First Year

Hannah Allison, M.D.
Medical School: MUSC
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Why MUSC: After attending MUSC for medical school, I knew this would be an amazing place to do residency. The faculty have a passion for education and were such great teachers during my clinical rotations, and they were willing to be mentors and help support residents every step of the way to reach their career goals. The residency program has a warm, family feel that was evident even during my time as a student, and the residents enjoy spending time together outside of work. Everyone is always so supportive of one another and truly cares for each other. I knew I wanted to go to a program that offered broad exposure to many pathologies, opportunities to explore different subspecialties, and had a stand-alone children’s hospital, and MUSC checked all of those boxes and more! I am so thankful to be doing residency here!

Elizabeth Ashley, M.D.
Medical School: University of Kentucky
Undergraduate: University of Kentucky
Why MUSC: I was definitely overwhelmed with choosing the "right" residency program before interviews started, but I knew I wanted a medium-sized program that shared my values: a strong, supportive community among residents and faculty, a genuine passion for community outreach and advocacy, and a commitment to providing outstanding resident education and patient care in both general pediatrics and any subspecialty I might want to pursue - all without compromising resident wellness. MUSC checked every one of those boxes, and I could tell they truly lived those values from the moment I logged on to my interview! Everyone I talked to expressed genuine enthusiasm for the program and showed a true interest in my passions, as well as how MUSC could help me develop them. Even though we had just met, they cared about who I wanted to be as both a physician and a person. With only one visit to MUSC before moving, I still felt that same warm welcome on my first day of residency and was confident I had made the right choice! Plus, living near the beach and enjoying all Charleston has to offer has been an amazing bonus!

Alexis Colley, M.D.
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus
Undergraduate: University of North Georgia
Why MUSC: When trying to decide where I wanted to be for residency, two qualities were very important to me. I wanted to be a part of a program that is always willing to have the self-reflection to adapt and one that offered a multitude of opportunities that would help me become the best pediatrician that I could be. Very quickly MUSC stood apart from other programs because of the level of communication during the interview process and the overall enthusiasm from all those I was able to meet about pediatrics and beyond. And of course, Charleston is such a beautiful town that is always ready to offer a new adventure! 

Annie Cribb, M.D.
Medical School: MUSC
Undergraduate: Rhodes College
Why MUSC: By the time I got to application season for pediatrics residency, I had gotten to know MUSC really well. First as a child life volunteer throughout my high school years, later as a clinical research coordinator when I finished undergrad, and finally as a medical student! Based on my experiences with the MUSC pediatrics program, the decision to stay at MUSC for residency was a no brainer. I was looking for a mid-sized program with broad access to sub-specialty care that would prepare me to provide evidence-based care for patients along the full spectrum of acuity. I also wanted a residency with strong, structured programming relating to advocacy and medical education. In addition to checking each of those boxes, MUSC provided a tight-knit community of people that I just loved. I knew I would leave this residency with lifelong friends and too many mentors to count! Charleston's fabulous food scene and immediate access to the ocean are just icing on the cake, and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this program!

Anne Crosswell, M.D.
Medical School: MUSC
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Why MUSC: Choosing MUSC was the obvious choice for me. As a medical student at MUSC, I had a taste of the wonderful culture of the pediatric residency program.  Now as a resident, I get to experience the family-feel of the program every day! Being a medium-sized program, my intern class is already close and the attendings get to know you very well. Starting intern year in July, I felt very supported by the program leadership, my attendings, and my upper-level residents. I feel confident that I will be supported and prepared for whatever career path I choose after residency. Having lived in Charleston for over 4 years now, I can say that the location doesn't get better than this! I love walking around downtown, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops. I am thrilled that I get to stay here for the next 3 years! 

Jacob Dohmeier, M.D.
Medical School: University of Tennessee
Undergraduate: Lee University 
Why MUSC: MUSC offered everything I was looking for in a residency program! The size of the program means you can truly get to know everyone, while the setting in a standalone children’s hospital provides all the benefits and resources of a major pediatric center. As someone who came into residency open to many career paths, I valued a program that provided diverse experiences in both outpatient and inpatient pediatrics—and MUSC does exactly that. During my interview day, every conversation with faculty, leadership, and residents reinforced the culture here: supportive, collaborative, and deeply committed to helping children and their families live healthier lives. And, as everyone will tell you, the proximity to the beach and the stunning views are a huge plus! My wife and I have loved our time in Charleston so far, and we’re excited to keep exploring this beautiful city.

Erin Gruber, M.D. 
Medical School: Medical University of Wisconsin
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Why MUSC: During my virtual interview process, I repeatedly felt relieved when I completed and checked off program interviews on my calendar. However, after my interview with MUSC, I felt this overwhelming sense of home, excitement, and wanting more. I chose MUSC because I found myself thrilled to explore a new city and study pediatrics among other enthusiastic individuals. The people here at MUSC are spirited, compassionate, child-driven professionals who make residency feel like home.

Katherine Johnson, D.O.
Medical School: VCOM-Auburn
Undergraduate: Samford University
Why MUSC: From the moment I started on my sub-I on inpatient wards, I knew this was a special place and an incredible group of people here at MUSC! I felt like both faculty and residents alike were truly invested in getting to know me and to see me grow during my month here. The camaraderie among the residents was undeniable, and I immediately knew this was the kind of environment I wanted to be part of! I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to match at MUSC and call Charleston my new home! Outside of work, Charleston has been such a fun place to live. I've loved exploring the beaches and trails with my husband and golden retriever, soaking in the stunning water views, and discovering that it’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal here. But at the end of the day, it’s the people who brought me to MUSC—and I’m so thankful they did! I cannot imagine a better fit for me in a program and a better place to train. I am so excited I get to call this residency, and Charleston, home for the next 3 years!!

