First Year

Bailey Allen, M.D.
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Why MUSC: During the interview process, I was looking for a medium sized program that saw patients with a wide range of pathologies, and where I felt like I would be able to have a good relationship with my co-residents and attendings. From the beginning MUSC just felt right, and everyone I talked to on interview day was amazing. The views from the hospital and being close to the beach are also definitely a plus.

Bailey Arters
Medical School: University of Washington
Undergraduate: Washington State University
Why MUSC: I ranked MUSC number 1 for many reasons. First of all, I really liked the size of the program. I wanted the opportunity to get to know my co-residents and faculty and have a close-knit, family-feel but also have adequate coverage. I also loved the Charleston area, even though I had never visited in person! I heard nothing but wonderful things and I loved the thought of being so close to the beach! My husband and I have already been 5 times and it has only been a month since we moved here! Additionally, I felt like the residents did a lot of fun activities together and were creating true friendships. I think what sealed the deal for me though was Dr. Dave Mills, the Program Director. On my interview day, he made introductions fun and interactive and not awkward at all! He was extremely enthusiastic and energetic, but also genuine. He memorized several interesting facts from our application and basically introduced each applicant on interview day. I was very impressed by this unique quality; it showed how much he cared about each of us as individuals and that he actually read our applications! The entire interview day was very engaging and kept my focus, despite being on Zoom.  It was one of the few programs that provided pretty much everything I needed to know during the presentations. I am only 1 block into residency, but I can already tell I made an excellent choice, and I am looking forward to working with this amazing group of people and living in this super fun city for the next 3 years!

Jamie Barnett
Medical School: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Undergraduate: Wofford College
Why MUSC: From my virtual interview, I have consistently felt like part of the family.  I was looking for a program where I would get a firm foundation as a general pediatrician while feeling 100% supported and I am SO excited to have found that at MUSC and within the primary care tract. PS-living in Charleston is icing on the already amazing cake! 

Matt Dominguez
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Undergraduate: College of Charleston
Why MUSC: Choosing MUSC for my pediatric residency was an easy decision. Having attended medical school here, I was already impressed by the program's positive atmosphere and commitment to medical education. The excellent teaching, combined with the spectacular views from the hospital, create the perfect environment to learn and grow as a physician. I've lived in Charleston for nearly a decade now and I still haven't run out of new places to explore. I couldn't imagine a better place to do my residency.

Anna Gallagher
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Florida 
Why MUSC: Why you chose MUSC for your residency program: After completing a sub-internship rotation at one of MUSC's pediatric clinics, I knew this was the program that would provide the most diverse and stimulating experience for me. Not only is Shawn Jenkin's Children's the only stand-alone children's hospital in the state but it is also a nationally ranked hospital for multiple pediatric subspecialties, something that was important to me when choosing where I wanted to train. On match day I was ecstatic to find out that I couples-matched with my boyfriend and we would be continuing our training in Charleston. Everyone has been so supportive, and it is clear the faculty is invested in their residents. Aside from being at my top program, the charm of Charleston is unmatched, and we already feel as though it is our home.

Haley Healy 
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University
Undergraduate: Temple University
Why MUSC: MUSC has been such a great fit for me and I'm so glad I came here. I was initially drawn to the primary care track and the focus on advocacy, and being here for just a few months, I have already received so much education around topics I am passionate about. I was also drawn to the resident continuity clinic, serving a diverse patient population while allowing us to have our own patient panel. Even on my interview day, I felt like everyone loved MUSC and that the residents enjoyed working here and had created a great community within the program. Also, MUSC was incredibly supportive during the couple's match, and my husband and I are so grateful to have matched here together!

