Our Resident Ambassadors

chavez@musc.edu
Anesthesiology

Cardiology Fellowship: MUSC, Co-Chief
Residency: Maryland
Medical School: SUNY Downstate

Category: Medical Student, 1st Place
Mentors: John Kaczmar, M.D. and Terry Day, M.D.
Title: Safety of novel targeted therapies and immunotherapy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer: a meta-analysis

"Department of Medicine Research Day provided me a platform to be able to talk about my research, as well as learning from others. I think these events are very important to medical trainees to build confidence in their scientific practice, and allows them to be engaged in clinical research earlier in their careers. My research focused on assessing the safety of novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. Multimodal regimens are common in this population, but this disease disproportionately impacts elderly patients. Therefore, we thought it was important to perform a comparative meta-analysis of phase II and III randomized-controlled trials in order to understand how novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination administration of these agents with standard of care therapies impacted rates of adverse events."- Andraia

Class of 2025

tobins@musc.edu
Emergency Medicine

Dr. Deas was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He studied biology and philosophy at Francis Marion University before he completed medical school at MUSC. Dr. Deas plans to pursue a career in academic hospital medicine after his year as chief resident. He is passionate about medical education and his clinical interests include antibiotic stewardship, COPD and heart failure exacerbations, and transitions of care. His capstone project will focus on reducing admission rates for patients with obstructive lung disease and chronic respiratory failure. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Siddetra, and his son, Mason.

kingjef@musc.edu
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

littleam@musc.edu
Neurology

PGY Year: 6
Undergraduate: Williams College
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Clinical Interest: Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, connectomics, addiction and brain circuitry, machine brain interface
Why you chose MUSC: Seven years is not short, and the people were a big draw. Attendings have a wide range of clinical and research interests, while being approachable, available and down to earth. Residents have a team mentality and typically foster a supportive/receptive environment. Oh, and Charleston! 
Special Interest or what you enjoy doing outside of the hospital: Spending time with family and friends, soaking every moment up in my spare time. Golf, sporting clays, diving, lifting, kayaking, alpine skiing, travelling and trying to take advantage of the activities and experiences Charleston and the Low Country have to offer. 

Stephanie Alu, M.D. grew up in Johnson City, TN. She went to medical school at East Tennessee State University and was drawn to MUSC by the training of high volume, high acuity patients. When she graduates, she may pursue a career in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In her free time, she loves to read, go out for Sunday brunch, local shows and game nights.

Olivia Obot, M.D. grew up in Hammond, LA. She went to medical school at Louisiana State University and was drawn to MUSC by the faculty and fellow residents. When she graduates, she plans to specialize in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking and reading.

Hometown: Kingsport, TN
Undergraduate University: University of South Carolina Honors College
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship Plan: Undecided
What is your favorite restaurant in Charleston: Avondale Wine and Cheese
Favorite thing about your MUSC residency experience: While I love the surgical procedures, outcomes, and opportunities for innovation and research, the thing I enjoy the most is the camaraderie. The culture and community within the department made me want to stay here at MUSC.

klooster@musc.edu
Otolaryngology

hortonst@musc.edu
Otolaryngology

ordiah@musc.edu
Pathology

middlefa@musc.edu
Pediatric Cardiology

Medical School: University of Illinois
Undergraduate: Illinois Wesleyan University
Why MUSC: I will never forget the feeling of being cared for during my interview day with MUSC. The program leadership at MUSC is like no other. Many people describe a "gut" feeling and I definitely had that! This feeling has been reassured day in and day out at MUSC. MUSC checked all the boxes and more for me including a free-standing children's hospital, a Global health track, commitment to health advocacy, a balanced schedule and a superb residency culture. Not to mention that Charleston is a GREAT place to live. I can't get over the fact that the ocean is a 15-minute drive away!

General Surgery Residency

Next Step: MUSC Plastic Surgery Independent Program

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Hobbies: Baking, making handmade earrings and crafts, crocheting, traveling

scotter@musc.edu
Radiology - IR

dealmi@musc.edu
Surgery

PGY-3
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Washington University
Hobbies: tennis, traveling, hiking/trails, calligraphy, writing, trying new food/drinks/experiences

PGY-1
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Florida, Gainesville
Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, fashion, listening to podcasts.