Current Residents

Our residents bring different backgrounds, interests, and paths to emergency medicine, but share a commitment to becoming capable, adaptable emergency physicians and supportive teammates.

CURRENT RESIDENTS

Class of 2027

Avery Ford, MD

Hometown · Las Vegas, Nevada

About me: Sparked by a procedure in the ED at 8 years young, all I've ever wanted to be was a doctor. Four degrees (and plenty of debt) later, I'm now the first physician in my family and growing into the doctor I once only dared to dream of. Choosing this rewarding field allows me to remain embedded in community needs, especially those underserved. My progress is only through the combination of discipline and numerous mentors, with NFEM continuing this standard. I enjoy training in Gainesville where each shift is as diverse as the population we serve.

Hobbies: Live music, concerts and performing arts; anything nature-related; unwinding with friends; grilling; and using my passport as often as possible — 34 countries so far.

Jacob Hafen, MD

Hometown · Orlando, Florida

About me: I was born in Utah but have moved to various states before settling in Florida for the last 10 years, so I consider Florida my home. I have always loved sports, especially football and volleyball. This is my first time being in Gainesville and I am excited to explore the town and various springs and nature preserves around the area. I am potentially interested in EMS as a fellowship opportunity in the future.

Hobbies: Volleyball, golfing, hiking, watching football and fantasy football, and anything to do with board games.

Nicolas Patterson, MD

Hometown · Sarasota, Florida

About me: I fell in love with the variety of cases you see on a daily basis and just had to pursue this rewarding career. I love being able to do a little bit of everything and never having the same day twice.

Hobbies: Hiking and traveling with my fiancé and dog, plants, aquariums, Marvel, and coffee.

Chandler Martin, DO

Hometown · Memphis, Tennessee

About me: I was born and raised in Memphis and stayed put for undergrad. I started undergrad in aerospace engineering and immediately started looking for an alternative during the first semester. I decided on medicine and swapped to a biology major. After undergrad, I moved to Tampa on a whim and gained a love for EM through scribing and EMS before starting medical school in 2020.

Hobbies: Always looking for any excuse or free time to play golf. Otherwise, playing PC games, building PCs, or rewiring my vehicle's stereo system.

Ryan Jobe, MD

Hometown · Chaffee, Missouri

About me: I grew up in the charming town of Chaffee, MO, and my journey took me from Southeast Missouri State University for undergrad to the University of Missouri School of Medicine. When I'm not working, I love to hit the slopes for some snow skiing, dive into the deep blue while scuba diving, or shoot some hoops on the basketball court. I'm an avid reader and enjoy getting lost in a good book, and you can often find me exploring new trails while hiking or discovering new places when traveling. Most importantly, I cherish every moment spent playing with my daughter, who brings endless joy to my life.

Hobbies: Snow skiing, scuba diving, basketball, reading, hiking, traveling, and playing with my daughter.

Drew Tingey, DO

Hometown · Idaho Falls, Idaho

About me: Born and raised in Idaho, then went to undergrad at BYU in Utah where I was a sprinter/jumper on the track team. I met my fantastic wife there and started to coach high school track while trying to figure out my life. I then decided to go back to my motherland, Idaho, for med school. We have since had a wild, but awesome daughter. As a family, we came to Gainesville for the second look and decided we loved the program and area and wanted to trade in the mountains and potatoes for endless springs and modern dinosaurs. And we love it here.

Hobbies: Freediving caves and shipwrecks, eating Fruity Pebbles, grass volleyball, exploring abandoned places, drums and music composition, spearfishing, building snow caves, polar plunging, cliff jumping, and occasionally going to Petco to see if they will let me hold the ferrets.

Nina Yalesina, MD

Hometown · Belarus

About me: I’m originally from Belarus, where I graduated from medical school and began working as an OB/GYN in 2013. After meeting my husband, I moved to the United States and decided to change my specialty to Emergency Medicine. I was drawn to EM because it combines a broad range of medical knowledge, hands-on procedures, and the opportunity to make a difference in critical situations. I’m married and have a young son and two German Shepherds who keep life busy and fun. Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family — whether we’re exploring new places, playing outside, or just enjoying time together.