Jesper Jiang
Medical School:Texas A&M
Undergraduate: Hardin-Simmons University  (Abilene, TX)
Why MUSC: To be completely honest, I actually did not know MUSC existed when I first started to think about residency and looking at programs. It actually wasn't until a brief academic setback that actually led me to think about applying more broadly that I then found MUSC. I now tell people that what I thought was the worst day of my life with the setback actually ended up being the single best thing to happen to me in med school because it led me to my dream residency program that I didn't realize was a dream residency program! (And don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't match into your number one program because you had a setback! Believe in yourself!) On interview day, even through a virtual Zoom screen, I had a gut feeling that told me there was something special about this program, and finding out about the unique primary care residency track and getting to serve the underserved and being the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center and Level 4 NICU in South Carolina all aligned with my current career and educational goals, and then as cheesy as it sounds, truly getting to meet the people that made this program so special was ultimately what helped sealed the deal. Since being here, it has only confirmed that I definitely made the right decision. I had a fear of not fitting in and not finding a place to belong, but that was quickly proven to be wrong as the people in my class were definitely "my people" from day 1 and I could not be more grateful to have gained 23 new best friends in a literal heartbeat. And it speaks volumes to have upper levels who not just care about you academically but also make it a priority to check in on your wellness. And don't even get me started on having the best program director and program coordinator around, people who truly care for you for who you are!!! I think I could go on and on about all the good things and perhaps write an entire novel haha, but I truly think this special Disney-esque like magic of MUSC is something that you just have to experience for yourself! It is an absolute joy to get to be here! I dreamt a fantastical dream and I ended up at a hospital that has unbeatable views with some of the most extraordinary people! Finally, trading the Central and West Texas deserts for Charleston beaches was just the cherry on top! Tweaking the words of the iconic Taylor Swift... "Welcome to MUSC, it's been waiting for you!"

David Kronenberger
Medical School: Indiana University
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Why MUSC: There were so many reasons I loved MUSC and many more that I’ve discovered since being here! While saying the people is cliché it truly was a large factor in the process and something that I’ve found to be so true. From the attendings and program staff to the other residents, everyone truly has your back and wants to see you grow and get to know you as a person. I have also loved the small feel of the program while being an independent children’s hospital drawing from the entire state of South Carolina. They truly have it all here which allows you to pursue whatever career path you choose without being lost in the crowd. Also Charleston is a wonderful city and the hospital views don’t hurt… 10/10 would make the choice again!

Courtney McCool
Medical School: Brody School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Wake Forest University
Why MUSC: MUSC had everything I was hoping for in a program: a prestigious education, fellowship and advocacy opportunities, a stand-alone children’s hospital, and an awesome location. Yet, it was the people who made this decision such an easy one for me. I knew that I wanted to come to MUSC as soon as I had my interview day. From start to finish, everyone was so welcoming and immediately made me feel right at home. It was obvious that Dr. Mills and our wonderful program coordinator Becky care so much about the program and the residents. It just truly felt like the right choice for me. Since moving to Charleston, I have fallen in love with the city, this program, and serving the children of South Carolina. I am so thankful that I ended up at MUSC. 

Molly Mead
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Undergraduate:  College of Charleston Honors Collège
Why MUSC: As a medical student, I loved being part of the MUSC community. During my pediatric rotations, I saw how the residents genuinely cared for each other and their patients... from the little notes of appreciation to the home baked treats. In addition, residents and faculty always went above and beyond so that each member of the team felt supported. This continues to be the case now that I have started residency training. Not only are the people so special, but the program also offers an abundance of opportunity for career exploration and fellowship options post-residency. I have already learned a tremendous amount from the fellows I've worked with, and I’ve had opportunities to perform procedures such as intubation and lumbar punctures. It's also a huge bonus to live in a place so beautiful! Working in the stand-alone children's hospital (built in 2020), we get to enjoy some of the best views in Charleston. On the seventh and eight floors, there are outdoor spaces perfect for a break and some fresh air. The local wildlife is a marvel, and I consider myself lucky every day!!

Rachael Mfon
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Why MUSC: Moving down South was not something I originally had on my 2024 Bingo card but that quickly changed. Throughout the interview trail, I searched for a program full of caring residents and faculty who would make wherever I moved to feel like home and I found it here at MUSC. I could tell Dr. Mills truly cared for each resident in the program as well as each applicant on the call. Not only was my interview day fun, but it was full of support and genuine excitement for what was to come. I did not doubt that my future co-residents and faculty would push me to be a well-rounded physician. The MUSC Peds family is nothing short of excellent!

Jack Mobley
Medical School: University of South Carolina - Greenville
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Why MUSC: Training here allowed me to stay in my home state at a premier children's hospital surrounded by an amazing group of co-residents and faculty! Plus the views aren't so bad!

Krystal Nolan 
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Undergraduate: Catholic University of America
Why MUSC: I originally moved to Charleston in 2010 for the graduate program at MUSC. When I returned for medical school in 2021, I was thrilled about the option to stay for residency here in pediatrics. Charleston has so much to offer in terms of activities and opportunities for my family and me. The program is just right size with multiple subspecialties offering ample clinical encounters for learning. The support from the program directors, mentors, and coaches has been outstanding.

