Internal Medicine Residency Program graduates eighth class

On Friday, June 13, the eighth class of the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership Internal Medicine Residency Program in partnership with St. Mary’s Health Care System celebrated their graduation with friends and family. The night began with a dinner buffet and opening remarks from Medical Partnership campus dean, Dr. Shelley Nuss.

“You have what it takes to be outstanding physicians,” said Nuss. “Keep the humanism in the practice of medicine every day. That’s what brings you joy, and that’s the connection to the patients. That is what keeps you grounded and resilient.”

Nuss was followed by Stonish Pierce, St. Mary’s Health Care System’s president and CEO.

“I want to leave you with three takeaways,” said Pierce. “Remember why you became a physician, be you, and give back.”

All 11 graduates from the Class of 2025 are staying in the Southeast, with eight remaining in Georgia. Drs. Ummar Jamal and Vinod Jeyaretnam will be remaining at St. Mary’s as the chief residents for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The Class of 2025

Abdullah Baosman, DO – Hospitalist, Columbia, SC

Chesley Carter, MD – Traditionalist, Jesup, GA

Eric Florestan, MD – Hospitalist, Carrollton, GA

Alejandra Garcia, MD – PCP, Greensboro, GA

Nathan Haverstick, DO – ID Fellowship, University of South Florida

Ummar Jamal, DO – Chief Resident

Vinod Jeyaretnam, DO – Chief Resident

Sarah Rohrig, MD – Hospitalist, Athens, GA

Keith Walters, MD – PCP, Lawrenceville, GA

Stephanie Watson, DO – PCP, Conyers, GA

Tariq Zakaria, DO – Hospitalist, Charlotte, NC

Winners from the End of the Year Awards Ceremony

The following awards were determined by voting from colleagues and peers.

Cardiology Attending of the Year: J. Lauren Dowling, DO

Subspecialty Attending of the Year: Padmanaidu Karnam, MD

Hospitalist of the Year: Robert Meyer, MD

Intensivist of the Year: Nick Fox, MD

Faculty of the Year: Andy Albritton, MD

Rotation of the Year: Cardiology

Intern of the Year: Sheena Reddy, DO & Stephane Rivard, DO

Resident of the Year: Sarah Rohrig, MD

Senior Resident of the Year: Chelsey Carter, MD

Outstanding Professionalism & Ethics: Chelsey Carter, MD

“Hart of Residency” Award: Chelsey Carter, MD

Dr. Wayne Middendorf ICU Award presented by Athens Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine: Sarah Rohrig, MD