Hobbies: Staying active and spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, rock climbing, going to the gym, traveling, trying new cuisines, and reading adventure and mystery books.

CURRENT RESIDENTS

Class of 2028

Melody Beltran, DO

Hometown · Chicago, Illinois

About me: Hi, I'm Melody, a Filipino-American from the Chicagoland suburbs. I couples matched into this program with my fiancé, who is in Psychiatry. We have a pet chinchilla who has traveled state-to-state with us. I love warm weather and delicious food, so I can't wait to explore Gainesville!

Hobbies: Hawaiian hula dancing, eating, cooking, traveling, and crocheting.

Shawn Dixon, DO

Hometown · Huntsville, Alabama

About me: Born in Pennsylvania, grew up in West Virginia, went to college in Alabama, medical school in Tennessee, and now residency in Florida — I don't really know where I am going to settle! I am looking forward to the nice weather all year round, and on my off days you will probably find me competing in some sort of sports league or in the gym. Emergency Medicine has been a passion of mine for a long time with its fast-paced environment. I cannot wait to serve the Gainesville community and learn all that I can!

Hobbies: Weightlifting, Spikeball, volleyball, baseball, and video games.

Brooke Doran, DO

Hometown · West Palm Beach, Florida

About me: I grew up in South Florida, went to USF for undergrad, and completed medical school in Kentucky. I loved the mountains, but I'm super excited to be back in the Sunshine State and to have as many pool and beach days as I can. I'm even more excited about starting residency and beginning this next chapter of training.

Hobbies: Snorkeling, crocheting, hanging out with my cats, watching reality TV, and café/coffee-shop hopping.

Saqlain Khan, MD

Hometown · Bengaluru, India

About me: Growing up in a lively household of fifteen in India, I learned early how to find order in chaos — a skill that naturally led me to a career in Emergency Medicine. The experience of shadowing an EM physician during the pandemic deeply inspired me and confirmed my passion for the specialty. I am dedicated to making meaningful differences, one encounter at a time, and I believe even the smallest positive actions can ripple outward to improve people’s lives.

Hobbies: Cooking Indian food, cycling, soccer, and playing cricket.

Gunner McIlvaine, DO

Hometown · Palm City, Florida

About me: I grew up in Palm City, Florida and lived in Gainesville for undergrad. I am excited to be back! I grew up playing football until I graduated high school. I am a big sports fan, especially the Gators and Dolphins. I enjoy cooking a great steak and dialing in a smooth espresso shot.

Hobbies: Working out, cooking and grilling, guitar, trying new restaurants with my wife, and watching football.

Thomas Messer, DO

Hometown · Pompano Beach, Florida

About me: I’m a lifetime Floridian, born and raised in South Florida. After high school I went to UCF for undergrad where I met my beautiful soon-to-be wife Brianna, and we have since grown into a family of four, two of them being kitties. I love spending time outdoors, exploring the local restaurant and bar scene, and hanging out with friends.

Hobbies: Volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis/pickleball, disc golf, golf, scuba diving, snowboarding, the outdoors, sports, and traveling.

Krishna Ruthra, MD

Hometown · Toronto, Canada

About me: I was born and raised in Toronto, where I mastered the art of shoveling snow and being patient in traffic. I loved it so much, I stuck around for undergrad at the University of Toronto before heading off to medical school. Outside of medicine, you’ll find me trying new food, listening to music, obsessing over cars I can’t afford, and passionately yelling at the TV while watching sports — even when my team is losing, which is most of the time.

Hobbies: Food, cooking, playing and watching sports, music, adventures, movies, and cars.

Rachel Weber, MD

Hometown · Dallas, Texas

About me: I was born and raised in Texas, where I stayed for undergrad and medical school. In my free time, you can find me at the park with my dog, exploring the city’s new restaurants and breweries, or binge-watching the latest reality TV shows. I’m looking forward to hanging with my new co-residents and having the opportunity to explore Florida!

Hobbies: Working out, video games, reality TV, concerts, and anything outdoors.

