Meet Our Residents

Nakeia Davis, DO

PGY-3

I was born and raised in Teaberry, Kentucky and went to undergrad at Morehead State University, where I met my husband. We both attended medical school in Lynchburg, Virginia before couples matching at ETSU in pediatrics and family medicine. As someone who grew up in Appalachia, ETSU tugged at my heart strings by affording me the opportunity to become a physician for children like myself. In my free time, I like to bake bread, curl up with a good book, or go for a hike!  

Undergraduate: Morehead State University
Medical School: Liberty University

Taylor Lapinski, MD

PGY-3

Hey everyone! I'm originally from Cleveland OH, but I've lived in East Tennessee for over 10 years now and I could not be happier to stay in beautiful Appalachia. I love the outdoors, and most days you can find me at the dog park with my 3 pups. When I'm not in Johnson City, I'm off adventuring to different amusement parks and riding every roller coaster I can find! At home I enjoy baking, working on cross-stitch projects, and watching TV with my family.

Undergraduate:  University of Rochester - Rochester, NY
Medical School:  James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU), Johnson City, TN

Hayley Lawrence, DO

PGY-3

I was born and raised in Grayson County, VA. I received my undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and attended medical school at VCOM, in Blacksburg, VA. I am so excited to still be in the Appalachian Mountains, seeing my favorite patient population – sweet kiddos! In my free time, you’ll find me outside playing with my labradoodle puppy, Sadie.  I also enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and cheering on the Hokies!

Undergraduate:  Virginia Tech
Medical School:  Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lindsay Lewis, DO

PGY-3

I was born in Blue Ridge, VA and lived there until high school when I moved to Lynchburg, VA.  Growing up, my family had a wonderful relationship with our pediatrician and that definitely had an impact on my pursuit of a career in medicine.  I studied biology/pre-med at Liberty University, earned my master’s degree in biomedical sciences, and then attended LUCOM.  Going into medical school, I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician in a medically underserved area.  My interview at ETSU really checked all the boxes of what I was looking for in a program!  The encouraging culture and community of the residents was evident even through a virtual interview.  I am so thrilled to study at a program that has such an emphasis on community health and medically underserved populations.  In my spare time I enjoy playing with my hedgehog Luna, board game nights, spending time outdoors, painting with acrylics, and working out at OrangeTheory. I am looking forward to exploring Johnson City and I am beyond excited to work with and learn from the incredible providers of the ETSU family! 

Undergraduate:  Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Medical School:  Liberty University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Rebecca Oksnevad, DO

PGY-3

I am from Rock Hill, SC and have spent most of my life outside of the Charlotte area. My passion for pediatrics began after I was shortly hospitalized at the age of five. Because I had such a great experience, I was inspired to ensure every child enjoyed going to the doctor as much as I did. For fun, I love exploring new local cuisine with my husband, Joshua. I also enjoy bike riding and hiking with my yellow Labrador, Native. Nothing beats relaxing on the shoreline of any lake or ocean! I love ETSU, because they fully embody my passion for serving the underserved alongside team members I can truly call family!

Undergraduate: Winthrop University; Rock Hill, SC
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus

Quinn Owen, MD

PGY-3

I am originally from Maryland but spent my college years in Nashville, TN and my medical school years in Roanoke, VA. It was in Roanoke that I fell in love with the smaller community feel and the beautiful mountain landscape. ETSU immediately drew me in with the family atmosphere of the program - I felt exceptionally welcomed from the very first moments of my interview. I was also drawn to the individualized attention that a smaller program can offer and the opportunity to pursue a subspecialty after my training at ETSU. My husband Stephen is also a resident here and we love calling Johnson City home! We spend time with friends from work and church exploring all of the fun hiking, restaurants, and events that the tri-cities area has to offer. 

Undergrad: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Medical School: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA

Elisa Pirozzi, MD

PGY-3

I was raised in Clinton, New Jersey and made my way south to Virginia Tech for my undergraduate degree (Let’s Go Hokies!). My family has travelled extensively since I was young, so I packed up on an adventure to Ireland for medical school at Trinity College Dublin. Now back home with an even greater appreciation for our world’s diverse cultures, I am so excited to put down roots with the ETSU family! I’m not one to sit still for long so I have a bunch of hobbies: running, watching football and soccer, horseback riding, and starting (and sometimes finishing!) diy projects. My partner Zach and I also love exploring new mountain bike trails and cooking outlandish dishes when our schedules miraculously overlap. I can’t wait to learn along-side my awesome co-residents and for the adventures that the next three years hold!