Michele Nsianya 
Medical School: Eastern Virginia
Undergraduate: UNC Chapel Hill
Why MUSC: I chose MUSC, mainly because of the people. Everyone was so genuinely kind to me at the interview and socials. Dr. Mills made me feel so welcome and I knew I would be in good hands if I chose MUSC.  Dr. Gilbert was so kind in welcoming me to MUSC and answering any questions about living in Charleston. I definitely am so grateful to be here and my co-residents are an amazing group of people. 

Caroline O'Leary
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame
Why MUSC: As a medical student at MUSC, I had the opportunity to work closely with and learn from many pediatric residents and faculty during my clinical years. I was impressed by supportive faculty who went out of their way to serve as mentors and customize resident training to meet future career goals. I witnessed how collaborative and supportive the residents were with one another even on the most difficult days, and I knew these were my people and there was no other place I'd rather train. I also love MUSC's medium size and warm family feel. Not to mention life in Charleston cannot be beat!

Kady Palmer
Medical School: Drexel University
Undergraduate: Eckerd College
Why MUSC: The virtual interview process for residency was challenging! It was especially difficult to get an accurate “feel” for the program and its values online. That said, I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the entirety of my MUSC interview day. The genuine excitement and supportive nature of the team members, faculty, and residents I interacted with was contagious. As someone who had never stepped foot on the MUSC campus prior to residency, I can honestly say that all these feelings have only continued during my time here! The program itself also checked off all my boxes, with a medium-sized class and many avenues to explore my interests in advocacy, community outreach, and subspecialty training. Beyond that, Charleston is an amazing place to live and work. I have been so happy spending my free time outdoors – swimming, looking for shark teeth, and taking walks in the many county parks. MUSC is the right fit for me, and I am so excited to spend the next 3 years here! 

Maddie Shutler
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Undergraduate: Capital University
Why MUSC: There were a lot of things that factored into my decision to choose MUSC, but the most important one to me was that I knew MUSC would feel like my home away from home. I've met amazing friends and mentors since starting residency! From the start of my interview day, I could feel what a supportive environment MUSC was. I also loved hearing about how individualized the curriculum can be to fit career goals and interests! MUSC is a unique blend of a strong academic program with faculty that prioritize your personal growth and wellness, and co-residents that feel like family. Of course I can't leave out what a beautiful city Charleston is, and the fact that the beach is a short drive away!

Savanna Stoy
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Undergraduate: Oklahoma State University
Why MUSC: Following my interview day, I was drawn to the outstanding opportunities for medical education, commitment to clinical coaching, and culture of community and collegiality, which became apparent during my interactions with faculty, staff, and current residents. I loved that MUSC participated in initiatives prioritizing patients' holistic well-being, including food distribution in clinic and different areas of the hospital. Every interaction with the people here solidified that I would be surrounded by an encouraging learning environment that would shape me into a great pediatrician!

Alex Tompkins
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh
Why MUSC: I started following the MUSC residency pages on social media during my first year of medical school. It always seemed like the residents were having a great time together, even when they were working long hours or sleeping over in the hospital during a hurricane! When I had my interview I got the same feeling from the residents and faculty that I met. It was obvious that everyone has a lot of fun together and really cared about each other.  It seemed like a place where everyone would do what they could to help you reach your goals. I also appreciated that they didn't try to downplay or minimize how hard residency would be, they were honest about the work but didn't seem burnt out by it. The location and the views from the hospital don't hurt either!

Lauren Wilder
Medical School: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Why MUSC: MUSC was at the top of my list during interview season for so many reasons! I was initially drawn to the location as I wanted to stay close to family in the southeast, and Charleston is a gorgeous city with endless things to do outside of work. On my interview day, I was absolutely sold! The program’s commitment to providing a strong general pediatrics foundation, emphasis on advocacy and medical education in the curriculum, and camaraderie between residents and faculty aligned perfectly with what I was looking for in residency. Dr. Mills' enthusiasm was contagious and was it was clear that every individual resident was valued. There is a huge emphasis on mentorship, and I have felt very well supported during my first month. The new stand-alone children's hospital with a 7th floor view overlooking the water isn’t too bad either!