Elaina Matthews, M.D.
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Undergraduate: Mercer University
Why MUSC: MUSC was my top choice for residency, and I’m so happy to be here! There’s so much to consider during the interview process, and MUSC truly checked all of my boxes. From the start, I was impressed by our program director, Dr. Mills. He made everyone feel welcome, even giving us a virtual fist bump. I’m especially passionate about advocacy, and MUSC’s dedicated advocacy track offers incredible opportunities to engage with the community. I also wanted a medium-sized program where I could feel seen and build close relationships—and I’ve found exactly that. Location mattered to me as well, and Charleston is absolutely beautiful. Plus, the hospital’s outdoor patios with their amazing views make the experience even better!

Baylee Polzin, M.D.
Medical School: University of Louisville
Undergraduate:  University of Kentucky
Why MUSC: WOW, I could list so many reasons why everyone should consider MUSC as their next residency home. As I went through the interview process, I was looking for a medium sized program, a collaborative and supportive education centered curriculum, and a fun place to live this next journey of life. My time so far at MUSC has surpassed anything I could have ever expected. I spend my days at the hospital laughing with co-residents, caring for a special patient population, and observing the marina from the 7th floor. I spend Fridays hitting up our weekly happy hours and days off at the beach. I have felt supported by not only my amazing co-interns, but the upper levels and attendings. And I have been in awe of the amazing faculty and peers I get to learn from on a daily basis. I am so lucky to feel so supported during such a stressful and busy part of our training! I am forever thankful to have ended up here and am excited for the rest of this journey! 

Rachael Reed, M.D.
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Undergraduate: Furman University
Why MUSC: Between the program size, caring leadership team, top-rated subspecialties, and location, MUSC could not be a more perfect program! It was evident that everyone in the program works hard to provide a positive and supportive environment for learning, which goes a long way during residency.  I immediately felt at home after meeting everyone and knew training here would set me up for success in my career!

Cayla Wakser, M.D.
Medical School: MUSC
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Why MUSC: Having graduated from MUSC and completed my clinical years here at Shawn Jenkins, wanting to stay was a no-brainer! Everyone I interacted with was kind, willing to teach, and created an incredibly supportive environment for learning. Developing mentors here is so easy because there are so many staff members to look up to! No matter who- attendings, residents, pharmacists, nurses, registered dietitians, or other ancillary staff, everyone prioritized working together to create the perfect environment for healing, and I am so grateful to now be a part of that team! It also does not hurt that Charleston is the most beautiful city to live in, the 7th floor balcony is the best place to unwind after a long day, and the snack cart is a 10/10 pick me up after a long day. 

Ting Wang, M.D.
Medical School: UAB 
Undergraduate: Creighton School of Medicine
Why MUSC: Right off the bat, I was blown away by how much time Dr. Mills spent getting to know all the applicants that interviewed. He would memorize each applicants' hobbies down to the smallest of details! I thought that if MUSC had a program director that was willing to put that much extra effort into getting to know us, even before we were residents, then MUSC had to have a positive and supportive learning environment. I can now confirm that this is the case! There are so many mentors and support systems in place that sometimes I forget who they all are! We also get assigned to different houses (named after Charleston's beaches) where we engage in different competitions, but I thought that was a cute way to promote camaraderie between residents and faculty.

Kyle White, M.D.
Medical School: MUSC 
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Why MUSC: Choosing MUSC for my pediatric residency was a natural choice after completing medical school here. I’ve been continually inspired by the supportive faculty and their dedication to resident growth and well-being. Beyond the hospital, Charleston has been a wonderful place to call home. With its welcoming community and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, it has been the perfect place for my wife and I to raise our kids. I feel grateful to continue my training in a program and city that nurtures both my professional and personal life.

Maggie Woods, M.D.
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Virginia
Why MUSC: When I was choosing where to apply for residency, I loved MUSC for so many reasons. I loved the fact that there were so many subspecialists to learn from and rotate with, that the hospital was 20 minutes from the beach, and that each residency class was large enough to allow easier coverage but small enough to feel close knit. After interview day, I loved MUSC even more because the people were so amazing. Dr. Mills cares so much about us succeeding in and out of work, and everyone seemed to like each other. Being here is even more amazing than I could have hoped!

Alexa Ytterberg, M.D.
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Undergraduate: University of Virginia
Why MUSC: I chose MUSC for residency for many reasons! I had lived in Virginia my whole life and was ready to make a big change but also wanted to be at a place where I knew I would be comfortable. I am fortunate to have many long-term friends that have moved to Charleston, so this made starting over in a new state less scary. On top of that, the people that I met throughout virtual interviews, my in-person tour, and through MUSC socials really sold me on the program. Everyone was incredibly friendly and warm and so I was confident that in coming to this program I would find my people and would be supported in various ways over the course of the three years. Additionally, I have a passion for advocacy and loved hearing and seeing all the ways that the MUSC peds program gets involved with the community and couldn’t wait to get involved!