Group photo of residents holding sign and cookies for Thank a Resident and Fellow Day

The CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine's Graduate Medical Education department is proud to celebrate its 250+ residents and fellows on Friday, Feb. 27, in recognition of Thank a Resident and Fellow Day.

The department offered trainees an array of treats, including coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and more, as faculty and staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

Program directors from 17 academic departments also shared messages to highlight the tremendous value residents and fellows bring to Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center. Read each of the messages below.


 

Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry

Photo of Dr. Nazha

“I am incredibly proud of our Med/Psych residents. They are not just physicians in training; they are the heart of this program. When I come to work, it doesn’t feel like work; it feels like being surrounded by friends and family who share a mission. Each of them brings a unique strength: clinical sharpness, compassion, resilience, creativity and together they function like the Avengers of medicine. It is a privilege to lead them and to watch them grow into the physicians they are meant to become.”

Hani Nazha, MD   Internal Medicine/Psychiatry Residency Program Director
Chantel Weisenmuller , PhD

“We are so happy to celebrate our stellar psychology residents and fellow — and all of our dedicated, hard-working residents in the department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry! Thank you all for your tireless efforts to provide best-practice, highest-quality behavioral health care for our community. You make a difference every day!”

Chantel Weisenmuller, PhD   Clinical Psychology Internship Program Director
Jillian Keener

“Thank you to Dr. Veronica O'Brien for your infectious desire to learn and your strong advocacy for your patients.”

Jillian Keener, PsyD   Adult Clinical Neuropsychology Fellowship Program Director
Jessica Luzier

“Our child psychology residents are incredibly hardworking, skilled, resilient, compassionate and dedicated to improving the mental health of children in our region. Truly, training residents is the very best part of my job!”

Jessica Luzier, PhD, ABPP, CEDS-CD   Child Clinical Psychology Specialty Track Training Director

 

 


 

Cardiology

Ahmad R. Elashery

“To my friends and colleagues: I am deeply grateful for your dedication, relentless desire to learn and the positive energy you bring every day. It truly is a two-way street — I learn just as much from all of you as you do from me. You are sincerely missed once you graduate from our fellowship.”

Ahmad Elashery, MD   Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program Director
Headshot of Elie Gharib, MD

“You are the kind of fellow that makes what we do worthwhile. You not only listen and comprehend, but also follow through on all your responsibilities with compassion and care.”

Elie Gharib, MD   Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program Director

 

 


 

Emergency Medicine

Mark Gustafson

“I am very grateful for the hard work and dedication the Emergency Medicine residents bring every day in service to our program, our patients and our community. Their commitment to excellence and to each other is what makes this residency special.”

Mark Gustafson, DO, FACEP   Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director
Smith Collin

“We would like to thank our inaugural fellow for his hard work this year and all he has accomplished. Your leadership, clinical skills, commitment and passion you bring to the prehospital environment and the department of Emergency Medicine have already made a huge impact, and we appreciate your commitment to our patients and community!”

Collin Smith, DO, FACEP   Emergency Medical Services Fellowship Program Director

 

 


 

Family Medicine

Andy R. Tanner

“The Family Medicine residents at CAMC deserve a ‘THANK YOU’ every day, not just on Thank a Resident Day. These physicians work tirelessly to provide outstanding care to our patients in a variety of settings and are excellent role models for other learners at the institution. Each of them makes me proud every day through their dedication and excellence in patient care.”

Andy R. Tanner, DO   Family Medicine Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Gastroenterology

Dr. Daglilar

“I am incredibly grateful for every one of our Gastroenterology fellows who care for West Virginians with skill, compassion and heart. Your dedication to our patients, families and Appalachian communities truly makes a difference every single day.”

Ebubekir Daglilar, MD   Gastroenterology Fellowship Program Director

 

 


 

GVMC Family Medicine

Christopher Kennedy

“It is an honor to be a part of the education and career trajectory of these resident physicians. I am so thankful for them and their tremendous commitment to the care of their patients.”

Christopher Kennedy, DO   Vandalia Health CAMC GVMC Family Medicine Residency Program Director

 

 


 

GVMC Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Pamela deWilde

“Where structure meets function, healing follows. Today we thank our ONMM residents for the expertise, compassion and hands-on excellence they bring to every patient.”

Pamela deWilde, DO   Vandalia Health CAMC GVMC ONMM Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Hematology and Medical Oncology

Amir Kamran

“Happy Fellow Day. We recognize the long hours and the emotional weight you carry. Your dedication to the fight against cancer is inspiring. Thank you for your hard work, your late hours and the thoughtful care you provide to those who need it most.”

Amir Kamran, MD   Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program Director

 

 


 

Internal Medicine

Amna Anees

“We are incredibly proud of our residents who show up every day with an unwavering commitment to patients and learning. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. It’s inspiring to watch you grow into outstanding physicians.”

Amna Anees, MD, FACP   Internal Medicine Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Neurology

Suzanne Crandall

“In a field where localization matters and patience is essential, our Neurology residents lead with heart. Thank you for your commitment to learning and caring for our patients.”

Suzanne Crandall, DO   Neurology Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Sarah J. Witsberger

“To the OB-GYN residents, thank you! Thank you for your commitment to our patients, working hard every day to care for them. Residency is challenging and exhausting, and we appreciate you showing up every day to provide great care.”

Sarah Witsberger, MD   Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Pediatrics

James Collins

“West Virginia’s children deserve the best, and our Pediatrics residents deliver it every single day. From the tiniest newborns to growing teens, they provide exceptional care right here in Charleston. They are shaping the future of children’s health in West Virginia.”

James Derek Collins, MD, FAAP   Pediatrics Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Pharmacy

Photo of Meredith Todd, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP

“Thank you to our Pharmacy residents, who show courage in learning, grace under pressure and genuine care in every patient interaction. Your impact is felt more than you know.”

Meredith Todd, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP   PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director
Photo of Michael Czupryn, PharmD, BCPS

“The work you do taking care of our patients and helping to teach our staff about medication is extremely valued. Thank you so much for all that you do!”

Michael Czupryn, PharmD, BCPS   PGY2 Internal Medicine Pharmacy Residency Program Director
Photo of Brian Hodges

“Our residents and fellows at Vandalia Health CAMC bring energy and curiosity to the health of patients in our community. Their desire to serve and learn helps make our hospitals the preferred system in the area where people receive great care.”

Brian Hodges, PharmD, BCCCP, BCNSP   PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Pulmonary and Critical Care

Headshot

“Our Critical Care Medicine fellows have done unbelievably well. They have been hardworking, dedicated and compassionate. I could not ask for a better first-year class!”

Michael Ritchie, MD   Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program Director
Kevin Smith, MD

“I’m always so grateful for all of the hard work our residents and fellows perform every day. Day or night, rain or shine, they’re always ready to help the people of our community.”

Kevin Smith, MD   Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program Director

 

 


 

Surgery

Photo of Dr. Gallimore

“Our residents are the heart of our program. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, resilience and the compassion they show our patients and each other every single day.”

Jade Gallimore, DO, MBA, FACS   General Surgery Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Urology

Headshot

“Your skill, resilience and compassion define what it means to be a great urologist. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do for our patients and our team.”

Samuel Deem, DO   Urology Residency Program Director

 

 


 

Vascular Surgery

headshot

“You are the backbone of our services. Your hard work is always appreciated.”

Shadi Abu-Halimah, MD, FACS   Vascular Surgery Residency and Fellowship Program Director