Family Medicine Residents at Morton Plant Hospital
Class of 2029
Nora Albibi, MD
Hometown: Panama City, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Florida State University
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: When applying to family medicine residency programs, I was looking for a program that offered strong, well-rounded clinical training and maintained a supportive, collaborative environment. It was important for me to find a program that emphasizes preventative care, patient-centered medicine and opportunities to grow in areas like lifestyle medicine and wellness. After completing my rotation, it became clear how well it aligned with what I was looking for in my training. I was able to see firsthand the strong clinical education, supportive culture and dedication to patient care, and I feel incredibly grateful to be continuing my training in a place that reflects my goals and values.
Prachi Bhavsar, DO
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Des Moines University
Why Choose BayCare: Something I value in medicine is the privilege of building long-term relationships with patients—being someone they can rely on at every stage of life, knowing that whatever comes up, we’ll navigate it together. I’ve especially valued experiences where I could follow patients over time, understand their lives beyond a single visit, and take part in both their preventive care and more complex medical decisions, which is what ultimately drew me to family medicine. I love the idea of incorporating procedures into my practice, and I appreciate the unique balance the field offers. I was looking for a program that truly reflects these values, and the residency stood out to me in every way, especially on interview day. The strong support for pursuing individual goals, combined with the sense of teamwork and community, makes me incredibly excited to be part of the family.
Taylor Donald, MD
Hometown: Fleming Island, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Miami
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: When searching for a family medicine residency, I looked for an unopposed program that could bridge the gap between rigorous academic learning and strong, community-based training. I wanted a broad scope of practice that offered the freedom to explore my interests in integrative medicine. What stuck out most to me was the culture—a tight-knit community with the faculty support necessary to reach my future goals. During my visit, I realized that the genuine sense of belonging here—combined with a rigorous clinical environment—would allow me to thrive both as a physician and as an individual.
Wheddy Laguerre, MD
Hometown: Winter Garden, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Florida International University
Medical School: Loma Linda University
Why Choose BayCare: When applying to family medicine residency programs, I was looking for a place that offers strong, full-spectrum training in an unopposed setting, with meaningful procedural experience and a focus on whole-person care. During my internship here, I was immediately struck by how supportive and genuinely collaborative the residents and faculty are. It felt like a community I could truly be a part of. I was especially excited by the program’s emphasis on WPC and unique opportunities like the culinary clinic, which perfectly reflect my interest in integrative approaches to patient care. Everything about this program felt like the right fit.
Britannia Noel, MD
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: BayCare was always at the top of my list when applying to family medicine residency programs. I was looking for a program close to my support system that would also foster a supportive and collaborative training environment. From my first interactions with the residents and faculty, it became clear that this program embodies these qualities.
Ethan Scammell, DO
Hometown: Stuart, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Florida State University
Medical School: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: When exploring family medicine residency programs, I prioritized training, culture and location. I was looking for programs that provided strong, broad training in an unopposed environment. During my interview and second look, I experienced the culture and positive environment of this program firsthand. I also have a lot of support from friends and family in the Tampa area, and I love being near the water. When considering all of the above, BayCare was the best fit for me, and I’m so grateful to have matched here.
Ria Shah, MD
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: As I approached the residency application process, I was intentional about finding a program that would both challenge me academically and support my growth into a confident, well-rounded family physician. With my wide-ranging interests within family medicine, I sought a program that would nurture curiosity, encourage exploration across clinical settings and allow me to remain deeply rooted in serving my community. What stood out most was the genuine sense of connection among residents and faculty. The culture of support, collaboration, and shared purpose made it easy to envision myself training here over the next three years.
Jake Williams, MD
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Education
Undergraduate Education: Belmont University
Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I was looking for a program that emphasized community engagement, broad-spectrum training, and a supportive learning environment where residents are encouraged to grow as both clinicians and leaders. This program embodies all those qualities I value. I was especially drawn to the program’s focus on lifestyle medicine, including the teaching kitchen, which aligns with my interest in holistic care. Combined with meaningful community engagement initiatives, BayCare offers the ideal environment to grow as a well-rounded family physician.
Class of 2028
Alexxia Downie, DO
Hometown: Plymouth, Massachusetts
Education
Undergraduate Education: Northeastern University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: The most important thing to me, aside from strong, broad training in a community setting, was a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to complete an audition rotation at the Family Medicine Residency Program and found exactly what I was looking for. The learning environment created by the faculty and residents is one where everyone supports each other’s growth and individual interests. I truly believe they will help all of us become the best physicians we can be.
Jasmin Yu Lamba, MD
Hometown: Seminole, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Florida State University
Why Choose BayCare: My top priority was finding a supportive environment that felt like family while also preparing me to become a skilled and compassionate physician. The program exceeded all my expectations. I was drawn to the program’s deep commitment to the community, its diverse track options and the strong emphasis on wellness. From the faculty to the residents, everyone I met was incredibly kind, welcoming and clearly passionate about what they do. It felt like a place where I’d be both challenged and supported. As a special bonus, it's the hospital where I was born. I couldn’t imagine a better place to continue my training!
Kathy Nguyen, MD
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Why Choose BayCare: I specifically sought programs that maximized resident autonomy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Throughout my interview, I was impressed by the opportunities to build procedural skills, teach medical students and care for a socioeconomically and linguistically diverse patient population. I also desired to be close to family and to re-experience living in a large metropolitan area.
Angelica Ortega, DO
Hometown: Clearwater, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I’m thrilled and honored to continue my training in family medicine with BayCare. From the moment I engaged with the faculty, residents and staff, I felt an incredible sense of camaraderie, support and enthusiasm that made it clear this was the perfect place for me. The program’s welcoming and collaborative environment, combined with its commitment to education and patient care, made it my top choice. I was especially drawn to the diverse patient population, exposure to unique pathology and the opportunity to learn from experts across various specialties. I can’t wait to contribute my skills and energy to this vibrant, dynamic community as I strive to provide holistic, full-spectrum family medicine.