CURRENT RESIDENTS

Class of 2029

Aileen Baird, MD

Hometown · Orlando, Florida

About me: I was born in Queens, New York, and later moved to Orlando, Florida, where I've been ever since. I earned my undergraduate degree in anthropology at UCF before spending my gap years working weekends as an ER scribe and weekdays teaching algebra at a local middle school. Together, these experiences inspired me to potentially pursue a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine after residency.

Hobbies: Thrifting, weightlifting, traveling, going to rock concerts, playing cozy games, and being a “professional” aunt to my nephews and niece.

Samuel Chadwick, DO

Hometown · North Logan, Utah

About me: I was born and raised in Utah. I attended Utah State University where I met my wife. We have a little girl who currently rules our world. I love good food and getting outside whenever possible.

Hobbies: Skiing, basketball, soccer, golfing, reading, movies, and watching football.

Christian-Michael Gopichand, MD

Hometown · Ocala, Florida

About me: I've known I wanted to be a physician since middle school. Coming from a medically underserved area, my desire to be a leader in my community, along with some personal experiences, fueled that goal. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad, then worked as a middle school science teacher for a few years before attending medical school at Meharry Medical College. Now I'm back in Gainesville, close to my family, for my Emergency Medicine training.

Hobbies: Going to amusement parks with my daughter, watching anime, going to the gym, and watching random educational YouTube videos about topics I’ll probably never use.

James Guerra, MD

Hometown · San Antonio, Texas

About me: I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and then went to Baltimore, Maryland for college, where I decided to pursue medicine. I went back to San Antonio for medical school and am now lucky enough to be doing my residency here in Gainesville! I have a great passion for sports and exercise, whether it is working out, playing basketball, or watching my favorite sports teams like the San Antonio Spurs. I also enjoy anything to do with nature. I took trips to nearby lakes to swim and float the rivers of Texas when I was back in San Antonio and look forward to exploring all the great outdoor activities that Florida has to offer! I also love live music and concerts, nightlife, and spending time with my family and friends.

Hobbies: Working out, basketball, sports, nature, swimming, hiking, live music, concerts, festivals, nightlife, and time with family and friends.

Mashaal Khan, MD

Hometown · Orlando, Florida

About me: I grew up in Florida and went to UCF for undergrad before heading to medical school. I am excited to be back in Florida for residency and couples matched with my husband. Outside the hospital, I am a big foodie and love cooking, trying new restaurants, and experimenting with different recipes. I also love traveling and exploring new places. I am usually at the gym, working on a sewing project, or looking for something fun to do with my husband. I chose EM because I love the variety of pathologies, the fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to help patients during some of the most important moments of their lives.

Hobbies: Cooking, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and sewing.

Ethan Lazare, MD

Hometown · Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada

About me: I’m Kanienkehaka (Mohawk), and lived on a Native reserve just south of Montreal for most of my life. I completed clinical rotations in Miami and didn’t expect to go into EM, but after my second shift, my choice was made. I like variety and can’t stand not being busy, so it was a perfect fit.

Hobbies: Jiu-jitsu, surfing, snowboarding, skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, ping pong, and video games.

David Mahan, MD

Hometown · Fort Myers, Florida

About me: I was born and raised in Fort Myers and moved to Gainesville, where I did both undergrad and medical school. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Gainesville, hanging with my dog Pongo, and spending time in the sun fishing and hitting the beach.

Hobbies: Playing and watching sports (basketball, baseball, and football), reading, video games, fishing, and hiking.

Tyler Price, MD

Hometown · Binghamton, New York

About me: I grew up in Upstate New York and went to undergrad at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. During my time there, I spent a semester abroad on the Gold Coast in Australia, which was amazing. After undergrad, I worked part time and was able to travel to 14 countries before heading to medical school in Antigua. The first two years I lived on the island, then spent the last two years living in Miami. I enjoy most outdoor activities, as I’m pretty terrible at sitting in my house. Looking forward to exploring the food and drinks around Gainesville!

Hobbies: Travel, golf, tennis, swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, kite surfing, skiing, and snowboarding.