey will enrich my medical knowledge and shape my future career decisions.

WHY CHOOSE DEACONESS?
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess for my medical residency because of its outstanding training program. The residents' enthusiastic endorsements and the strong sense of community among them assured me of the program's excellence. Moreover, the exceptional support provided by the faculty, their accessibility, and active participation in residents' development were pivotal factors in my decision. These qualities align perfectly with my professional values and ensure that I will be well-prepared for my medical career.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
The best part of living in Madisonville, Kentucky, is the strong sense of community, the relatively affordable cost of living, and its convenient proximity to larger cities. The area's natural beauty and friendly atmosphere further enhance its appeal.

Yerlin Perez-Moux, MD

Class of 2027
Hometown: Florida, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate Training: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St Kitts and Nevis
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I enjoy growing vegetables and flowers.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
As a future family physician, my career goal is to deliver accessible, patient-centered healthcare to individuals and families across diverse communities. I am dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care that focuses on preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and promoting overall well- being. Additionally, I aspire to foster strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Through continuous education, collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, and a commitment to evidence-based practice, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the health and quality of life of those I serve, while also advocating for health equity and addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

WHY CHOOSE DEACONESS?
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess for my Family Medicine Residency because it provides a comprehensive training in a supportive and collaborative environment. The program’s emphasis on patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my values, allowing me to cultivate the skills necessary to deliver compassionate and effective healthcare. Moreover, the diverse patient population and exposure to a wide range of medical conditions offer invaluable learning opportunities that will undoubtedly enrich my clinical experience and prepare me to excel as a competent family physician.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
The best part of living in Madisonville is its people, the strong sense of community. Since arriving I felt welcome to the community. People are kind, nice and willing to give you a hand when needed, something that you rarely see in big cities. Also, its proximity to larger cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Louisville, Chattanooga and Owensboro allows one to enjoy the peacefulness and benefits of the small town while still being able to enjoy the amenities and beauty of the other cities.

Arvinder Singh, MD

Class of 2027
Hometown: Emeryville, California
Medical School: Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I love dancing (Bhangra), playing video games, writing Hindi poetry, binge watching movies, TV series and anime.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
My goal is to become an experienced primary care provider who can work in any setting. I am interested in hospital medicine, procedures and primary care.

WHY CHOOSE DEACONESS?
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess because it is an unopposed program, which means I will have a lot of hands-on experience in every specialty, and it will also help me provide the utmost care to underserved communities. During my interview, I felt supported and welcomed. I remember the faculty and the residents being so nice and kind to me, which assured my decision to become a part of this family. I am excited to work with this residency program and to consider it my family for the next three years and beyond.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
Madisonville offers quiet, peaceful, and family-friendly vibes. It is a small city, so there is not much traffic, and everything is within a 10-minute distance. It is cost-effective as well, and Madisonville is within a 1-2 hour drive of bigger cities like Nashville and Evansville when you want to explore during the weekends. Whether you're looking for tranquility or easy access to urban adventures, Madisonville provides the perfect balance.

First Year Residents

Tate Burris, MD

Class of 2028
Hometown: Madisonville, KY
Undergraduate Training: Murray State University
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Trover Campus
Hobbies/Fun Fact: Golf, Pickleball, Tennis

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
My goal is to practice outpatient primary care here in Madisonville, while also working part-time in the emergency room.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
Madisonville has been my home my entire life. I have always loved living here, and the people of this community have always supported me. The fact that I can continue training here and continue giving back to this community is truly special to me.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
I enjoy that Madisonville still has that feeling of living in a small town, but it is always consistently growing.

Tyler Howard, MD

Class of 2028
Hometown: Owensboro, KY
Undergraduate Training: University of Louisville: Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine: Bowling Green
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I enjoy watching Formula One, playing golf, finding new places to eat with my wife, and just hanging out with friends. I also like to work on cars and motorcycles when I have free time.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
I’m passionate about full-spectrum family medicine and plan to practice in a rural community where I can care for patients from all backgrounds. I am particularly interested in continuity of care and look forward to seeing patients for many years. I also want to mentor future medical students — especially those from non-traditional or first-generation backgrounds — and serve as a resource and advocate for my community.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville because I feel it is best for me to train in the same setting that I want practice. On my interview day, I felt immediately welcomed by the residents and faculty, and it was clear that this is a program where people genuinely support each other. I knew this was the right place for me to become the physician I want to be.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
I am from Owensboro, so Madisonville feels like home to me. I love the slower pace of life and the strong sense of community. Being close to family, surrounded by people who are kind and neighborly, and having access to beautiful natural areas all make living here special.

Afzal Malik, MD

Class of 2028
Hometown: Selden, New York
Undergraduate Training: Stony Brook University
Medical School: Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I enjoy watching movies and cooking different types of food. I also can do a few tricks with a yo-yo.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
I would like to practice either in an outpatient or inpatient office.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
I chose Deaconess because of my interview experience. Everyone I met in the program was very friendly and welcoming. The program has residents from many different backgrounds; during interview day we had lunch and the hospital provided different options of food for those who follow different dietary restrictions. I enjoy the fact it's a noncompetitive atmosphere and there's ample opportunity to learn as much as you can.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
Moving from New York, I enjoy the fact that there is no traffic and I can drive comfortably wherever I want to go. There is also a strong sense of community where neighbors look out for each other.

Deepa Patel, MD

Class of 2028
Hometown: Russellville, KY
Undergraduate Training: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I love spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, watching and playing football, working out, and exploring new restaurants. I also enjoy hanging out with my dog, Ollie — he keeps life fun and energetic!

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
My current career goal is to practice as a family medicine physician in a rural setting, with interests in outpatient medicine, hospitalist work, or emergency department care. I’m keeping my options open at this stage because I have a wide range of interests and want to find the path that best aligns with my strengths and the needs of the community I serve.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville was my first interview, and from the moment I arrived, I felt right at home. The program's welcoming atmosphere, supportive faculty, and friendly residents immediately stood out to me. Being just an hour from home, the location is ideal — close enough to stay connected with family while serving a small, rural community that aligns with my long-term career goals. I truly believe this program offers the kind of strong, hands-on training and supportive environment where I can grow both personally and professionally.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
The best part about living in Madisonville is the people — everyone is welcoming and community-oriented. The city has a small-town charm, and places like the Arboretum provide a peaceful spot to take a walk and unwind. There are also frequent weekend events that bring the community together and make living here fun and engaging.

Kavya Remala, MD

Class of 2028
Hometown: Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Medical School: Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Foundation
Hobbies/Fun Fact: I enjoy watching crime documentaries, traveling with my husband, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Whether it's planning our next trip or trying a new dish, I love exploring both the world and flavors together.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
As a future family physician, my primary goal is to serve as a dedicated and compassionate primary care provider in a rural or underserved community. Equally important to me is maintaining a meaningful balance between my professional and personal life. I want to build a career where I am not only accessible to my patients but also fully present for my family.

WHY CHOOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE?
I chose Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville because of its strong commitment to serving rural and underserved communities, which aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a primary care physician in a rural setting. During my interview, everyone I met spoke with a smile and welcomed me with open hearts — it truly felt like a place where I would be supported both professionally and personally. The program’s focus on work-life balance and comprehensive, patient-centered training made it the ideal fit for my future in family medicine.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN MADISONVILLE?
What I love most about Madisonville is the clean, peaceful environment. As a new mom, it means a lot to raise my son in a place with zero pollution, fresh air, and a slower pace of life. I want his early years to be surrounded by calm, nature, and a strong sense of community — far from the chaos of the busy world. Madisonville offers that perfect balance of quality living and meaningful work.

Dalton Riley, MD

Class of 2028
Hometown: Benton, KY
Undergraduate Training: University of Kentucky
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Hobbies/Fun Fact: Spending time outdoors

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
Growing up in rural Western Kentucky, I witnessed firsthand the challenges my community faces in accessing quality healthcare and medical education. These experiences have shaped my commitment to a career in primary care, where I hope to serve as a trusted and reliable figure in my community. My goal is not only to provide compassionate, comprehensive care but also to help patients navigate the healthcare system with confidence and clarity.

WHY I CHOSE BAPTIST HEALTH DEACONESS MADISONVILLE
Baptist Deaconess Madisonville offers me the unique privilege of training in a community and culture that I deeply care about, while also providing exceptional clinical experience and education.