Alyson Reese, DO
Hometown: Fishers, Indiana
Education
Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: During my rotation, I was impressed by the supportive culture and genuine kindness of everyone I met. It especially stood out how competent, well-rounded and prepared the residents were. I knew this program offered the unopposed, community-based training I desired with the resources of an academic institution. As someone passionate about lifestyle medicine, I also looked for a program that shares this focus. I’ve been visiting family in Tampa Bay for years and love the area’s liveliness.
Henley Spracklen, MD
Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania
Education
Undergraduate Education: Mercyhurst University
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: When applying to family medicine residency programs, I first looked for programs that had strong connections to sports medicine fellowships. Looking further, though, I also wanted a program that was supported by a strong academic institution while also focusing deeply on community outreach so that I could develop a well-rounded family medicine base. What really drew me to the program in the end was the people—meeting faculty who share similar interests as mine both inside and outside of the hospital made me feel like this could be a place I would not only fit in but thrive in and be excited to wholly support everyone there.
Richard Westfall, MD
Hometown: Chino Hills, California
Education
Undergraduate Education: UCLA
Medical School: Charles E. Schmidt School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I was looking for a family medicine residency that offers unopposed, hands-on training and a strong history of teaching, as well as a place where I could learn more about integrative medicine, one of my main interests in the field. When I interviewed, I felt strongly that the culture and training were a good fit, not to mention the great location.
Jennifer Jallo Zervos, DO
Hometown: Tarpon Springs, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: Florida State University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: It’s the perfect match for my deep-rooted passion for community and my desire to address primary care gaps in Florida. More than just a training program, this will give me another family to grow with and love. The program’s wide range of experiences will help shape me into a well-rounded, compassionate physician while giving me ample exposure to high-acuity care. And perhaps what touches my heart the most is the chance to stay close to my hometown of Tarpon Springs. Being near my church, my family and the lifelong friends who helped raise me means everything. It gives me the priceless opportunity to give back and care for the community that has shaped who I am. I couldn’t imagine a better place to continue my journey!”
Class of 2027
Kyle Campbell, MD
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: As a Tampa native, I’m very excited to start my residency close to home. When applying for residency, I valued having my support network of family and friends close by, which made this program a great fit. I was also fortunate to complete my acting internship here, where I worked alongside the incredible faculty and residents firsthand. I had such a positive experience during that rotation that I was sure it was the perfect fit right from the start.
Zachary Harrison, MD
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia
Education
Undergraduate Education: Emory University
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Why Choose BayCare: I’m thrilled to be joining the BayCare Family Medicine Residency Program. While applying to residency, I was drawn to the program’s strong inpatient and outpatient training, variety of tracks for residents to pursue and location. After meeting and interacting with the faculty and residents during my interview and second look, I knew that the program was right for me.
Catalina Hernandez, MD
Hometown: Saint Cloud, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Central Florida
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: The program left a lasting impression on me from my initial encounter with them at the AAFP National Conference. I was seeking a program that had a close-knit and supportive culture alongside training that aligned with my passion for lifestyle medicine and nutrition. Additionally, I wished for a residency located in a setting endowed with natural beauty, such as the gorgeous beaches of Florida's Gulf Coast.
Asena Markal, MD
Hometown: Holiday, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: What I primarily valued in my search for a family medicine residency was a program that not only focused on a strong curriculum and procedural skills, but also had a supportive faculty and a sense of community and family among the residents. I felt fortunate to find all of these characteristics in this program. I’m also excited to be working in an unopposed academic setting with faculty who support my future career goals. I believe that this training and access to the many resources this program offers will allow me to become an excellent physician in the future.
Allison Mercer, DO
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of South Florida
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: When I looked for family medicine programs to consider, my priorities were finding a program with a strong curriculum and a culture in which I would be comfortable. I decided to visit this program at an in-person open house to get a sense of what it might be like to work and learn here, and I’m so glad I did. The residents all seemed genuinely happy and supported while also experiencing a challenging learning environment. I noticed that everyone I spoke to had priorities similar to mine, not only for their careers in medicine but also for what they want in their personal lives.
Swet Patel, MD
Hometown: Manchester, Georgia
Education
Undergraduate Education: Emory University
Medical School: University of Virginia
Why Choose BayCare: All the faculty, residents and staff I met felt so welcoming and supportive, and I could sense the close bond they shared. In a residency program, I was looking for a place to get robust training where I could learn to take care of any patient with any condition, a great sense of community, and a program that was flexible for my interests. After I found myself comparing every other interview to this one, I knew I’d be happy here.
Justin Shoemaker, MD
Hometown: Gulf Breeze, Florida
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: The most important features I looked for in a residency program were an excellent, well-rounded education, a variety of electives and tracks, and supportive faculty and residents. On my interview day, I truly felt at home and knew this was where I wanted to spend the next three years. I know that the training will equip me to be the best primary care physician I can be. I am looking forward to exploring sunny Clearwater and taking advantage of all that the Tampa Bay area has to offer!
Hannah Thornburg, MD
Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois
Education
Undergraduate Education: University of Miami
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Why Choose BayCare: I was looking for a program that would provide strong training at an academic institution while also offering the broad range of hands-on opportunities that an unopposed, community-based program provides. I also hoped to find a program that would support my specific interests in Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine and foster a positive, fun and supportive culture. It was easy to see during interview day and at the second look that the Family Medicine Residency Program was a perfect fit.