Current Residents

Third Year              

Merritt Headden, M.D.
Medical School: MUSC
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Why MUSC: Staying at MUSC was the easiest decision! The residents and attendings are nothing but encouraging and supportive and will go far out of their way to help you achieve your goals. Between the exceptional primary care residency program and exposure to a huge variety of subspecialties, I know I will be well prepared to work as a pediatrician in the primary care setting. I've been in Charleston my whole life and it's the best place to work and live!

Emily Ireland, D.O.
Medical School: VCOM Auburn
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Why MUSC: MUSC immediately felt like home to me. Every person I met was so intentional and kind. From alumni to current residents, everyone spoke the world of their time at MUSC. I have always loved the Charleston area and knew it would be a great place to enjoy during residency. I wanted to train at a program that sees it all and has opportunities in every specialty. MUSC checked every box and more!

Cindy Lee, D.O.
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Why MUSC: I chose MUSC because it embodies the perfect balance of a strong academic program with faculty who prioritize your growth and wellness as well as fun, supportive residents who enjoy life outside of the hospital together. The Primary Care Pediatric Residency Program at MUSC supports my passion for health care advocacy and to provide exceptional primary care to the kiddos as a pediatrician in MUSC’s stand-alone children’s hospital with its stunning views overlooking the water and abundant natural light. Coming from the Midwest, I am excited to explore Charleston’s many local gems and dog-friendly beaches and to work with MUSC’s amazing team of residents and attendings!

Second Year

Emma Kunkleman, D.O.
Medical School: VCOM Carolinas
Undergraduate: Western Carolina University
Why MUSC: I was drawn to MUSC initially due to the Pediatric Primary Care program because that’s what I want to do. I was looking for a medium-sized program that would prepare me well as a general pediatrician, as well as ideally had opportunities to work with Spanish-speaking populations. MUSC seemed to be the right fit for me, and I immediately fell in love on interview day! Everyone is so kind and supportive, and it truly feels like your family. Plus, I couldn’t pass up being able to work and train in a beautiful city close to the beach!

Zachary Mayo, M.D.
Medical School: VCOM SOM
Undergraduate: UNC - Chapel Hill
Why MUSC: MUSC first caught my eye when I heard about its unique primary care curriculum combining the exposure of a stand-alone children’s hospital with a focused outpatient experience. However, it was on interview day when I knew this was my place and my people. I was taken back by everyone’s excitement for their program and city as well as the genuine interest of the faculty in us not just as applicants but as people. I knew that this close-knit, easy-going, and supportive community would prepare me to be the best pediatrician possible. And hey, being close to the beach is a sweet bonus! 

Vanessa Navas, M.D.
Medical School: University of Central Florida
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Why MUSC: As someone interested in pursuing general pediatrics, I was blown away by the opportunities available to me through MUSC's robust primary care track. Interview Day further sealed the deal as I got to know several residents and faculty members that made me instantly feel welcomed! Their passion for building a learning environment that values teamwork, wellness, and mentorship was evident and genuine. The transition to residency can be tricky, and I am so happy to be a part of a program that is eager to support me every step of the way! Of course, the beautiful year-round weather and beaches of Charleston are also a lovely bonus!

First Year

Jamie Barnett, M.D.
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! 

Haley Healy, M.D.
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 wide-ranging 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, M.D.
Medical School: Texas A&M
Undergraduate: Hardin-Simmons University
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!"