Undergraduate:  Virginia Tech
Medical School:  Trinity College, Dublin

Joshua Starkey, MD

PGY-3

I grew up as an "Army Brat" all over the country until my dad left the service and we eventually settled down right here in Johnson City, where I lived all through high school. I completed my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, where I also was a member of the Army ROTC program. After graduating from MSU, I served as a Human Resources officer in the 130th Engineer Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. I attended Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but I always knew that I wanted to come back and settle down in Johnson City. I am so excited to be able to serve the children and families of the area that shaped me so much!

In my free time I love to spend time with my amazing wife Hannah, watch sports (especially MSU football and basketball and the Atlanta Braves), play golf, and travel!

Undergrad: Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI
Medical School:  Wake Forest School of Medicine - Winston-Salem, NC

Haley Bradshaw, MD

PGY-2

I am a Johnson City native and a ETSU-lifer at heart! I went to University School on ETSU campus, then completed my undergraduate at ETSU, and then moved across the street for medical school at Quillen College of Medicine. ETSU cannot get rid of me, and I am so excited to be staying here for residency! After growing up with a heart defect, it has always been my dream to continue into a pediatric cardiology fellowship and then eventually come back to this area to practice. In my free time, I can be found reading and making TikToks about reading! I also love all things plants and Star Wars! I am so excited to finally be taking care of the children in our community, and I can’t wait to see what residency has to offer!

Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU), Johnson City, TN

Devyn Hayes, MD

PGY-2

I am originally from Oliver Springs, Tennessee, a small town outside of Knoxville. I have spent most of my life somewhere in Tennessee. I attended Middle Tennessee State University for undergraduate, where I received a bachelor's degree in Biology. I realized I missed being so close to the mountains, so I came back to East Tennessee and attended ETSU Quillen College of Medicine for medical school. My pediatrician growing up was incredibly encouraging, and showed me that I could pursue medicine as a woman from a small town. After going through my pediatrics rotation in medical school, I knew I wanted to be just like her and all of the other wonderful pediatricians I had the opportunity to work with! I loved all of the pediatricians, residents, and staff that I worked with at ETSU, which is why it was a no-brainer to choose to stay here for residency! In my free time you can find me watching Harry Potter, going on a hike or playing board games with friends, watching the Cowboys and Titans on Sunday, or cheering on my MTSU Blue Raiders!

Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfeesboro, TN
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU), Johnson City, TN

Soumya Jena, MD

PGY-2

I originally hail from a small town in Odisha, a coastal state in eastern India. My medical journey began in Mumbai, followed by a pediatric residency in Punjab and specialized neonatal training in Toronto. The North American approach to medical training deeply impressed me, prompting me to pursue a Pediatric residency once more.
What draws me to Johnson City is its stunning natural beauty, which reminds me of home. My wife, whom I met and married in Toronto, shares my excitement about starting our family here. We both appreciate the Southern culture and are eager to immerse ourselves in it.
ETSU appeals to me not only for its excellent training program but also for its strong commitment to patient advocacy and community outreach, which aligns with my values and desire to contribute to the community. Outside of work, I am an avid traveler, enjoy cooking, playing and watching cricket, and am passionate about strength training. You’ll likely find me engaged in one of these activities during my free time.

Medical School: Grant Medical College
Pediatric Residency: Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India

Naomi Patel, MD

PGY-2

I grew up and lived in Southern New Hampshire until I moved to Gujarat, India for medical school. I was lucky enough during my childhood to travel multiple times to India and various other countries, which gave me priceless international experience and opened my eyes to the stark realities of healthcare disparities. I have a special connection to Johnson City, as I frequented this charming city during my childhood visits to family. It was during my rotations in Johnson City that I discovered my love for the vibrant community and the warmth and kindness of its people. In my downtime, I enjoy picking up new hobbies (recently, it’s been crocheting) and indulging in the latest TV shows and movies. I also love the outdoors, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with loved ones. I’m so excited to call Tennessee my home, and I can’t wait to give back to its wonderful community.

Medical School: Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, India

Katie Seale, DO

PGY-2

I was raised on a farm just east of Knoxville in New Market, Tennessee. I attended Carson-Newman University where I received degrees in biology and biochemistry. From there, I attended Lincoln-Memorial University for medical school. I have been blessed to attend undergraduate and medical school close to home in the East Tennessee area, and I am thrilled to continue my training at ETSU as a pediatric resident. In my spare time I enjoy international medical mission work, traveling, working on the family farm, and hiking.

Undergraduate: Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN

Twisha Shukla, MD

PGY-2

I did my medical school back in Gujarat, India, where my love for pediatrics really took off. When I’m not in scrubs, I’m probably hanging out with my amazing husband and our goofy dog, catching up with family, or treating myself to some shopping. I’m also obsessed with the beach—give me sand, sun, and a great sunset, and I’m in my happy place.

Medical School: C.U. Shah Medical College

Tyler Stone, DO

PGY-2

I am from Woodbury, TN, a very small town in Middle Tennessee. I attended Middle Tennessee State University where I got my degree in Biochemistry. After taking three years to work as a paramedic, I attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University. I love spending time with my family and taking my daughter to the park.

Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfeesboro, TN
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN

Dakota Thompson, DO

PGY-2

I am from Merritt Island, Florida and went to undergrad at the University of Florida. I went to medical school at VCOM – Carolinas in Spartanburg, South Carolina to be closer to my mom’s side of the family. I am a huge college football fan (Florida and Clemson), and I love to travel, read, play video games, and play various sports at a mediocre level. I am so excited to live in the mountains! I bought a snowboard two days after match day so you’ll find me on Sugar Mountain or Beech Mountain on the weekends this winter.

Undergraduate: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Carolinas), Spartanburg, SC

Michael Agostino, DO

 PGY-1

I am originally from Greenwich, Connecticut and grew up in Franklin, TN. I was raised by your traditional Italian/Irish Catholic family with my parents, older sister and four younger brothers. I went to undergrad at Tennessee Tech to study engineering and math before transitioning to medicine. SCUBA, rock climbing, skydiving, you name it I love a good adventure (next on the list is bull riding). I also like to relax with family and friends, beach time, and I never say no to a good comedy.

Undergraduate: Tennessee Tech University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University

Varshini Narmada Ramasamy Balasubramanian, MD

PGY-1

I am a small-town girl from Southern India who took a wild leap across continents to the US for my master’s degree in New York, where I met my husband—because nothing says romance like bonding over late-night pizza at 2AM! As a first-generation doctor, I jumped into pediatrics after being inspired by my amazing attending in med school. After the chaos of New York, moving to Tennessee for residency felt like an escape into nature. We absolutely love it here. I love growing my own vegetable garden, traveling, and trying to keep up with my adrenaline junkie husband in my downtime.

Masters: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Medical School: Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research, India

Sai Chunduru, MD

PGY-1

I am a proud Indian by birth and had my medical schooling at the renowned Osmania Medical College. I enjoy laughing and playing with children, so how could I not pick Pediatrics? If I am not spending time with the little ones, you can more than likely find me shopping for some retail therapy or sipping lattes at the cutest coffee shops in town.
I also love lifting weights, experimenting with new recipes, and hanging out with friends and family—the list goes on, ha! The people at ETSU Peds are amazing, and I am so excited for this new journey in Johnson City!

Undergraduate: Sri Chaitanya Junior College, India
Medical School: Osmania Medical College, India

Kayla Heineken, MD

PGY-1

I grew up in a small town south of Knoxville called Greenback, which only had about 1,200 residents. I have always loved the charm and togetherness of living in a rural community, and I look forward to practicing in one in the future! I have had the pleasure of being at ETSU for both my undergraduate degree in Child Psychology and my MD/MPH degree at Quillen. I absolutely love the family-feel of ETSU and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. I have two cats (and way too many houseplants…) at home and you can usually find me reading or at the closest antique shop. I’m looking forward to a wonderful 3 years and am so lucky to be here in JC!

Undergraduate: East Tennessee State University
Medical School: James H. Quillen College of Medicine (ETSU)

Blake Hill, DO

PGY-1

I am from Pelahatchie, Missippi, a very small town in central Mississippi. I went to undergrad and medical school in Mississippi, but I am very excited about living in the mountains of Tennessee. I am married with three children and a dog, and we have already started exploring the beautiful hiking trails and parks nearby. I enjoy playing basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball.

Undergraduate: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Medical School: William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS

John Ragsdale, DO

PGY-1

I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I also attended the University of Tennessee for undergrad. Before making my way to Johnson City for residency, I attended LMU-DCOM in Harrogate, Tennessee, for medical school. When I am not in the hospital, I love to spend time with my wife and son. When I am in the hospital, feel free to ask me about Legos, scary movies, Survivor, or mountaineering.

Undergraduate: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Medical School: LMU Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN

Alisa Vasileva, MD

PGY-1

Joseph Wilson, MD

PGY-1

I am from Thomasville, North Carolina, and I did my medical school in Des Moines, Iowa. I love to play video and board games and other nerdy activities. The mountains are my home, and you can find me enjoying the lovely weather at all times of the year. Fall is my favorite time of year because I love football, and Halloween is my birthday.

Undergraduate: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Medical School: Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA